Bring on the November Nine!
JULY 14,2008 11:18pm PST
I always find the last few days of the World Series of Poker Main Event to be bittersweet. On one hand, the drama and electricity in the tournament room are at their peak, with the highest possible stakes. Lives literally change at this stage of the tournament. On the other hand, the WSOP physically unwinds itself and the tournament draws to a close. Accordingly, I am forced to say goodbye to many old friends and also so many new ones I have met over the past six weeks.
Of course, there is brand new twist this year. When we hit nine players sometime tomorrow, we're pausing the poker action until November. This is going to be new territory for everyone!
To help the November Nine get comfortable with their new and sudden place in poker history, we're taking some very important steps over the next two days.
This Tuesday afternoon we're going to hold a special VIP reception and meeting with the November Nine and members of our key WSOP staff. At this meeting, players will each receive their 9th place payouts, along with an information kit we've pulled together. This kit provides some basic facts about the Final Table format, along with key dates to remember, logistical information, and a contact sheet.
Our goal for this meeting is to celebrate their success, but -- more importantly -- to let folks know that they will not be "alone" in the coming weeks. The team at the WSOP and the Rio will be there for every member of the November Nine: to answer questions, talk through issues, and support their participation in this very special event. To that end, one person on our staff -- Angele Marshall -- has been charged with serving as a "one stop" liaison for the players and all of the key members of our team will be available to help out with any concerns and needs.
The November Nine will represent not only the WSOP, but poker players everywhere. I have the utmost confidence they will become ambassadors for our great game and let the world know -- more than ever before -- that poker is an endeavor of skill, style, integrity and good sportsmanship!
Tomorrow we will know who those ambassadors will be. Then, we're off on a great adventure together...
Stay tuned!
All the Best,
Jeffrey
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