The goal of the league is to have 200 of the finest poker players in the world, based off some rankings system that takes into account current performance, but also historical background and achievement. It will be modeled after a PGA or tennis-style professional league where it is invite only.
Players can earn a “tour card” with two, three, or five-year eligibility standards and a select number will earn a “lifetime” exemption for their career performance.
No mention has been made yet on the event buy-ins, but Federated Sports and Gaming has stated that the events will be rake-free and will have overlays beyond any prize pool generated.
Pollack has tapped defending National Heads-Up Poker Champion and recently departed UB pro Annie Duke as their Commissioner
“It has been a long time coming for a poker league on par with other professional sports,” said Erik Seidel, eight-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee. “I am looking forward to true excellence in the game being rewarded.”
Federated Sports and Gaming was formed last year by Pollack and Michael Brodsky, David Goldberg and Jeffrey Grosman who until recently ran Youbet.com and sold it to Churchill Downs. There are also plans for a social media poker site and a new brand name for the gaming properties.
Our new league will celebrate poker professionals like never before and provide a tournament experience at the Palms that is first-class at every turn.,' Pollack said.
Zimba analysis:
Established professional poker players have longed for an exclusive tour that would be rake free and with ample television coverage. The WPT attempted to do such in 2005 with the Professional Poker Tour, but it fell apart after five events, when the WPT and Travel Channel squabbled over broadcasting rights. A key question for fans and players will be what are the evaluating methods for determining the players and will fans find it a legitimate and compelling poker league if some of their favorite or most deserving poker players aren't involved.
Established professional poker players have longed for an exclusive tour that would be rake free and with ample television coverage. The WPT attempted to do such in 2005 with the Professional Poker Tour, but it fell apart after five events, when the WPT and Travel Channel squabbled over broadcasting rights. A key question for fans and players will be what are the evaluating methods for determining the players and will fans find it a legitimate and compelling poker league if some of their favorite or most deserving poker players aren't involved.
