PokerNews Podcast: WSOP Leaving ESPN, Damian Salas Debate & Guest Steven Pique of Sahara Poker

On the latest special episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Sarah Herring, Jeff Platt, and Chad Holloway talk about the World Series of Poker (WSOP) moving from ESPN to CBS Sports, the WSOP.com online bracelet event schedule, and highlights from the GGPoker Spring Festival, including Lev Gottlieb capturing his fourth title. Toss in Connor Drinan’s epic GGSF comeback win and a discussion on whether or not 2020 WSOP champ Damian Salas is the real deal after winning a PokerStars SCOOP title, and it's another must-listen episode. Plus, they welcome guest Steven Pique, the Director of Poker Operations at Sahara Las Vegas. The industry insider shared his thoughts on opening a poker room in the current climate, the importance of mixed games and competent staff, and his mission to take poker back to its core of allowing players to have fun. Big thanks to the special sponsor this week in Elite Chip Care. Time Stamps *Time|Topic* 00:24 | Welcome to the show 00:35 | Hitting it hard with Sarah’s Grandma 01:42 | Teasing guest Steven Pique of Sahara Poker 02:05 | Jeff’s experience at Lone Star Poker Series Champions Club 04:39 | WSOP done at ESPN, headed for CBS Sports 12:42 | WSOP.com online bracelet schedule revealed 18:25 | Elite Chip Care 19:11 | Guest Steven Pique, Sahara Director of Poker Operations, joins the show 20:46 | Opening a poker room when others are shutting down 23:12 | What’s the vibe of the Sahara poker room? 26:40 | Spreading mixed games 28:30 | Taking poker back to being a good time 32:00 | Sahara promotions and comps 35:40 | The importance of comfortable chairs & food options 39:00 | Dead areas of Vegas being brought back to life 41:30 | Sahara plans for the summer 46:33 | Advertisement: Elite Chip Care 47:38 | Highlights from the GGPoker Spring Festival 47:50 | Lev Gottlieb wins 4th GGSF title 49:46 | F*** Donnie Peters 52:33 | Makita “Boss Baby” Badziakouski 53:44 | Connor Drinan’s epic GGSF comeback win 57:06 | 2020 WSOP champ Damian Salas wins SCOOP title; is he the real deal? 1:02:50 | A look at the next PokerNews Debate 1:04:46 | Is Chad going to MSPT Deadwood? 1:07:27 | Sponsor: GGPoker