WSOP Commish Stepping Down
The man who has overseen the World Series of Poker through the last four years, and some of its biggest changes, is stepping down.
WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack told media outlets earlier today that he would be resigning from his post, just days after the latest main event champion was crowned.
Pollack joined Harrah’s in 2005 and became the commissioner in 2006. He was at the helm for the controversial decision to delay the final table of the WSOP main event for several months, to build interest and ratings for the WSOP on ESPN. The WSOP has grown in attendance under Pollack’s watch, not to mention visibility among poker players and the public at large. This year the WSOP signed a long-term television deal with ESPN.
“It’s bittersweet but I’m leaving with just great memories and a really nice sense of it being a great run,” Pollack told the Associated Press. “More than anything else, I’m just appreciative of the opportunity to have been part of the WSOP.”
There were several other innovations under Pollack, as well. He introduced several new formats to the WSOP, not sticking with the same tournaments year after year. Among the most popular events, with poker’s top players and fans alike, was the $50,000 HORSE tournament, which brought together many of poker’s biggest stars in one small field. The WSOP Europe, now in its second year, was also launched during Pollack’s tenure.
Pollack, who has worked for both auto racing’s NASCAR and the NBA, said he doesn’t have any immediate plans for the future. Harrah’s said there are no immediate plans to replace Pollack, although Mitch Garber, former PartyGaming CEO of PartyGaming who is CEO of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment, seems to be a logical choice.
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