[toc]Summer is the season for blockbuster movies, but PokerGO has launched its own version of a star-studded cast, announcing its lineup of announcers for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) livestream coverage. This lineup includes practically every top poker broadcaster, as well as three of the game’s most famous names.
McEachern and Chad anchoring WSOP livestreams
If you tuned into PokerGO’s coverage of the One Drop High Roller bracelet event, you would have noticed the modifications from the previous year’s WSOP in-house coverage. The live stream boasts production quality on par with an ESPN broadcast, complete with mobile cameras, sideline reports from Tatjana Pasalic, and a break desk helmed by David Tuchman and a regularly changing lineup of professionals.
Indeed, Tuchman has stepped down from the booth after spearheading the stream for five years. Now, the task of commentating the action falls on the ESPN poker team, consisting of Lon McEachern and Norman Chad. They often entertain booth guests. During One Drop, professionals like Phil Hellmuth, Phil Galfond, Max Steinberg, and Jason Les made appearances.
Livestream schedule drawing criticism
The stream, when active, is brilliant. But the frequency of livestreams has attracted quite a bit of criticism on social media. Rather than broadcasting every event on various streams, PokerGO chose a limited schedule. Below is the comprehensive list of the upcoming events:
- $10,000 Heads Up
- No Limit Hold’em 6-Max with a $1,500 Limit
- $1,500 Millionaire Maker
- $3,000 6-Max No Limit Hold’em
- $10,000 H.O.R.S.E
- No Limit Hold’em (Seniors) $1,000
- $5,000 6-Max No Limit Hold’em
- $10,000 6-Max No Limit Hold’em
- $5,000 No Limit Hold’em
- 6-Max Pot Limit Omaha with a $3,000 Pot
- $1,500 No Limit Hold’em
- $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha
- $5,000 No Limit Hold’em
The positive aspect is that PokerGO appears open to making a few last-minute changes. For instance, when Daniel Negreanu was in a head-to-head match with Abe Mosseri for the $10,000 Omaha hi-lo event, PokerGO decided to broadcast it, despite missing Negreanu’s first final table of the summer in the $10,000 Tag Team event.
SCHEDULE ALTERATION: Tune in to #PokerGO at 5:30 PM PT to see @RealKidPoker and Abe Mosseri compete in the $10K Omaha-8 Championship. Don’t miss it! pic.twitter.com/OHC4CttFl6
This was tweeted by PokerGO on June 7, 2017.
Despite the introduction of an additional stream, numerous poker enthusiasts continue to express frustration over the dual combination of a $10 monthly subscription fee and a restricted schedule. Several professionals, including Jon Turner, have aired their grievances on Twitter. The most significant criticism was the overrepresentation of no-limit hold’em and a scarcity of mixed games. The absence of the $50,000 Poker Players Championship event was a notable exclusion.
Can’t believe there are no mix games at @wsop @pokergo! They’re not only entertaining but also bring more “star-studded tables.” I’ll have to cancel my subscription if this doesn’t change.
Jon Turner (@PearlJammed) – June 2, 2017
PokerGO going big with ESPN Main Event coverage
You cannot fault PokerGO for not having enough star power. While the livestream team is commendable, the Main Event coverage raises the bar even higher.
The coverage for Main Event will be anchored by Chad and McEachern. ESPN and Poker Central will provide same-day coverage of the entire event this year. As in previous years, Kara Scott will manage the break desk and provide sideline reports. Joe Stapleton, known for his commentary on Poker Night in America and PokerStars live events, will also be reporting from the sideline.
Scott will be accompanied by Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu, two of the top figures in the game, at the break desk. Additionally, Antonio Esfandiari will be on hand to provide color commentary from the booth.
Lastly, Ali Nejad and Nick Schulman, who were part of PokerGO’s Super High Roller Bowl coverage, will be responsible for the commentary in any extra coverage on PokerGO, excluding ESPN. This is aimed at those who appreciated their previous work.
The product is evidently establishing a superior standard for quality. Now, it remains to be seen if consumers are prepared to shell out for the premium in restricted quantity.
Image provided by Joe Giron/Poker Central
