World Poker Tour

Poker World Changes
In 2002, the World Poker Tour (WPT) was founded by Steven Lipscomb and transformed poker into a mainstream sport. The poker hole card camera was used at ESPN for the 2003 WSOP Main Event. However, the WPT tournament series extensively featured the hole card camera and it laid the foundation for the widespread appeal of poker as a spectator sport.

In March 1993, the WPT first aired on the Travel Channel and became an instant success. In 2004, the WPT made its network debut on NBC with a "Battle of Champions" tournament which aired against the CBS Super Bowl pre-game show. In 2008, Fox Sports Networks picked up the tour.

Superstars
As televised poker gained widespread availability WPT Champions, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Antonio Esfandiari, Nick Schulman, Scotty Nguyen, and others became some of the biggest superstars in the game.

Anchors Away
The WPT broadcast featured the commentary of Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten and was broadcast globally in over 150 countries. Tony Dunst joined the cast as host after the retirement of Mike Sexton after 15 years.

Club WPT
In 2008, Club WPT was launched and members pay a monthly fee to play in online tournaments that award cash and prizes and entry into WPT live events. This marked a significant move into the digital realm for poker.

Shot Clock
In 2017, to promote faster gameplay the WPT pioneered the Poker Shot Clock, ensuring a more dynamic and exciting poker experience.

WPT World Championship
In 2022, the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas made its debut setting a new record for the largest guaranteed prize pool in live tournament poker history. The event attracted nearly 3,000 entrants nearly doubling the prize pool which reached $29 million.

Modern Landscape
In 2021, Allied Esports Entertainment sold the WPT to Element Partners for $68,250,000 in cash up-front and a 5% revenue share of tournament entry fees. Over the course of 22 seasons the World Poker Tour awarded over $1.35 billion in prize money at 760 global events. From its use of hole card cameras, its global expansion and digital platforms, the WPT is a dynamic force in the world of competitive poker.

Over the course of 22 seasons the World Poker Tour awarded over $1.35 billion in prize money at 760 global events. From its use of hole card cameras, its global expansion and digital platforms, the WPT is a dynamic force in the world of competitive poker.