The World Poker Tour and Bell Garden, CA’s Bicycle Casino have recently announced a contract extension, which will carry their partnership through the year 2015. Specifically, this means that the annual Legends of Poker event will maintain its place as one of the most popular stops on the WPT tour.
Initially paired in 2002, these companies have enjoyed mutual success since the beginning of their relationship. With the game of poker’s continued growth, both the WPT and Bicycle have reaped considerable rewards throughout the collaboration. The Legends of Poker tournament airs on Fox Sports Net each year, toward the end of August.
Past winners of this exclusive event include Prahlad Friedman, Doyle Brunson, John Phan, Mel Judah, and Dan Harrington — all members of the Poker Hall of Fame. Most recently, Andy Frankenberger took home the crown, emerging from a field up 66% from the previous year.
“The Bicycle Casino has been an enthusiastic and devoted venue partner and the WPT is proud to continue its association with the incredibly popular Legends of Poker event and the team behind it,” says Adam Pliska, President of the Tour. “The Bicycle Casino is a charter member of the WPT and this extension will allow us to build on a tradition of collaboration and best-in-class poker started in 2002.”
Equally complimentary was Kelly O’Hara, Director of Marketing for Bicycle Casino:
“It is very evident that the WPT made significant enhancements across the board this year and has plans to continue to do so in the future. We believe these changes are resonating with our players and with us. We’ve had nine great seasons together and look forward to at least five more. I believe together we’ll continue to offer players a better experience during every year of this deal.”
Already one of the most popular gaming series on the planet, the WPT continues to challenge the World Series of Poker for players and prizes. The real winner here, as always, is the consumer. A little competition is good for the market. The bigger and better the offers, the greater the rewards for the playing populace.