Creator of the World Poker Tour Aims for Second International Hit

12 October 2005

LOS ANGELES, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WPTE), the creator of the WORLD POKER TOUR® (WPT), will arrive at MIPCOM with a pair of aces. Not only will the company be marketing its worldwide hit series to international broadcasters, but WPTE will unveil its newest venture, the PROFESSIONAL POKER TOURSM (PPT)—a series that capitalizes on the global poker mania, but showcases only the top 250 players in the game. "All pros…all of the time."

Bringing to the screen only fan favorites will insure a built-in audience. Players must first qualify for their PPT Card based on a point system that takes into account previous performances, just like on the professional golf tour. Viewers can expect to see such names as Gus Hansen, Carlos Mortensen, Doyle Brunson, Annie Duke, Daniel Negreanu, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Bobby Baldwin, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Tom McEvoy, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Layne Flack, Phil Ivey, Jennifer Harman, David "Devilfish" Ulliott, Mel Judah, Scotty Nguyen, Erick Lindgren, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, Huck Seed, Carlos Mortensen, Chris Moneymaker, Chip Reese, Erick Seidel, Lyle Berman, John Juanda, Kathy Liebert, Antonio Esfandiari, Ted Forrest and T.J. Cloutier to name a few.

The game remains the same, but the television shows will be distinctly different from the WPT. The PPT has a different commentating crew, including Mark Seif, who recently won two gold bracelets at the 2005 World Series of Poker. The PPT shows focus not just on the Final Table, but also highlights in the preliminary rounds….more of the famous faces laying it on the line and going "All-In." The tournaments are $500,000 "free-rolls," which means that the PPT puts up the prize money—the players do not have to "buy-in" with their own cash. Viewers will see a different and more muted color palette—including a navy blue felt table. Play is timed, so that each player must make a decision to call, raise or fold within 90 seconds or the hand is called dead. Count on even more exciting drama from the PPT!

"The PPT gives poker fans non-stop action with the biggest names in the game," said Steve Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "We believe the success we have had selling the WPT into 116 countries and territories is only the tip of the iceberg. The PPT lets us hold a great pair and gives our TV partners a winning hand, too."

The PPT will be offered to the international market in time to debut the new shows in early 2006. There will be 48 hours of programming in the package.

"Here's a chance to get in on the ground floor with a blockbuster new product before it's even debuted in the U.S." said Gary MacKinney, Executive Director of International Sales. "We're looking for TV partners with a vision, who can see how marketing the PPT as an exclusive in their territory will give them poker primacy in their market and drive up revenue."

For more information or to make appointments, contact MacKinney at (323) 330 9886 in the U.S. or by cell phone at the show (U.S.) 1 (661) 373 4622.

About WPT Enterprises, Inc.

WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes.


Related Links
Ranked Online Poker Rooms
WPT Gaming Vendor Information
WPT Enterprises Gaming Vendor Information

Featured Vendors
REDW Business & Financial Resources, LLC
Betson Imperial Parts & Service
REDW Business & Financial Resources, LLC
Improve Your Odds of Success: Trust in REDW’s Tribal Casino Operations & Audit Experts!
Betson Imperial Parts & Service
Your one stop shop for all your gaming and OEM needs!
Slot Machines Unlimited
Sunkist Graphics, Inc.
Slot Machines Unlimited
Exporter of IGT, Williams, AVP, Trimline, Aristocrat, Konami, Bally, & parts over 20 yrs experience
Sunkist Graphics, Inc.
Specializing in the creation of best-of-breed gaming graphics - slot glass, sign faces, and more
Concept 3, LLC
Regulatory Management Counselors, PC
Concept 3, LLC
Custom Creations, Unmatched Value – Elevating Brands with Quality & Savings Since 2004
Regulatory Management Counselors, PC
Over 45 years of experience serving the legal and regulatory needs of casino industry clients
Imagine This
Rymax Marketing Services, Inc.
Imagine This
Imagine This #1 Source for Player Gifts. Over $50 million in stock ready to ship! Let us serve you!
Rymax Marketing Services, Inc.
Leader in creating award winning player & employee loyalty programs & events proven to increase ROI
Prezzee
Casino Network
Prezzee
Prezzee provides digital gift cards from top brands to reward loyal guests and employees.
Casino Network
20+ years experience selling refurbished slot machines, parts & glass for all major brands
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference
Players Pal
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference
The biggest little show in Indian gaming! Save the date: July 14-16, 2025 Oklahoma City
Players Pal
Revolutionize the way you connect with your casino players with the Players Pal mobile app
Casino Schedule Ease
Texas Slots & Gaming
Casino Schedule Ease
Full Featured & customizable for the complex scheduling needs of table games & other casino depts
Texas Slots & Gaming
Wholesale gaming reimagined. Texas Slots & Gaming is your sustainable gaming partner.
TribalHub
Casino City Press
TribalHub
26th Annual TribalNet Conference Sept 15-18, 2025 at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada
Casino City Press
A leading publisher and distributor of casino and gaming business data and market research reports.


Your Guide to 14,963 Gaming Industry Suppliers