E-WSOP

Increased participation is just one of the many other changes that World Series Of Poker 2008 had. If we look at some of the key figures and stats from the 39th World Series of Poker and the 2nd Annual World Series of Poker Europe, you’ll be able to understand the popularity of the game and its growth over the years.

The number of countries participating (at least one participant) in WSOP 2008 was 125. This was up from 87 countries in 2007 which is a 44% rise in number of participating countries.

The ratings on ESPN which covered the main event was 1.84 for the two hour telecast. This was a 50% jump from the previous years 1.29. However the final hour rating was at 2.08 which was the highest for WSOP event.

There was an 18% increase in rating of the 2008 WSOP final table in comparison to the Moneymaker final table in 2003. 38% advantage in ratings compared to MLB’s 2008 regular season ratings average on ESPN.

59,767 participants for the poker bracelet events which was up by 4,856 a 9% jump than the previous year.

A whopping $190,644,177 total prize pool for 2008 WSOP and WSOPE which was up by 13% than the previous year. 59 bracelet events including the 4 which was held in London. 40 players from the US won the bracelets and contributed to 68% of the total bracelets awarded. Twelve different country players won the bracelets which included players from Afghanistan, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia and the U.S.

Denmark became the second most bracelet winners with 4 players winning the bracelet. Sherkhan Farnood become the first ever player to win a bracelet from Afghanistan. The main event prize pool went up by 8% from the previous year.

For the first time in history 50 US states had and entrant cash in WSOP and 10 from Canadian province. In total there were about 59 countries which had at least one cash entrant.

35% of the chip leaders who entered the final table went on to win the bracelet. The event saw entrants from Zambia for the first time in the World Series of Poker.

With all the achievements it had, the 39th annual World Series of Poker which was presented by Milwaukee’s Best Light which began on May 30, 2008 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas had 55 bracelet events in total. The main event had to be over four start dates so as to accommodate the main event.

The winner was finally declared on November 11. WSOP 2009 promises to be a even bigger affair than the previous one. This has been the tradition over the years and the number of players eying the bracelets would only increase over the time.