manamongkids
Full House
I understand the build up, but the people they are trying to attract dont follow the WSOP close enough to warrant the build up. The people who follow it closely think its a bad idea to do the N9, the people who watch for entertainment or are the casual fan, will still watch.
Also, the live streamed final table isnt much build up when you can follow like 5 people on Twitter and see the bustouts and hands before they air on tv.
Bottomline IMO
Casual fans - will watch anyways, no matter how the final table is aired, if anything, the 2015 was grueling to watch, might lose interest from casual fans
Poker players/genuine fans - would watch a live stream for the final table anyways, even if the regular WSOP ESPN episodes aired afterwards anyways. They are doing themselves a disservice in the first place with only taping from when they hit the money, a lot of the drama, funny stuff,shenanigans, actors, celebs, sports stars are stuff that happen on the opening days of the tourney. Thats where a lot of the most memorable moments came from from the 2003-2007 boom.
Also, the live streamed final table isnt much build up when you can follow like 5 people on Twitter and see the bustouts and hands before they air on tv.
Bottomline IMO
Casual fans - will watch anyways, no matter how the final table is aired, if anything, the 2015 was grueling to watch, might lose interest from casual fans
Poker players/genuine fans - would watch a live stream for the final table anyways, even if the regular WSOP ESPN episodes aired afterwards anyways. They are doing themselves a disservice in the first place with only taping from when they hit the money, a lot of the drama, funny stuff,shenanigans, actors, celebs, sports stars are stuff that happen on the opening days of the tourney. Thats where a lot of the most memorable moments came from from the 2003-2007 boom.