World Poker Tour and their camera claim

[fonzerelli_79]

from http://www.worldpokertour.com/pokercorner/history/

In 2003, World Poker Tour revolutionized televised poker and brought Texas Hold’em “the Cadillac of Poker” to the forefront of international excitement. WPT introduced the world to the “WPT Cam” – a new, lipstick-sized camera that enables the TV audience to see the players’ hole cards. This tiny camera plays a crucial role in revealing the drama of the poker players’ high-stake bets and bluffs. WPT’s expert commentary and educational content enables viewers to improve their own poker playing. When hosts Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten use poker lingo, pop-up boxes appear on the screen with more information about the terminology. Such phrases, including the “flop,” “turn,” and “river,” help familiarize new enthusiasts with the game. WPT’s lovely host Shana Hiatt introduces viewers to the glamorous casinos and exotic locales in which the WPT tournaments are held.

well perhaps they were the first with the lipsticked sized camera but it was channel 4s late night poker that was the first to show players cards using a camera - infact im sure they were the first to actually show poker as a tv show (it was a uk show for all you non brits )

rant over!!!

[Jauron]

It just says the WTP cam, not the first to use a camera.


At anyrate, that show is a big reason poker is huge right now, between them and ESPN's coverage of the last couple of WSOP.

[fonzerelli_79]

i cant disagree with what theyve done for bringing poker to the frontline

there are a lot of factors that have increased its popularity

in the uk anyways, late night poker really got it popular. That was where i learned the rules of the game etc

Rounders did a lot for the game

As you mentioned, WPT etc have did a lot

But most importantly, its the internet which has done the most. Fast connections, quality software and the fact that most people in developed countries have access to the internet