There I was, sitting in front of the television watching the 6:00pmEST edition of Sportscenter while eating my lunch, and ESPN shows me what the upcoming programs will be on the network this evening (afternoon). Fine, you say, that’s normal. Well, yeah, but one of the shows is the 2004 World Series of Poker. (It’s Texas hold ’em.) Now, I’ve played my share of poker, although I don’t know this version of the game. Five card, seven-card-stud; I’ve won and lost my share of quarters and up playing those. But whatever the style, here’s what I don’t get: why is it a spectator sport? What, you’re gonna root for a good card to come up in the shuffle? It’s not like Jeopardy, where at least you can feel proud of yourself if you know the answer question.
I’d say ESPN’s regressing to its early days of programming, when it would show badminton or ping-pong to fill up the hours, except that Bravo, the Travel Channel, and Fox have also recognized the potential.
I don’t get it.
They also show – or did show – Magic: the Gathering tournaments. That was really sad.
Aw, I kinda miss the early ESPN days – my dad and I loved all that Australian rules football and rugby. I like SportsCenter well enough, but there’s only so many hours of it I need per day.
ESPN is also getting into the big bass fishing trend which confounds me – who’s watching somebody fish?
Vanessa, I’d be tempted to say the same people who watch NASCAR, but I’d be guilty of stereotyping.