Yes, it seems bonkers to us too, but the American network which airs both WPT and HSP is thinking of bringing both to a close
Monday 9th June 2008
They might well be two of the highest grossing poker shows of all but it hasn’t stopped GSN from looking to axe the World Poker Tour and High Stakes Poker. GSN had initially extended a deadline to sign for Season 7 of the WPT, but it seems they have declined the option, meaning the end for the duo of Sexton and Van Patten.
The market value of the WPT has plummeted in the last few years, dropping from half a billion dollars to just under $24 million. It is believed Steve Lipscomb will seek other networks to sign the show, although there’s a suspicion many TV executives feel poker has reached its saturation point in the US.
High Stakes Poker is also under threat, despite being perhaps the most popular TV show in the world. A big hit not only in the US but across Europe and the UK, the show has seen some of the biggest cash pots ever, with the last series ending with over $5 million on the table.
The potential decisions are more confusing when the European poker market is going from strength to strength, with new show formats and channels springing up in the past couple of years. Either way, someone go and talk some sense into GSN will they?
