Thompson believes this year's event can be even better. The World Series events began Friday and run through May 18 at the Horseshoe. Well, it's the granddaddy of poker tournaments and the richest event in sports. The event's longevity is important, too. It's now in its 32nd year.
Satellite tournaments are the primary reason.
Close to 50 percent of the players in the final event earn their seats through satellites. The growth of the game worldwide, in American casinos, tribal casinos and in Europe has also been important. In Europe, prior to three years ago poker was only played in London. We have to make sure the event starts as close to on time as possible and estimate how many entrants we'll have and how many tables to open for each event. We have strict controls to make sure all buy-ins, entry fees and rebuys are accounted for.