Dragging Poker Kicking and Screaming Into the 21st Century

Sometimes, when it's for the better good, you've just gotta do something on behalf of a community, even if it doesn't appreciate it at first. Such is the case with Lyle Berman, Steve Lipscomb, and the World Poker Tour.

The first event on the World Poker Tour (the final table of Bellagio's $10,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em tournament) took place on a soundstage that had been erected in Bellagio's convention center. And it wasn't just some rinky-dink little set, either.

It was a custom-built soundstage, and included16 cameras pointing in every conceivable angle, including underneath and above the table, one on each of the players to capture great facial expression shots, and even one on an extendable arm to sweep the table, the crowd, and the room.

The finalists were even taken to longtime Vegas menswear clothier Mastroianni Fashions, where they were fitted for custom suits. Some people argued that this was objectionable, and I just want to say that that's ludicrous. As a matter of fact, I'm rather pleased with the idea – and its outcome. Not only did every player walk away with a handsome new garment that he will have for a long time to come (we're talking tailored suits here, folks, not some tacky bridesmaid's dress in teal or fuchsia), everyone looked like a mensch (in case you don't speak Yiddish, that loosely translates to "nice young man" or "upstanding member of society"), which is good for poker.

Even the trophy, a stunning work of cut lead crystal designed by John Amendola (another member of the poker community), is so beautiful that we've commissioned him to do the piece that Card Player and CardPlayer.com are awarding Phil Ivey for being the best overall player at the 2002 World Series of Poker.

So, while there is an undercurrent of grumbling from people who object to dressing poker players in suits and gussying up a stage, saying that it's an unfair representation of the game and its players, I remind everyone that change can be good, and oftentimes is necessary to take something (in this case, tournament poker – and poker in general) to the next level.

Lyle, Steve, and everyone else attached to the WPT – I, for one, salute you. And maybe (dare to dream) I'll even play well enough in the upcoming months to earn a seat at the final table. I can certainly use the new suit!