OK, hmm, some new poker on TV coming in less than a month that I’m actually interested in Tivo-ing watching. ESPN’s first ever production of WSOP Europe. They’re playing 4/8 Hour-Limit episodes (with Reruns and a half-kill?) — promising a different feel-and-vibe, and introducing the mobile hole card-cam.
WSOP Europe 2008: John Juanda vs. Ivan Demidov
Alright, I like the sounds of it! Can’t wait to watch the eps with a hypercritical eye and then haphazardly tear apart the hard work of dozens, if not hundreds of people trying to give the whiners and moaners viewers Pokerati readers what they say they want in poker television.
Though I doubt WSOP Europe on TV will have quite the cultural impact of similar-length miniseries such as V, Shogun, and The Thornbirds … I suspect it can be equally as catching as From G’s to Gents.
More…
Just after the dinner break, as food-induced comas were setting in, the restart of final table play was delayed for the Poker Hall of Fame inductions. Duane the tub, I’m dwowning “Dewey” Tomko and Henry Orenstein were announced as the 36th and 37th members.
The audience, many of whom became poker fans when their friends/family members made the final table in July, may not have understood the significance of the inductions, but they did appreciate Doyle Brunson introducing Tomko. Brunson shared some amusing stories about Tomko’s lack of worldliness, such as when he asked what language was spoken in England, but it was Brunson’s way of paying tribute to his long-time friend, also mentioning Tomko’s three WSOP bracelets, two main event runner up spots, and longest record of participation in the main event (35 years). Tomko then accepted his spot in the Hall of Fame with a thank-you speech to those who’ve supported him through the years.
Henry Orenstein wasn’t able to travel across the country to be in Vegas, but friend and associate Mori Eskandani gave an introduction and read a few words from Orenstein. It was mentioned that Orenstein was a Holocaust survivor, having made a life for himself after watching many of his family members murdered early in his life. (Yeow.) Though he has been successful in poker with a WSOP bracelet and other accomplishments under his belt, he is best known for his invention of the hole card camera that has made poker into the televise-able event that it is today. It was also mentioned that Orenstein is starting a charity organization to help professional poker players in need (not in need of a bankroll, as Eskandani joked). He’s starting the non-profit with $200K of his own funds and will be releasing details of the organization soon.
Congrats to them both on their accomplishments and induction tonight. Now, let’s play poker!
