Jeffrey Pollack resigns as WSOP Commissioner

Bloggers / Dave Allan / 13 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Poker lost a friend today as Jeffrey Pollack resigned from his post as WSOP Commissioner with immediate effect, in order to "explore new business challenges."

Pollack has been instrumental in the growth of the World Series of Poker since he took the position in 2005. That year Joe Hachem outlasted 5,619 players to win $7,500,000 and the following year saw Jamie Gold best a record field of 8,773 to win $12,000,000.

In fact whilst Pollack has been in power, the WSOP has grown by 88%, despite the US Government trying their best to make life difficult by attempting to ban online poker.

Pollack has not only being an ambassador for the WSOP but he also had a major part in a number of poker related initiatives including refurbishing the Poker Hall of Fame, the creation of the Players Advisory Council, the love-it or hate-it November Nine, the $50,000 HORSE Championship and the creation of the World Series of Poker Europe.

Thanks to Pollack, the WSOP will be screened on television for the next seven years after helping seal a deal with sports giants ESPN and extra exposure will help the game continue to grow. Add to this sponsors such as Milwaukee Light and Corum being introduced to the poker world and it is easy to see why he will be sorely missed.

Although Harrah's has said they are in no rush to appoint a successor to Mr pollack, all eyes are on Mitch Garber who currently runs Harrah's Interactive Entertainment, which is Harrah's online arm. Only time will tell.

When asked about his resignation, Pollack said, "It's bittersweet, but I'm leaving with just great memories and a really nice sense of it being a good run. More than anything else, I'm just appreciative of the opportunity to have been part of the WSOP."

Thank you Jeffrey Pollack for all your hard work over the last five years