CEO and founder, Steve Lipscomb said: 'We are very happy to be working with ITV4. Now, with the poker craze sweeping the UK anybody will be able to tune in and learn a lot about poker from our show as well as be entertained. WPT’s focus is on educating the public and making an exciting two hour show. With WPT merchandise now available in the UK and our online tournaments growing quickly - we are ready to help the UK shuffle up and deal.'
Poker season kicks off 4 November 2005. 'We are extremely pleased to make the World Poker Tour part of ITV4's exciting launch line up, ' said ITV4 Channel Editor Steve Arnell. 'We have seen what the show has done for broadcasters in the U.S. and abroad. It has developed a large and devoted fan base worldwide and we believe it will be an important addition to the ITV4 schedule.'
Steve admits: 'World Poker Tour was a gamble from the start'. Originally a lawyer, then a documentary/ film maker Steve decided that he would televise poker. Everyone thought he was crazy, and predicted that filming a long poker game would not make for exciting TV. After eight months of trying everything they could think of - Steve and his team cracked the format. Suddenly a never ending poker tournament was gripping TV, and attracting more viewers to the Travel channel than it had ever received – regularly beating audience figures for televised sports events such as professional basketball and golf.
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Try to keep a poker face. Don't complain when losing or show elation when winning. The emotional aftermath will prohibit clear thinking and proper evaluation of succeeding hands.
