While the start of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been on the minds of many of poker’s elite on Twitter, there were other matters that took center stage in the hours preceding the start of the event today. In many cases, it was television that occupied the Tweets of poker players.
The finale of the ninth season of “American Idol” was a subject of discussion for a few of the players on their Twitter accounts. “Seems like every year on Idol I like the runner up better than the actual winner,” tweeted Daniel Negreanu on Wednesday night following the broadcast, which crowned Lee DeWyze champion over presumed favorite Crystal Bowersox. “This year was no different. Finale meant nothing I guess.”
Jeff Madsen had another look at it when he Tweeted, “Really liked seeing Lee DeWyze win American Idol. From what I saw on the show, it was a great story and just inspirational.” Another poker pro who agreed with Madsen was Jennifer Harman, who chirped, “I’m happy Lee won. He was my favorite. Crystal was great too. I really hope she also becomes a big star! Great finale. Congrats.”
Other than the finale of “Idol,” the NBA playoffs were something that many in the poker community had their eyes on. With the Western Conference finals squared at 2-2 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, allegiances emerged from the Twitterverse. “LAL scored nearly every time with Kobe attacking from the L wing, no idea why they have him on the Right side now,” observed Haralabos Voulgaris while watching the battle last night. After a stunning, last second shot by Ron Artest saved the game for the Lakers, many others piped up with their thoughts.
“Sickening,” was the Tweet from Joe Sebok. “Second game this postseason the Lakers have won because somebody didn’t box out.” “Poker After Dark” host Ali Nejad was almost as dispirited as Sebok when he chimed in, “What a joke. Kobe airballs and RonRon stumbles onto heroics. Friggin luck-sacks.” UB.com pro Adam “Roothlus” Levy described the elation of many people around him when he Tweeted, “Watched the Lakers game at Panorama and, when Artest made the game winner, I heard multiple screams from different apartments lol.”
With all the television out of the way, players are beginning to descend on Las Vegas for the start of the WSOP. “Like an annual pilgrimage to the Mecca of poker, all roads lead back to Rio. Ready to do the damn thing, people,” Tweeted “Hollywood” Dave Stann as he made his way to Vegas late last night. “Hello Vegas,” Sebok tweeted about the same time. “Time to settle in for the WSOP summer. be gentle. be kind. for real. 1 bracelet would be nice. just think about it.”
Others took the time to venture to the Pavilion at the Rio, where much of the first day action will take place, and were amazed at the new venue. “Pavilion makes Amazon Room look like a closet,” Maria “Maridu” Mayrinck re-Tweeted about the size of the playing arena. Full Tilt Poker’s Andy Bloch took a Twitpic of the room, pointing out, “The tournament room at the Rio is taking shape, with dozens of international flags.” Kara Scott made her arrival at the Rio and stated in a Tweet, “At the Rio and WSOP staff are being super helpful and friendly. Bracing themselves for craziness tomorrow!”
Many of poker’s best revealed their schedules for the WSOP and some chirped about the $50,000 Players’ Championship, which begins later today. “I’m playing in probably 15 events at the WSOP,” poker’s Grand Old Man, Doyle Brunson, Tweeted. “I don’t know if I’m happy or sad it’s starting tomorrow. Tough grind!” Kathy Liebert was looking towards the end of the WSOP when she chirped, “Signed up for Day 1a at WSOP. Going to be a mad house.”
A satellite for the $50,000 Players’ Championship played out yesterday and the results were varied. “No luck in the satellite,” Tweeted Gavin Smith. “Oh well may be able to sell enough, if not, I start the assault on Saturday!”
For the best Tweets of the past few days, Joe Reitman once again stepped up. Reitman started after the finale of the television series “Lost” by observing, “The Lost finale was like watching porn alone. There were holes to fill. The story made no sense & when done I was depressed & hated myself.” Reitman soon after Tweeted the gem, “Could some one let me know if in SATC2 there is a pillow fight or a four way worth seeing,” about the newly released film. Finally, former World Poker Tour (WPT) hostess Layla Kayleigh gave everyone at the WSOP something to think about as she Tweeted a quote from Albert Einstein: “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”