Working with so many wonderfully dedicated professionals is a great privilege. Those you see in the photo above aren’t just my co-workers. They are dear friends. They are like family.
Over the past nine seasons, the World Series of Poker Circuit has grown from just five locations in its first year to 20 stops this current season. More stops are expected to be added in 2013-2014.
Here’s a note of thanks to these tournament professionals, who I consider the very best in the business. In the photo above, see (left to right): Me, Kurt Dau, Allen Ray, Dennis Jones, Jordan Cutter, and Charlie Ciresi. In front (left to right) are Jami Walters, Joanne Douglas, and Jessica Hudson. This photo was taken last week at the conclusion of the first-ever WSOP Circuit stop held at Cherokee, North Carolina.
Several other executives who work the WSOP Circuit regularly are not pictured. I’ll try and post more photos of these fine people from the upcoming WSOP in Las Vegas. Also, note that the current season comes to a close next month in New Orleans. I’ll be spending nearly three weeks there, my favorite American city. The WSOP Circuit in New Orleans runs May 8-24 (which includes the WSOP National Championship).
I’d also like to acknowledge all the extraordinary poker dealers who travel around the country with us going to each WSOP Circuit stop. Believe me, it’s not easy living in a hotel room for more than half of the year and playing all of your own expenses. If you’re a poker player, please acknowledge these fine people in some way next time you see them. Even a kind word of thanks means a lot at the end of a long day.
Remember — it’s New Orleans in May. And then, the big one returns again to Las Vegas this summer.