May marks many special occasions in the world of poker. It originally marked the end of the World Series of Poker for several years, and for the past couple of years, it has marked the start of the WSOP, for which thousands of players will make a pilgrimage. This year, in addition to the start of the WSOP, poker fans can also celebrate the continuation of one of the most popular pieces of poker programming in any form of media today.
May marks the second anniversary of “The Bernard Lee Poker Show” on 1510AM The Zone in Boston. Hosted by poker professional and Poker News Daily guest columnist Bernard Lee, the show has entertained many in the Massachusetts area as well as those who listen over the internet. Featuring the latest poker news, poker strategy discussions, tournament reports and interviews with the movers and shakers of the poker industry, Lee’s show airs on The Zone from 7-8PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesdays, is simulcast on Rounders Radio (where it is one of the most downloaded podcasts in its first year on the station) and rebroadcast on both outlets throughout the week.
“At the time when we started the show on The Zone, there were no poker broadcasts on radio in the local area”, Lee stated during a phone conversation with Poker News Daily. “Even today, there aren’t that many around. With Foxwoods Resort Casino in the area and its recognition as THE poker destination due to its excellent tournaments and ties with the World Poker Tour, I felt that there would be a tremendous interest from poker fans in the area for such a program on the radio.”
Lee, who earned his poker notoriety with his thirteenth place finish at the 2005 WSOP and has earned over $1 million in tournament winnings in his career, was able to parlay that success into other areas including his show with The Zone. “I have become a part of the poker media and not just a poker player”, Bernard laughed. “With my column in the Boston Herald, my work on ESPN and Poker News Daily and the radio show, I have achieved what I wanted…a life with poker involved in it. I don’t see myself ever stopping!”
Celebrating the second anniversary along with Bernard earlier this month have been former World Champion Greg Raymer and Gavin Griffin, who is the only man to have captured poker’s mythical Triple Crown (EPT, WPT and WSOP championships). Tonight on the program, WPT announcer and WSOP bracelet holder Mike Sexton will be a part of the festivities and – as players prepare for the trek to Las Vegas – next Tuesday’s broadcast will feature the Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, Jeffrey Pollack.
To further engage the listeners in the second anniversary celebration, Lee will be holding two freeroll tournaments at the end of May. One will be a live event at Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H. and the other will be an online tournament. People who would like to partake of either or both tournaments can learn further details through listening to “The Bernard Lee Poker Show” throughout this month.
Lee will continue to broadcast his show during the WSOP and is planning to step to the felt for several events. “I am looking at playing 9-12 events and, if I go deep in some of them, as few as six”, Bernard said. “I may be playing, but I am a part of the media and it will be part of my future shows.” Congratulations to Bernard for the second anniversary of his poker show and may there be many more celebrations in the future, both for the show and for his success on the tables.
