Look Who's Playing Poker

It seems people from all walks of life are enjoying poker today. Millions watched the excitement and drama unfold weekly on the World Poker Tour, and more and more people are now playing poker because of it. Poker's growth is also increasing because of the new casinos nationwide and the Internet (which is why Chris Moneymaker, the reigning world champion of poker, is wearing the crown).

The beauty of poker is that anyone can win. It's also a game that anyone can play. Age, sex, and race make no difference on the green felt. People of legal age and any physical condition can play. From college kids to retirees, politicians to athletes, housewives to businessmen, it seems everyone is becoming interested in poker.

Poker has been around for a long time. It became famous back in the days of the Old West. Tournament poker, however, originated with the advent of the World Series of Poker in 1970. (I wish Benny Binion could see how popular his vision has become.) Poker has shed its image of being played in smoke-filled backrooms of pool halls, has carved out a new image for itself, and has become socially acceptable. As a result, the game is now attracting a more upscale crowd, especially successful businessmen.

Why are successful businessmen attracted to poker? Well, in some cases it might be to get away from the stress and strain of their everyday jobs. But, I believe that most of them like the challenge poker provides them. They understand that playing poker is like having their own little business. In poker, they have complete control over when they play, how they play, with whom they play, for how much they play, and why they play. And best of all, they make all the decisions while playing.

Lyle Berman, a member of the Poker Hall of Fame and businessman extraordinaire, says, "Poker is like business. You gather information, make decisions, and reap success or failure based on those decisions. The only difference is that in poker, you see your results right away, whereas in business, it may take you years to see the results."

Successful businesspeople are used to the decision-making process. They like to be tested mentally even during their entertainment time. Poker is a challenge for them and, for many, a perfect fit. We are seeing successful businessmen in the winner's circle more and more in the tournament world. For example, Ron Rose and Alan Goehring captured titles on the World Poker Tour this season, and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss was the runner-up in one event. All are very successful in business and play poker as a hobby.

The traits that apply to becoming successful in business are similar to those required to become a top-notch poker player. You need to be competitive, want to achieve, and have a strong desire to be the best. I predict that we'll be seeing more and more successful businessmen (and women) playing in major tournaments.

Speaking of those who achieve, presidents would seemingly be good poker players. (They certainly need a poker face while doing their job!) I wonder if Clinton or Bush play poker or watch the World Poker Tour. Word has it that Truman, Johnson, and Nixon were very good players. Nixon financed his first political campaign with poker winnings. For political reasons, he quit playing poker when he became Eisenhower's running mate in 1952. Upon hearing this, one of his professors at Whittier College remarked, "A man who couldn't hold his own in a first-class poker game is not fit to be president of the United States." I like that.

Poker can be a great hobby. It is challenging, fun, exciting, and potentially rewarding. If you are successful at it, you get a sense of achievement and a feeling of satisfaction. If you play tournaments, winning provides you financial gain, recognition, and a pat on the back from your peers for a job well done. Most people relish those things.

The World Poker Tour is trying to elevate poker to the status of a legitimate televised "sport." There is tremendous potential for poker to grow, especially in terms of numbers of participants. As the game becomes more socially acceptable and television continues to provide more coverage for poker, our "sport" could really take off.

More exposure and more players, especially successful businessmen, can only benefit everyone in the poker industry.

Take care.

Mike Sexton is the host for PartyPoker.com and a commentator on the World Poker Tour.