Beef Jerky Is the New Beer?

\"\"The WSOP almost slipped one by us … back in February we reported that Milwaukee\’s Best Light had re-upped with the World Series, which was technically true … but our spin-detectors must have been low on batteries, because we totally woulda negatively re-spun the hedline to \”WSOP Loses Top-Level Sponsorship\” had we recognized that too was technically the case. Very clever, WSOP.

But now we know … the official new name of the biggest annual mass pilgrimage to the desert this side of Mecca is:

the World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

Mmm, tasty!

Click the link and come up with your own funny pokery sayings that can fit in with Jack\’s marketing message that dried beef snacks are a better alternative (from a mom\’s perspective) than chips. From our perspective, we\’re just happy to be able to provide you a link to a presenting sponsor that honors hirsuteness doesn\’t require age verification first. (Hi kids, welcome to poker!)

Anyhow, always interesting and presumably good for the game when a new player sits down. We\’ll be sure to let you know what they bring to the table. Click below for the well-crafted official details:

JACK LINK’S® BEEF JERKY TO SERVE AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER®

Las Vegas & Minong, Wisc. (May 18, 2009) – There’s a famous saying in poker: “All you need is a chip and a chair.” But with today’s news, the saying may become, “All you need is a stack and some Jack.”

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is proud to announce the addition of Jack Link’s® Beef Jerky as the new presenting sponsor of the world’s longest-running, richest and most prestigious poker tournament.

The tournament will now be known as the World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky.
“The game of poker is all about sharing good times with great friends. Jack Link’s enthusiasts and poker fans are cut from the same cloth – they are fun-seeking, adventurous spirits,” said Jeff LeFever, director of marketing, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. “The World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the most esteemed gaming event in the world, and poker’s untamed spirit truly embodies the Jack Link’s brand. Being part of this thrilling tournament is just one more way Jack Link’s is helping people to Feed Their Wild Side.”

Jack Link’s has agreed to a multi-year deal which begins at the 40th Annual World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky getting underway at the Rio® All-Suite Hotel and Casino on May 26, 2009. The WSOP sponsorship is one of the most significant event partnerships for the Jack Link’s brand.

Jack Link’s, the No. 1 brand of beef jerky and the fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide, leads the nearly $3 billion meat snack category. As the recognized category leader, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 premium meat snack products in more than 40 countries. In addition to its premium products, Jack Link’s is known for its popular Messin’ With Sasquatch advertising campaign which has achieved nearly cult-like status. The commercials feature pranksters playing sophomoric pranks on an unsuspecting Sasquatch.

“This is a great fit between two category-leading brands,” said Ty Stewart, WSOP vice president. “We’ve found a savvy and fun sports marketer who fits our culture and we welcome Jack Link’s to the WSOP family.”

Under terms of the agreement, Jack Link’s will be visible on the tournament floor, including the poker tables, the new Wild Card Café (replacing the No Limit Lounge) and signage throughout the venue. In addition, Jack Link’s is committed to advertising on World Series of Poker telecasts on ESPN. Jack Link’s products will be available for sale throughout the Rio, including the popular poker kitchen.

A WSOP-branded national promotion will also be forthcoming as part of the deal.

JACK LINK’S BEEF JERKY – Feed Your Wild Side.

Headquartered in Minong, Wis., Jack Link’s is the No. 1 U.S. meat snack brand and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide. The Jack Link’s brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Jack Link’s products are available in retail outlets worldwide. Check out www.JackLinks.com for more information on the Jack Link’s brand.

ABOUT THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world awarding millions of dollars in prize money and the prestigious gold bracelet, globally recognized as the sport’s top prize. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the WSOP is poker’s longest running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. In 2008, the event attracted 58,720 entrants from 124 different countries to the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and awarded over $180 million in prize money. The creation of the new delayed Main Event final table more than doubled ratings on ESPN year over year. The WSOP in December, 2008 was named the 7th most admired sports brand in North America by the Turnkey Sports Survey, trailing only the older and more established NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR and PGA Tour among sports properties. In addition, the WSOP has experienced groundbreaking alliances in broadcasting, digital media and corporate sponsorships, while successfully expanding the brand internationally with the advent in 2007 of the World Series of Poker EuropeSM. For more information on the World Series of Poker, please visit our website at www.worldseriesofpoker.com.

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