ESPN to Offer 'Near-Live' 2011 WSOP Main Event Final Table Coverage

Earlier this year, ESPN provided viewers a totally new poker broadcast experience when it made the event a “near-live” telecast, with hole cards and a thirty minute delay. Though the broadcast was somewhat controversial to some players, who feared the free information that was being exposed, the live feel seemed to be a hit with most serious poker fans.

ESPN seems to be committed to offering this experience to the viewers as Caesars Interactive has announced that they have changed the final table schedule to accommodate ESPN’s live tournament coverage. The final table will be broken down into two days: on Sunday, November 6 at 11:30 a.m., the November Niners will play down until only six remain after three eliminations; on Tuesday November 8 at 5 p.m. they will play down until a new Main Event champion.

The entire final table will be aired on various ESPN networks including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3.com. Hands will be shown with hole-cards on a mere 15 minute delay that is sure to be controversial with some of the more outspoken players. ESPN and WSOP officials are yet to announce who the commentating team will be.