The rumors started a little while ago. Players and bloggers alike believed that the  World Series of Poker Main Event could be in for a big change. Traditionally the main event has been played out from start to finish over a number of days. That is all set to change as ESPN and the WSOP will be delaying the final table.

What will happen now is that play in the main event will proceed as it always has until it gets down to the final nine players. After the field is narrowed to nine those players will have to head back to Las Vegas to play for the championship bracelet on November 10 and the winner will be crowned on November 11. From a practical perspective this means that anyone who is skilled, and or lucky, enough to make the final will get a fairly long break. The televised hands from the World Series of Poker Main Event will start airing in July.

The new schedule for the main event has positives and drawbacks. During the break in action the players will be able to see the hands their opponents played. There is also the possibility that the players could get coaching before play resumes. Another possible negative of moving the final table to November is that it is right in the middle of football season. Both the college and professional football will be in full swing and the WSOP final table could be lost in the noise. Anyone traveling to Las Vegas hoping to watch the final table of the main event will also need to reschedule and make a return trip as well.

While there are some negative possibilities, there are also some positive aspects to the delay. Players will have time to get sponsorship deals from their favorite online poker room. In addition to the potential for sponsorship this delay will allow more excitement to build up for the final table. ESPN will be able to run promotional material for the final table during airings for the other World Series of Poker events. Some of the game’s top professionals have already come out in favor of the format change including Daniel Negreanu of PokerStars.

It will be interesting to see the rest of the poker community’s reaction to the change. I am sure as we get closer to the WSOP there will be more debate by players and bloggers as to whether or not the change is a good one. One thing is certain however and that is if the change in format brings in new fans, everyone who enjoys poker will benefit.