World Poker Tour Takes Center Stage on CBS Sports Network
As the poker landscape evolves, fans are set to embrace a thrilling new chapter in televised gaming: the World Poker Tour (WPT) is partnering with CBS Sports Network for a multi-year deal that will bring the excitement of high-stakes poker directly into homes across the United States. Starting this month, poker enthusiasts can tune in to watch edited episodes from Season XXI of the WPT, featuring some of the most exhilarating moments from the year.
A New Home for Poker Programming
CBS Sports Network is no stranger to the poker scene, having been home to the esteemed World Series of Poker (WSOP) since 2021. Now, with the addition of WPT events starting in November, the channel is solidifying its position as a go-to destination for poker aficionados. This shift not only signifies a broader reach for WPT programming but also showcases the ongoing evolution and increasing popularity of the sport.
Highlights of Season XXI
The latest season of the World Poker Tour brought with it a plethora of unforgettable moments, capped by the monumental $40 million prize pool at the WPT World Championship hosted at the Wynn. One of the season’s standout figures was Dan Sepiol, who secured a staggering $5.3 million in what was undoubtedly a life-altering victory. For those who missed the tournament or wish to revisit this historic event, CBS Sports Network will soon provide comprehensive coverage.
Among the notable upcoming episodes is the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship. This tournament, which kicked off in South Florida and culminated in Las Vegas, saw Josh Reichard clinch the title and take home $839,300 after defeating fellow competitor Landon Tice in a riveting heads-up battle. Such highlights promise to captivate viewers and deepen their appreciation for the skill and strategy involved in professional poker.
An Established Legacy
Founded by Steve Lipscomb in 2002, the WPT has transformed the perception of poker around the globe. Originally debuting on the Travel Channel, the tour has journeyed through various networks including Fox Sports and FS1 before its recent tenure on Bally Sports Regional Networks. With the transition to CBS Sports Network, the WPT is poised to reach new audiences, capitalizing on the network’s extensive availability across cable packages, YouTube TV, DIRECTV, and even Pluto TV.
WPT CEO Adam Pliska expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Since our debut on the Travel Channel back in 2002, our WPT television presence has grown significantly in both production quality and reach. We are incredibly grateful to partner with a top-tier network and cannot wait to share a wealth of premium poker programming to the vast CBS Sports audience.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Loc Sondheim, WPT VP of Studios, Distribution, and Ad Sales, echoed similar sentiments, stating that CBS Sports Network is the perfect partner to elevate WPT TV and expand its reach to new households nationwide. This opportunity will enable more fans to engage with the excitement of poker at the highest level, reinforcing the tour’s status as one of the premier poker competitions globally.
The current WPT season is set to feature more high-stakes tournaments and monumental events, including the anticipated WPT World Championship and the ClubWPT Gold $5 Million Invitational Freeroll, both of which will also be showcased on CBS Sports Network.
Conclusion
As the poker community anticipates these thrilling broadcasts, the collaboration between the World Poker Tour and CBS Sports Network promises to usher in a new era of poker programming. With exciting tournaments, extraordinary player performances, and engaging storytelling, this partnership is bound to enhance the visibility and excitement of the game, drawing in new fans while satisfying the passion of seasoned poker enthusiasts. The action is just beginning, so get ready to tune in and catch all the high-stakes drama as the WPT makes its mark on CBS Sports Network!
