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ESPN and PokerGO Expands WSOP Coverage to Include Big One for One Drop

As most poker fans already know, ESPN and PokerGO joined forces in 2017 to broadcast the World Series of Poker Main Event. This expanded coverage allowed fans to watch the event live from start to finish between live TV broadcasts and streaming online video.

The partnership was well-received by the community, so much so that the pair have decided to expand coverage in 2018. This year, both parties will not only broadcast the 2018 WSOP Main Event but also the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop.

Big One for One Drop to Conclude 2018 WSOP

Unlike previous years, the 2018 World Series of Poker will not conclude when the Main Event champion is crowned. Instead, the $1 million Big One for One Drop will run from July 16 through 17.

The event kicks off on July 16 and ESPN will broadcast the event live from 12 am to 2 am on the morning of the 17th. Any coverage not broadcast by ESPN will run on PokerGO.

The event will then play to conclusion starting at 9 pm on July 17. An edited replay broadcast of the final will run on July 21 from 11 pm to 1 am.

According to Poker Central Chief Digital Officer J.R. McCabe, “Last year, both ESPN viewership and PokerGO subscription numbers were very strong throughout the WSOP Main Event. This year, we’re doubling down on live coverage of the World Series of Poker by adding the Big One for One Drop and bringing even more live poker to fans worldwide.”

WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart also commented, stating, “We’re ecstatic that ESPN and Poker Central continue to raise the bar and deliver more live poker content to audiences across the globe. Fans today demand immediacy and wall-to-wall coverage and this year’s offering delivers on that in spades.”

Main Event to Run Live from July 2 to July 14

Just like last year, the 2018 WSOP Main Event will run live from start to finish from July 2 to July 14. ESPN2 will broadcast live Day 1 through 3 and then ESPN and ESPN2 will split the coverage until the final table.

Starting at the final table, ESPN will broadcast live each day. On July 12, the final table will play to six players. On July 13, the final will play to the final three and on July 14 they will play to a champion.

Leading up to the final table, anytime that ESPN or ESPN2 is not broadcasting, coverage of the Main Event will be live streamed on PokerGO.

PokerGO is a subscription poker streaming service that carries over 100 days of live poker action, including events such as the Super High Roller Bowl, Poker Masters, Aria High Roller Series and the US Poker Open.

Subscriptions start at $10 a month or you can opt for an annual subscription for $99. With enhanced coverage of the WSOP that includes the Big One for One Drop, odds are that we will see a jump in PokerGO subscriptions this year with the biggest spike coming starting in late May or early June.

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