Ways Technology Changed Pro Poker

Technology has an influence on all aspects of our lives. In many cases, tech inventions have brought positive changes to the world. Think of smartphones, AI, video games, and online poker.

Technology in Pro poker

When talking about technology, there is a lot of ground to cover. Some things are too common now that some people forget they are technology too. For instance, a camera, a television, or the most basic piece of technology, a smartphone.

Then there are the more complicated technological advancements.  All of these have evolved over the years and have found their way into poker.

Before looking at how all of this technology has affected pro poker, you can have a little glimpse of it on apps. Thanks to technology, there are apps for playing and learning about poker on smartphones.

Since they are available in the easiest way to access, more people have been made aware of poker. Online casinos evolving has also helped poker generally, not pro poker only. More people get to enjoy the game, even if it isn't for professional purposes.

Here are the ways technology has directly changed pro poker.

1. Introducing more pro players

Technology does one thing very well, offering new opportunities. With the rise of online casinos and apps to play poker on, there has been a rise in the number of pro players. Individuals are transforming from being poker players for fun to playing professionally, for big rewards.

In the past, most people enjoyed poker by traveling to Vegas. Today, you can play WSOP satellites 2022 in the comfort of your home through your iPhone.

What's more, the internet has been given the confidence to pursue pro poker seriously. Seeing more people taking poker seriously and not just for fun encourages the rest. The pro poker players that have made it offer inspiration to the upcoming players.

They also advise the upcoming players through video conferences or social media platforms. Explaining the challenges they went through to get to the point they are today. Upcoming pro players get encouraged and learn not to lose hope and keep going. 

2. Airing major events like the WSOP

Poker tournaments are the ultimate place for any pro to show what they are capable of. It is in such tournaments that everybody else gets to see the seriousness of pro poker. From the organization of the event to see it through.

Media investors have recently chosen to support pro poker. They have to be something in it for them, but it is for the greater good of the game. Events, tournaments, and competitions are now aired on Tv. This is a major improvement for pro poker.

Previously, there were other platforms to air pro poker events but weren't good enough. The viewership was good, probably as good as mainstream media. We're talking about Twitch and YouTube. 

Although the viewership numbers are almost similar, the impact is not. The other platforms can only be accessed by certain classes of people.

On the other hand, televisions are accessible to the majority of people. Also, televised events come with an added advantage. Money is made out of airing, unlike the other platforms.

Whether it is money from sponsors or adverts, it is crucial for the growth of pro poker. The added advantage is the other platforms were not stripped of their rights. This means pro poker can get double the exposure it used to get two years ago. That is good progress, all thanks to technology.

3. Online events

If you want to reach the vast majority of youth in any country, just look online. Smartphones, laptops, and computers have changed how the younger generation perceives the world. Anything that they cannot find online is alien to them.

Pro poker has found out that the hard way. Big events or competitions now have apps, like WSOP. These apps can host online competitions to crown online champions of poker.

There is a perfect example of how online events helped pro poker. In 2020, we were in the middle of a pandemic, and public interactions were not possible. That meant that the WSOP competitions in Vegas couldn't go on physically.

However, the event was taken online, and with a little adaptation, the event happened. Technology was the heart of the event that year. There are talks of even hosting bigger events online. This is because of the reach online events have proven to have.

4. Online training videos

When young or upcoming pro poker players are learning how to maneuver the pro world, they need help. One of the ways this help can be achieved is through training manuals. Since poker is a very visual game, written manuals cannot be of much help.

Pro poker players or advisors know that. That is why some of them go out of their way to make training videos for upcoming players.

In these videos, they explain everything from a pro perspective. All the mind games, bluffing skills, and other skills. Once amateur players learn these basics, they feel they are ready to enter the market. This way, you get more players in the pro poker industry.

5. Strategy discussion forums

Strategy is an important skill in poker. It is something conventional, meaning anyone can come up with their own. Sharing these ideas is good for any poker player, professional or not.

This is because the aim of playing any poker match is to win. The best way to win is to have a compact strategy. These strategies can be shared among poker players online through forums.

Social media helps vastly in that. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter are used. Players form groups and share their ideas, making each other better.

Conclusion

You may argue that pro poker has a long way to go before it can be considered accomplished. You are probably right, but it is good to appreciate how far pro poker has come. Technology helped a lot along the way, which is why you can enjoy the game with your friends online today.