WPT Unveiled Many Changes At Legends Of Poker
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Most notably, WPT and PokerCentral have joined forces to broadcast the tour’s final tables via the subscription live streaming service, PokerGO.
PokerGO is fresh from its broadcast debut of the 2017 World Series of Poker. The new service traded showtimes with ESPN and put itself on the map as the destination for streaming poker.
In a stroke of good fortune, several familiar faces appeared at last night’s final table. The six-handed race to the finish featured poker superstar Phil Hellmuth and two-time WPT champion JC Tran.
The $4,000 Main Event also coincided with the billionth dollar WPT has awarded through its tournament schedule. Sixteen years of action have made WPT a household name and credibility for high-quality tournaments.
Dunst has big shoes to fill
Viewers will also note changes to the WPT lineup. Tony Dunst joined Vince Van Patten on commentary, replacing the familiar Mike Sexton, who left in April to become partypoker’s chairman.
However, Dunst is no stranger to WPT audiences or Van Patten. He has shared hosting duties for WPT’s Alpha8 tour series with Van Patten for the last few seasons.
Dunst is also an exceptionally talented poker player in his own right. His tournament winnings total nearly $3 million dollars.
Rockwood joins the WPT Royal Flush Crew
Another new face is Angela Rockwood, who joins the WPT Royal Flush Crew. The hire of Rockwood is notable due to her status as a disabled person.
Rockwood was born in Clovis, New Mexico. She worked as a fashion model and actress until September 3, 2001, when her life changed forever.
As she returned from visiting a bridesmaid in her upcoming wedding, Rockwood’s vehicle crashed along Interstate 5 in California. The accident rendered Rockwood a quadriplegic. Tragically, the crash also killed actress Thuy Trang, who played the yellow Power Ranger on the popular television show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Rockwood did not have a hopeful prognosis. However, through hard work and years of physical training, she has managed to regain many of her abilities.
She will certainly be a welcome and unique addition to the crew. The Royal Flush Crew is a group of “lifestyle ambassadors” who expand poker’s profile at each stop on the tour. Rockwood’s presence will add another diverse perspective towards fitness, nutrition, and fun.
WPT continues to be the premier poker tour in the United States. Though losing the familiar presence of Sexton is difficult, the new lineup promises to be a fresh and vibrant group.
The tour’s partnership with PokerCentral should further enhance the visibility of all the WPT’s great events. Tonight is a great night to join!
Lead photo courtesy of World Poker Tour Flickr page