World Series of Poker in Pokemon Fever | poker news

The draw of playing for millions of dollars in a single poker tournament is evident, and the increased attendance for the 2016 World Series of Poker Main Event certainly speaks for itself. The thing is, there’s a lot of downtime in the early stages of any tournament, and even more so when a format like the WSOP Main Event is involved.

For a long time, players would do things like watch movies or listen to podcasts on their phones and tablets, or engage in more active pursuits like open face Chinese poker or online poker while sitting at the table without a hand. However, with the explosion of Pokémon G0 in recent weeks, many players have decided to turn their attention to catching them all.

They have a lot going for them in that regard, as the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino has basically transformed into Pallet Town or Veridian City, with Poké Stops throughout the convention center and even a gym near the registration desk.

For the past few days, it has been a common sight to see a poker player wandering the halls during the break, his phone held up as he tries to catch a virtual monster to add to his collection.

While seated at the table, several players took advantage of the humorous random placement of Pokémon on their screens and snapped candid shots of their surroundings.

These Pokémon are everywhere! Even playing the @WSOP main event pic.twitter.com/uYGzGhfZdi

— Gavin Griffin (@nhgg) July 11, 2016

@WSOP @WSOPTD @SavagePoker It’s one player per hand, but how many Pokemon per hand? And if Pokemon has two heads? pic.twitter.com/zCo5U4rQnF

— Brian Vickers (@MisterVickers) July 12, 2016

Who is sleepier? @wsop pic.twitter.com/jHJkjaJxei

— Chris Lindh (@LINDHsanity) July 13, 2016

During the course of play in a poker tournament, there is a lot of downtime that you can take advantage of, e.g. B. if there is a long line at the registration.

Pokemon Hunt in the WSOP Registration Line. #HeGotOne pic.twitter.com/Awb67EfhS1

— AlCantHang (@AlCantHang) July 10, 2016

The craze has also spread well beyond the confines of the Rio, as players have also turned their attention to refilling their Pokédexes during their 90-minute meal breaks or at the end of the night.

Day 2 Dinner Break of the WSoP ME: I ate 155,000 chips, ate some great ramen and hit about 15 PokeStops

— Justin Bonomo (@JustinBonomo) July 13, 2016

Left the Rio. Took the long way home. Put the Tesla on autopilot. Get them all.

– David Williams (@dwpoker) July 11, 2016

Of course, not everyone is excited about players trying to become Pokemon champions at the same time in the WSOP Main Event…

Had a dream that two of me @WSOP #Main Event Horses were hidden on day 2 while playing #PokemonGO In the parking lot #it ​​wasn’t a dream

— Justin Adams (@bcjadams) July 12, 2016

…and others might slow down a bit to enthusiastic.

How rare does a Pokemon have to be to justify queuing your camera for the urinal?

— Mike McDonald (@MikeMcDonald89) July 13, 2016