Next Stop: World Series of Poker
By Amy Calistri

When Benny Binion invited a handful of players to compete for the World Series of Poker in 1970, he knew it had the potential to grow into a world class event. In 1972, he speculated that the field would probably grow to 20 players the following year, maybe even 50. But even with Benny's vision, I'm not sure he could have predicted the WSOP mania that this year's event will represent. The final event will host over 6000 players. There will be more media covering the event than there were players in its first decade. And winning any bracelet or finishing at the final table of the championship event will be a defining moment in the lives of those that make the mark.

This year, probably more than any other, will offer so many opportunities. There will be bigger prize pools, more sponsorship opportunities, and more media exposure. There will be more networking among industry participants, promising exciting and lucrative business alliances. There will be more friendships and support networks forged between players. And lest we forget, there will be some outstanding poker.

But as Dickens noted, sometimes the best of times are indeed the worst of times. And ever since Dave Scharf dubbed me "caution girl" I feel a duty to distill caution from the wind. So let me just take a brief moment to kill the buzz.

Bigger Dreams Bigger Disappointments:

I was on the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization that provided low cost mental health services to local musicians. Every spring we would see a spike in clientele, coinciding with Austin's annual SXSW music festival. For independent bands and musicians, this was their big dance. This was the one real shot they had at being heard and signing with a major record label. Our clients represented every facet of a chased dream; the musicians that failed to make the cut to get into the festival, the musicians that failed to get signed during the festival, and musicians that with the additional stress, saw their lives start to unravel.

With the WSOP just weeks away, many more poker players will be heading into this cycle of expectation, disappointment and stress. You can already feel the tension building on the newsgroups and forums. For every person that secured an online qualification for the big dance, there are hundreds that have failed to fill their dance card and are now dealing with the prospect that another year will pass them by. Every qualifier knows that, even at long odds, this could be their chance, and for many, performance anxiety is already starting to be a factor. And there are some that have put their lives on the line for this opportunity, and its not going to take a whole lot to push them over that line. And all of this before the first pocket aces are cracked.

Enjoying "Our" Moment:

Even if you have to sit this one out this year, remember that this is our moment, the time when we get to see some of the best our sport has to offer. There will be some outstanding media coverage this year, and we will have the ability to view our game as never before. You will be able to follow and cheer your favorite players and friends every step along their quest. You will be able to dissect hands and analyze strategy in real time on forums and newsgroups. This year, even the rail stands to be a good seat. And since I will be railbirding along side you, maybe this is a good time to ask what you specifically want to hear about. What will enhance your rail experience? What stories do you want to hear about? Who do you want interviewed and what would you ask them? Email any suggestions you have to Amy@pokerpages.com.

If you are participating in the big dance, revel in the experience. Meet people, play hard, and learn. Even if a bracelet is not your outcome, do everything it takes to leave the table better prepared for the next opportunity. I know many players who have danced in the Big One, and each one of them emerged from the experience a richer player, regardless of their finish.

Enjoy the WSOP for what it is, not what it could have been. Every person that has made it to the top of their field will tell you that there was never "one shot" or overnight opportunity that made them what they are. Success is a usually a local not an express. And whether this year's WSOP is just a view from your window, a stop along your journey or the successful culmination of a long road traveled, it stands to be a hell of a ride. And even from the rail, I can't wait until they shuffle up and deal me in.

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