The reason I wouldn't want Mike Matusow to win the WSOP

[Mr. Curious]

Every newbie that watches him win will copy his antics and bring a lot of poor sportsmanship and general unfriendliness to the games. They don't understand the difference between a tournament and a ring game, nor do they realize that he may act that way at times to get certain reactions from people. If people wear sunglasses and hats to play poker because of Moneymaker and Raymer, think of the attitude they will bring with them if Mike Matusow won.

[coffeecrazy1]

Check my thread in News.

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Every newbie that watches him win will copy his antics and bring a lot of poor sportsmanship and general unfriendliness to the games. They don't understand the difference between a tournament and a ring game, nor do they realize that he may act that way at times to get certain reactions from people. If people wear sunglasses and hats to play poker because of Moneymaker and Raymer, think of the attitude they will bring with them if Mike Matusow won.

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean like how Phil H has inspired many players of today? You think this is something new?

b

[Mr. Curious]

While it is true that Phil has inspired some players, the World Series is so glamourfied now that Matusow would have a much bigger impact. There is also a difference between the two: Helmuth bitches when he loses, Matusow bitches all of the time.

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
While it is true that Phil has inspired some players, the World Series is so glamourfied now that Matusow would have a much bigger impact. There is also a difference between the two: Helmuth bitches when he loses, Matusow bitches all of the time.

[/ QUOTE ]

When players proudly start stating that they are Matusowing instead of Hellmuthing, I'll worry then. Yes, some idiots actually have used that term. They try and justify it as a way to make players go on tilt, blah blah.

Don't underestimate just how much Phil has influenced players with his actions. He's been much, much more visible with much more shows of idiotness during this poker explosion than Matusow.

That's not to say Matusow isn't a tool.

b

[PokerFoo]

I find it interesting that so many come to hasty, harsh opinions of someone without really knowing them.

What do you base you opinions about Mike on? An episode of poker on TV?

It may be interesting to you to learn that many of the 'well admired' players who also have a bit of notoriety are very good friends with Mike and speak very highly of him as a person. Mike even speaks highly of Greg Raymer. The innocent conflict they had in last years event, in and of itself, is good for TV poker though. It turns something as dull as a card game into drama. And THATS ratings.

It is said that all great champions in sports have a mean streak. I think this describes the competitive nature of champions.

I dont know Mike personally, but I did meet him one time and spoke briefly with him after asking for an autograph. He was very approachable and jumped into conversation like he was a long time old buddy. There was no Star attitude that you often find in people after they gain a little fame. In the 2 minutes I spoke with him Id have to say, I liked Mike. He was open, honest and didnt brush me off as quickly as possable. I think he would have stopped and talked for an hour if he wasnt with a group of people who were obviously anxious to get going.

As far as poker on TV goes, I'll offer this last entry from my personal blog and let you decide whats good for poker or not good for poker.

July 16 Just after Mike's bustout

Well, Mike Matusow bust out in 9th. I have to say, this bust out dissapointed me the most. I know My early predictions were on Phil Ivey but after following Mikes play for the week I really was right there in it with him. He played amazing poker and his exit really bummed me out. As is often typical, Mike got in with the best hand and got unlucky.

There isn't much left thats interesting about the possable conclusion of this years WSOP. In fact, Mike's bustout in 9th will likely surpass the interest of who wins the whole thing on many levels. Some uncharismatic unknown will win and noone will care. I don't see anyone really standing out and the final play will likely be dull and slow until the blinds threaten to gobble up all the remaining players.

People will be saying things this year like "That guy that won the WSOP. You know.. whats his name? The guy with the brown hair... "

This years champion was forgotten before he got out of bed to play this morning.

Tough beat Mike. It was a pleasure watching your play this week. Fantastic effort!


----

Foo