Prior to reading this, I saw the WPT as being beneficial to everyone involved. The casinos got excellent exposure, the players were given a lot of publicity and usually presented in a positive light, and WPT and travel channel raked in huge ratings. Even players not making the final table had the opportunity to play in some of the largest prize pools of any tournaments in history. Boycotting these large events just seems unwise for players who make their living playing tournaments. As someone else mentioned, the players don't really make the broadcasts good. Mike and Vince can make almost anyone interesting to watch...even the internet player no one knows.

What I had not realized was the use of the players image, etc without their permission. I don't know if it's true that WPT included people in their video games and advertisements without compensation. If that's true, I would be weary about entering such an event. While Laak, Lindgren, Esfandiari are happy to be used by WPT in anyway, I can see why Ferguson, Lederer, or Ivey would be less interested.