The exciting world of competitive poker is set for a thrilling new chapter as fans can now look forward to watching the World Poker Tour (WPT) on CBS Sports Network. This much-anticipated transition reflects the increasing popularity of poker and signifies a golden opportunity for casual viewers and die-hard fans alike to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of high-stakes tournaments.
A Fresh Start on CBS Sports Network
Starting this month, the CBS Sports Network will introduce edited episodes of WPT’s Season XXI, bringing the adrenaline of poker straight to the living rooms of millions. This new multi-year deal not only marks a significant shift in broadcasting for the WPT but also enhances CBS Sports’ already robust lineup, which has included coverage of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) since 2021.
In a landscape crowded with competition, CBS Sports Network is poised to elevate the visibility of poker, with programming that appeals to a broad audience. This is particularly noteworthy as CBS continues to be a home for significant sporting events, allowing poker to share the limelight with other high-profile competitions.
Highlights from Season XXI
Season XXI of the WPT was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a staggering $40 million prize pool at the WPT World Championship held at Wynn Las Vegas. This unforgettable event culminated in an exhilarating showdown, where Dan Sepiol walked away with an impressive $5.3 million, a life-changing sum that has undoubtedly set the tone for the season.
The excitement doesn’t stop there; fans will first be treated to the airing of the 2023 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship. This nail-biting tournament, which took place in South Florida and concluded with its final table in Las Vegas, was highlighted by Josh Reichard’s triumph over Landon Tice in a dramatic heads-up battle, securing his first WPT title and a prize of $839,300. Highlights like these showcase the skill and strategy that make poker a compelling sport to watch.
A Vision for the Future
WPT CEO Adam Pliska was enthusiastic about the new venture, stating, “Since our debut on the Travel Channel back in 2002, our WPT television presence has grown significantly in both production quality and reach.” This partnership with CBS Sports Network solidifies a promising future for the WPT, enabling it to reach a more extensive audience through increased production value and visibility.
The WPT, originally created by Steve Lipscomb, has undergone various transformations over the years. From its beginnings on the Travel Channel, the series moved on to Fox Sports and Bally Sports Regional Networks, accumulating a loyal following along the way. The current move to CBS Sports Network further establishes the brand as a cornerstone in the world of televised poker.
Expanding Accessibility to Poker Fans
For viewers, access to WPT shows will be seamless, as CBS Sports Network is included in most standard cable packages. The network is also available on services like YouTube TV, DIRECTV, and Pluto TV, widening accessibility for fans eager to catch the action. Moreover, the WatchWPT app boasts an impressive archive of over 150 past episodes, ensuring that fans can relive their favorite moments or catch episodes they may have missed.
Loc Sondheim, the WPT VP of Studios, Distribution, and Ad Sales, expressed optimism about this new chapter, claiming CBS Sports Network is “the ideal partner to elevate WPT TV and expand its reach to new households around the nation.” The strategic partnership not only strengthens the WPT brand but also paves the way for innovative programming that showcases the thrill of competitive poker.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events
As the new season unfolds on CBS Sports Network, viewers can anticipate additional thrilling events beyond the upcoming WPT World Championship and the ClubWPT Gold $5 Million Invitational Freeroll. Each airing promises to bring edge-of-your-seat excitement and unveil the incredible depth of strategy and skill involved in professional poker.
In conclusion, the World Poker Tour’s transition to CBS Sports Network is a game-changer, promising to bring more poker to more viewers than ever before. With high-stakes matchups, deeply engaging narratives, and spectacular moments, it is sure to entertain and inspire the next generation of poker champions. Prepare to tune in and witness the best of the best battle it out at the tables in a brand-new format that is bound to elevate the excitement to new heights.
