Rumors are that BJ tournaments are on the rise for 2006/2007. I have been hearing of several possible BJ tours on the horizon. Entry fees will vary from $200 up to a whooping $25,000 per person. And online satellites for these big events are just around the corner. Once these tournaments come about with there hugh prizes we can start having "Pro" blackjack tournament players. Then players can make a living from just tournament play like the poker pro's.
Agreed Rick, I'm just going to thorw this out there... Would it be a proactive move for players to find sponsors to help with these entry fee costs? For instance, I know of a couple of places up here in Northern CA that would sponsor myself, if I in return, wore their hat or shirt on tourneys and even better, on television. Sidekick
If you can get them to sponsor you, go for it! I was sponsored last year for 8 tournaments. The only problem is you WON'T get on TV with any logo! And in the WSOB shows you could not wear any logo of any type for the first two years. This year the sponsoring casino will be allowed to have their qualifiers wear their logo attire on the show. I hope I am getting to wear Cherokee casino accross my chest this year...LOL. For one it will mean I won this Friday, for two it will mean that I have a seat this year and for three they will be paying for everything for me. No pressure, "Just Win Baby"...LOL. In year two of the Million Dollar BJ tournament at the LV Hilton I had a deal worked out for four players to wear an online casinos logo shirts and hats for $2,000 each and if we made it on TV (semis) we got extra $1,000, and the finals $5,000. Not a bad deal to just wear a free shirt and hat. Anyone that can find sponsorship should go for it, even if you have to give up a small percentage of your winnings. Most every player would come out a head that way. I actually was ask to make some personal appearances just because I was in the finals last year...LOL. What the hell they can pay me to go to a casino anytime. Kenny E. has written a book and started his own radio show (with some other guy?)...LOL If you can sell yourself then I say go for it. Worst they can do is tell you NO!
From The Other Guy I guess I'm the " Other Guy " now. Kenny would have asked you to be his co-host but once he saw that you could not remember your own phone number he figured you would not be able to find the studio on Thursady nights :laugh: So I ask you this question, how will higher entry fee's allow players to call themselves pro's and make a living playing blackjack tournaments.? Higher entry fee's mean more expenses .Anyone who plays in tournaments and who's winnings far exceed their entry fee's and expenses can and should refer to themselves as a " Pro " or Seasoned Player.There are very few players who have achived this level. Here is another example, almost everyone has played some sort of organized baseball but few are good enough to play it as a "Pro" Everyone can play in Blackjack Tournaments but few can play at a level over the years where their winnings far exceed their entry fee's and expenses.If they have achived this level they can and should be considered a "Pro" they have earned it and for sure deserve that status.The only people who have a problem with their title are our "NARROW" minded friends in "suits" at the local casino
Other Guy...LOL Of course Joep is the other guy I was referring to in my above post...LOL. All kidding aside Joep does a hell of a job on the show. Now what I am talking about is with higher prize money and TV will come sponsorship (which will cut expences for the players). And with over hundreds of thousands of dollars up to a million dollars in prize money at stake for the winners a player(s) could make a living just off a successful BJ tournament career. When someone can make their living from what they play and not have any type of regular job is when I will concede that they are a "Pro". This is based on "IF" and when these bigger tournaments and tours come about. The entry fees have nothing to do with becoming a "Pro" or not, it is making a living from the winnings is how I judge. Yes, I conceed that their are several players who are in the black for their prize winnings vs. entries and other expences. But I ask you this, How many of them do this for a living? I don't count anyone that is drawing any type of retirement or disability payments to fall back on. I mean their sole income is based on playing in (just) blackjack tournaments. I also conceed that their are "Pro" tournament players out there and they make a good living, but that is all the tournaments and not just BJ.
Bad Example Is that to say that If you have invested in your future and receive monies from other endeavors that your success rate in tournaments should be diminished because you have other means of income .Shame on you Tex !! Like you have said there are few who have won a lot more than they have spent in entry fee's.These players would most likely be the ones that would be considered for corp. sponsorship.After all why would someone sponsor a player who does not have a proven track record. So for those who consider themselves "Pros" keep it up because when the day comes for corp. sponsorship they will be on the front of the line.Encouraging players not to use the "Pro" tag is bad advice .But of course you have to have the result's to prove your status. Just running your mouth on TV, or making for good TV does not make you a " Pro" that stuff is for reality shows, not for real tournaments, and that where we need to get to if we ever want blackjack tournaments taken serious. What you are seeing now, you would never see on ESPN during the WSOP. Shows that are on now actually make everyone look foolish and feeding into that behavior is not good for the game and the future players who are watching this and thinking this is how they should act if they want to play at a high level. Let's look at Phil Hellmuth as a glaring example, yes he does make for good TV when he fly's off the handle. The difference is his act does not kick in before they even deal the first card out.When he has a meltdown he has a reason that the audience can actually see and relate to .This is not to say that his meltdowns are all correct.In his mind they are but thats what makes it good TV. If you want to see unplanned great TV moments watch the UBT Tournaments especially Freedy Deeb losing it .That may be the best unplanned TV blow up that you will ever see !!
Joep that is just my opinion, I didn't say it is right or wrong, but yes that is the way I feel. I am not trying to diminished any of our tournament players success. All I was saying is that if any player is not making enough money from their tournament winnings to pay monthly household bills and other expences without and outside income should not be called a "Pro". Once again Joep this is just my opinion. Anyone that wants to be called a pro is welcome to do so, just don't complain when a casino doesn't let you play because you are a "Pro". I do agree with you about some of the TV shows and how foolish they make you some of the players look. I am proud to say that I was just myself last year. The only thing I did different was played higher bets early, other then that I was just myself. You know me and I do joke and kid around at the tables, but I get serious when I need too.
