https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2009-07-23/the-world-series-of-poker-is-back/

The World Series of Poker Is Back

By Fernie Martinez, July 23, 2009, 11:38am, The Score

It's time to set those DVR's, poker fans. Starting Tuesday, July 28, the World Series of Poker returns to ESPN. Coverage of the 2009 WSOP will commence with the special $40,000 buy-in event that commemorated the 40th anniversary of the prestigious tournament. New episodes will continue every Tuesday through November.

ESPN limited its television schedule to include only four events this year. These include the Champions Invitational and actor Don Cheadle's Ante Up for Africa event which are sure to provide familiar faces and help increase sagging ratings. Missing from the television lineup this year is the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, which many players consider to be the WSOP's crown jewel. It seems Texas Hold 'em is the only game capable of retaining television viewers.

Rounding out the coverage is, of course, the Main Event. ESPN will dedicate an impressive 24 episodes to the Main Event this year. Coverage for that event runs from August 18 through November 10, concluding with the nearly live airing of the final table episode. The eagerly anticipated final table includes top pro, Jeff Shulman, and arguably the game's best, Phil Ivey.