PokerNews Podcast: WSOP Leaving ESPN, Damian Salas Debate & Guest Steven Pique of Sahara Poker
On the latest special episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Sarah Herring, Jeff Platt, and Chad Holloway talk the World Series of Poker (WSOP) moving from ESPN to CBS Sports, the WSOP.com online bracelet event schedule, and highlights from the GGPoker Spring Festival, including Lev Gottlieb capturing his fourth title.
Toss in Connor Drinan’s epic GGSF comeback win and a discussion on whether or not 2020 WSOP champ Damian Salas is the real deal after winning a PokerStars SCOOP title, and it's another must-listen episode.
Plus, they welcome guest Steven Pique, the Director of Poker Operations at Sahara Las Vegas. The industry insider, who was previously profiled by PokerNews here, shared his thoughts on opening a poker room in the current climate, the importance of mixed games and competent staff, and his mission to take poker back to its core of allowing players to have fun.
Big thanks to the special sponsor this week in Elite Chip Care, which you can learn more about here.
Time Stamps
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:24 | Welcome to the show |
| 00:35 | Hitting it hard with Sarah’s Grandma |
| 01:42 | Teasing guest Steven Pique of Sahara Poker |
| 02:05 | Jeff’s experience at Lone Star Poker Series Champions Club |
| 04:39 | WSOP done at ESPN, headed for CBS Sports |
| 12:42 | WSOP.com online bracelet schedule revealed |
| 18:25 | Elite Chip Care |
| 19:11 | Guest Steven Pique, Sahara Director of Poker Operations, joins the show |
| 20:46 | Opening a poker room when others are shutting down |
| 23:12 | What’s the vibe of the Sahara poker room? |
| 26:40 | Spreading mixed games |
| 28:30 | Taking poker back to being a good time |
| 32:00 | Sahara promotions and comps |
| 35:40 | The importance of comfortable chairs & food options |
| 39:00 | Dead areas of Vegas being brought back to life |
| 41:30 | Sahara plans for the summer |
| 46:33 | Advertisement: Elite Chip Care |
| 47:38 | Highlights from the GGPoker Spring Festival |
| 47:50 | Lev Gottlieb wins 4th GGSF title |
| 49:46 | F*** Donnie Peters |
| 52:33 | Makita “Boss Baby” Badziakouski |
| 53:44 | Connor Drinan’s epic GGSF comeback win |
| 57:06 | 2020 WSOP champ Damian Salas wins SCOOP title; is he the real deal? |
| 1:02:50 | A look at the next PokerNews Debate |
| 1:04:46 | Is Chad going to MSPT Deadwood? |
| 1:07:27 | Sponsor: GGPoker |
Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show — tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Sarah Herring, Jeff Platt and Chad Holloway on Twitter.
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PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
