The World Series of Poker is getting bigger and bigger. With so much attention drawn to the tournament, you need someone to lay down the law. Hence, Harrah’s Entertainment has appointed a commissioner of the WSOP. From Yahoo:
Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET – News) today announced that Jeffrey Pollack, vice president of sports and entertainment marketing for subsidiary Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., is taking on the added role of commissioner of the World Series of Poker, subject to the receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals.
“The World Series of Poker is a unique event in the gaming and sports industries and, as such, requires special oversight and management,” said Ginny Shanks, Harrah’s senior vice president of brand management. “Designating Jeffrey as commissioner will further empower him to develop a strong sense of community among our players, tournament organizers, event staff, media partners, sponsors, licensees, and corporate management team.”
Pollack is the first commissioner in the tournament’s 36-year history.
It seems like a rather vague set of job responsibilities, but they could have a lot of fun with this.
I’m thinking that this should go in a whole WWE (WWF for you old-school die-hards) direction with this. Have him come out to main table in a blaze of pyro and announce, like Shawn Michaels, that there’s a new sheriff in town–wasn’t he commissioner for a while? Or it could be like Mick Foley–have him set up a makeshift office backstage and, during WSOP telecasts, spice up the poker-playing with comedic skits that introduce new players.
My whole reaction to the appointment of a commissioner probably says a lot about the influence of professional wrestling on pop culture. Anytime I see an “official contract signing,” I expect it to end with someone being laid out in the middle of the ring while the announcers mercilessly shill the pay-per-view. And, of course, anytime someone is given a birthday cake, the odds are that they will have it smashed in their face.
This whole commissioner thing could really work. But players should be on their guard if someone tries to give them a birthday cake.