World Poker Tour History World Poker Tour History The World Poker Tour had its beginnings in 2001, when a popular film producer, Steven Lipscomb, created the idea to have poker hands televised while play was occurring. He set the WPT in motion by approaching 12 casinos to run WPT poker tournaments. He then approached several networks to air the tourneys, and was pleased to have the Travel Channel agree to televise the World Poker Tour during the 2003 season. The WPT was born, and it’s first show aired on March 30, 2003. The World Poker Tour was an instant success. It became the Travel Channel’s highest rated show ever, and has since been broadcast in 120 countries. Highlights of the 2003 World Poker Tour Season: On December 23, 2003 the Travel Channel ran a WPT “marathon”, and received their highest ratings to date. The total prize pool for all tournaments exceeded $10 million. The season finale, played at Bellagio, had a buy-in of $25,000, which was the largest ever in history. Over 100 poker players participated World Poker Tour launched its web store in September 2003, which was later revamped in November 2005. The online store sells clothing, season DVDs, poker chips, cards, jewellery, books, video games and autographs.
Highlights of the 2004 World Poker Tour Season: - On January 24, 2004, WPT introduced a new television show, called the Hollywood Home Game.
- August 11, 2004, WPTE begins trading publically.
- 14 tournaments were played overall
- The prize pool was over $35 million.
- The championship tournament had 342 players. First prize was $2.7 million. Total prize pool was $8.3 million.
Highlights of the 2005 World Poker Tour Season: - October 18 – WPT video game released, for play on the X Box, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance.
- November 7 – World Poker Tour launches newly redesigned site and online store. Now offers TV schedules, tournament recaps, player career winnings, and poker biographies.
- November 18 – largest prize pool in WPT history at the Foxwoods World Poker Finals. 783 players pay the $10,000 buy-in. Over $2 million goes to the first place winner, and $1 million to second.
- WPTE enters into partnership with Chipleaders.com, to create a social network for poker players to find other poker players, develop friendships and share their experiences.
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