Online Poker

One thing I've noticed about this year's WSOP is that although the 'big names' feature prominently in all of the media pics and party news there haven't been too many featured at final tables.

Of the top 50 2005 WSOP money winners with only the main event to come, there is probably only about 15-20 players that I had heard of beforehand, and I work in the business!

Of the countless pros that represent online poker sites, only about half a dozen have made the top 50. And of them 2 have their own poker sites and I know one other is a part owner of the site he endorses.

That leaves about 3 or 4 players that have really earned their endorsement salary and figured well amongst the world's top players. Sure many others have made a few feature stories, been in a swag of pics and signed a thousand autographs, but how long will this last if they can't produce results? They may have made the money a couple of times and maybe even broke even for the whole WSOP, but if they don't make final tables, make news highlights, and turn a healthy profit as a player, then how long will their poker gravy train last?

Poker.com dosn't have a pro player as the Poker.com pro.... yet..... We've looked into it, but to be honest we thought that for the players available to us, their services were grossly overpriced compared to the guaranteed results and exposure they could offer. If / when we do enter into a relationship with a professional player to represent the site they will have to be one of THE most recognisable and successful players of all time or I just don't think it is worth it.

Maybe we'll find the best ONLINE players and get them to endorse our site as I think their opinion and endorsement could even count for more than a real life casino dwelling poker pro. (although I didn't see Bill Filmaff - pictured - in the top 50 either)

I think pro poker stars have a much tougher time delivering on their end of the bargain when it comes to providing value for their endorsement dollars. They are not like NBA or NFL stars where it is guaranteed that they will be on TV in a game or on sportscenter a couple of times a week at least. It is almost like they have to achieve the equivalent of making the NBA finals every month in order to be guaranteed some decent exposure.

Anyway, that is my thoughts on this lazy Saturday. I was just amazed that I didn't recognise more names in the money winners list.

Maybe one of the pros will win the big one this year and do his site proud! That's as long as he can get through our own Bullitpete!

Have a good weekend.

kris @ poker.com