The link below gives us an inside look at the WSOP through the lens of Chris Wallace, one last time.
Thanks for the memories!
End of an Era: The 2021 WSOP in Pictures
It is the end of an era in a physical and historical sense.
However, what struck me by the end of the series was, there appeared to be a welcome decline in commentary riddled with cliched baloney. Not exactly consigned to the dustbin of history but notably lessened but for one crank.
I followed poker media even before I played. The conversation unrelenting swirled around two subjects - old school versus new school and GTO had taken over the game. Being something of a culturalist, I could imagine how online play had progressed the game. But I never subscribed to the idea an older player could not get with the online program.
Similarly, having a general idea of game theory I found the notion it would take over poker as risible. It was being presented if you did not study game theory you would not be fit to play. I almost never took up the game.
Yet, this year, the WSOP player of the year was Josh Arieh, 47. Second was Phil Helmuth, 57 with Daniel Negreanu, 47 taking third.
I don't think you need to be a fan of any of them to appreciate the accomplishment. And I was happy not to wade through the WSOP without too much cliched bunk about old school/new school...hoodie and sunglass wearing bots etc. Yes, the tired old cliches did come up, but less than ever. If that's all the poker schtick you have at your disposal then can we make more room for the likes of Jamie Kerstetter who was a fresh breeze at the WSOP?
Let's hope that in the Bally's era we can simply appreciate a crusher at any age for what they are - a poker talent plain and simple.
