The WSOP final table was live on ESPN2 last night, and because hurricane Sandy was more like hurricane Sally, I had power to watch it. The final table has three players remaining and the three left are the most qualified in my opinion. I mean that they have played the best throughout the final table that I watched, down to five people. The commentating was good, except for when Kevin Pollack was on, and a few awkward moments when they ran out of material. Sylvia to me seems like he has the biggest edge, but that's only because when I played with him he took a lot of similar lines that head up sit n go players take.
I still don't understand how these guys wear hoodies and jerseys at the final table. I understand they want to be comfortable when they play, and that they aren't supposed to give a F*&k because they are poker players. Personally if I were on that big of a stage I would wear a tux designed by the same people who make James Bond's clothes. I would do whatever I could to make myself look pristine because after all these people are effecting the whole poker climate. They are all online players at the biggest live final table and they are all supposed to be bridging the gap between the two universes. This kind of reminds me of young CEOs who think that dressing down in bigger situations makes them more powerful/cool. It doesn't, it weakens their brand. Sure they might still get effective results, but if they did it and looked good at the same time it would be better received.
Perhaps I am too critical of these players. But I know the culture equally or better than most. I know that the younger players think they are "hustling" and that making money without caring makes them cooler. I can see why older players especially those who don't play online, have such disdain for the young guns. Rivalries are very good for the game but a divide in core culture is very bad. It weakens the strength of the whole community which is the only way we can make online poker legal. The way we dress isn't going to instantly change the poker economy. I also know that there is no one step the United States could take to fix our massive deficit. These monstrous things can only be fixed by taking numerous small steps.
Poker players are very hard workers, but they are very selfish. If poker wants to be regarded as a great game in the public eye, we have to do great things. The easiest one of those would be dressing like you care at the final table of the main event.
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cousteer
Ha! I’ve always thought that environmental activists would be more respected and their positions heard if they presented well, rather than looking like dreadlocked feral animals from the rankin undergrowth….
amtorti
I agree with you Jeff. If you’re getting your 15 minutes of fame at least look like you belong in the spotlight.
Several years ago on a WPT event, one of the players wore a tux as he felt it may be his only time on TV
Even jeans, comfortable shirt and a sport coat would be ok.
Also, I’d get a manicure for the “hole cam”.
Advertisers are always looking for a new face. Why not leverage your time in the spotlight to get a few endorsements to earn more money to play more poker!