Passion for Poker Still Runs Strong for Seniors
For years, poker was regarded as the pastime of aging cowboys in saloons or retirees playing the game for peanuts. Poker in the year 2011 is now known as a young person’s game, with television coverage and internet poker rooms having been dominated by a youth movement since the Moneymaker-boom eight years ago. While the young guns still run roughshod over much of the poker world, the final table of this year’s WSOP Seniors Championship has shown that the older generation still loves poker as much as anyone else.
Since starting final table play over two hours ago, a large audience of supporters, friends, family and even curious spectators has gathered to surround the final table area. Passing by the crowd to observe the play, we have overheard many conversations which illustrate just how passionate seniors are about the game of poker.
With nine of the best poker players over 50 years of age competing here tonight for a treasured WSOP bracelet, it is safe to say that poker is still an “old school” game.