My First Trip to the World Series of Poker
By Jennifer Newell

I first traveled to the Rio to witness the grandeur of the World Series of Poker in 2006. Throughout the course of several short trips to Vegas during the summer, my main purpose was to take in the overall sights and sounds for assigned magazine articles, as well as conduct interviews with specific players for other articles. I had the chance to meet a number of players, the most prominent being Liz Lieu, as we've since developed a sincere friendship. I was in awe of the entire WSOP - the number of players and fans, the massive tournament room, and the clattering of chips that could be heard from outside the doors, the amazing Lifestyle Expo... It was a great experience.

Other than the sporadic trips, my inability to stay long enough to see much of the main event, and my horrible bout with the flu during one of the trips, I was happy to catch a few glimpses of history in the making.

This year, it's a different story.

I am honored to be covering the 2007 WSOP as part of the PokerPages team of reporters! I will be working alongside Justin West, Kaelaine Minton, Michael Cheser, and Aaron Hendrix. At least one of us will be at each event, reporting the action and providing the best color commentary around.

Obviously, I'm excited to be working with such great reporters. And being associated with such a reputable and respected site as PokerPages for the biggest set of tournaments of the year is a treat!

I'm also thrilled to be right in the middle of the action at this year's WSOP. Last year, although I had a media pass, I was mostly in and out of the tournament area quickly, never hanging around for any significant amount of time. I got the overall feel of the event, but interviews had me off in other directions, and I missed most of the tournaments. This year, I consider it to be my first real WSOP experience. I'll be right there with my laptop in the media area and walking around the tables with my notebook in hand. I'll see all of the plays, the emotions, and the history - exactly as it happens.

I'm also energized about being in Vegas for nearly two months. Summer is my favorite time in Vegas, although I love just about any time in Vegas, to be truthful. I love the energy, the hustle and bustle, the extravagance that is Sin City.

In some ways, I've come to view my love affair with Vegas as the relationship that it is. Not always the healthiest of relationships - if an actual man treated me like Vegas does, I would've broken it off long ago - but there has been enough of a bond to keep me involved through the years.

Vegas looks good on the outside - bright lights, nice accommodations, and lots of money floating around. He entices me with all of it. He even advertises and sends me e-mails for discounted stays at my favorite hotels, and he sometimes offers comps at my favorite casinos... Let's face it - he's attractive.

Sometimes, when I visit Vegas, I get treated quite well. The games are good to me, I win enough to cover my expenses, and I get into some great parties. I have productive work time, as there is almost always a work-related reason for my visit, but still find time to spend with my friends. These types of trips make me love Vegas, so much so that I'm sad to leave and can't wait to return.

And other times, Vegas abuses me and practically runs me out of town. I can't win a blackjack hand to save my life, slot machines are cruel, and I become the donkey at any poker table I join. And when I'm running bad, everything else seems to fall in line. Something goes wrong with my room, like the wireless internet not working, and the elevators to/from my hotel floor are too slow. Interview subjects cancel or business meetings get rescheduled. Tourists annoy the crap out of me by walking too slowly, letting their kids run around the casino, or stopping in front of me to take a picture of a casino lobby. After these trips, I can't wait to get out.

Nevertheless, Vegas can take my money, piss me off, and send me away feeling unloved, but within weeks of being back home, I find myself wanting to go back. Somehow, the negative memories fade, and I am convinced that the next visit will be better. Vegas again entices me with good deals and a good time. While I'm smart enough to realize that those promises may be empty ones, I am taken in by the potential of it all.

I know... It sounds like I'm a sucker, but anyone who has the slightest bit of love for Vegas understands what I'm saying.

This summer, I'll be with Vegas for nearly two months. Most of my time there will consist of working at the WSOP and writing from my hotel room, which are both located a good distance from the casino floor where many of my vices could kick into full destructive gear. I'm sure I'll find time to spend with friends in the poker world - maybe some dinners or nights at the clubs - but the exhaustion from long, hectic work days might leave me wanting to sleep more than anything.

Everyone who has been through an entire WSOP (mostly members of the media) tells me that I'll detest Vegas when it's over. I hope that's not true. I don't want our relationship to end on a bad note. We've always been able to get over our differences in the past, and no matter how dysfunctional the relationship may be, the bond between us remains strong. I realize that I will see more of Vegas' negative qualities by being there for so long, but I will do my best to put it in perspective and leave on good terms after the WSOP.

For now, I will keep my concerns in my back pocket and focus on my excitement. I am truly looking forward to the experience!

There is a topic that I'm planning to explore for my next PokerPages article. The gaming expo/convention that will take place at the beginning of July at the Rio is now being touted as a "men's lifestyle" convention rather than a gaming lifestyle expo. I realize that last year's festivities were mainly geared toward men, but to name it as such this year is going too far. Sexism rears its ugly head, and it seems to be sanctioned by Harrahs this year. I will explore this, try to speak to some Harrahs spokespeople, and I'll delve deeper into what this means for women in poker.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at the 2007 World Series of Poker. If you're near the media area, please look for the hard-working PokerPages reporters and say hi. See you in Vegas!

Until our next rendezvous...

Jen

Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer, originally from St. Louis but now living in Los Angeles. She fell in love with poker while working at WPT and began writing about it in 2005. Please feel free to e-mail her with your comments, experiences, and feedback at jen3351@msn.com. She looks forward to your thoughts.