WPTE Plans to Go Global

Can the sensational success of the World Poker Tour be duplicated around the world -- with local nuances, in languages as diverse as Chinese, Russian and Arabic?

WPT Enterprises, Inc. is betting that it can. With deals for Canada and the Philippines already inked, WPTE is setting up shop at MIPCOM (Booth Number: R37.13) to formally entertain offers for launching its branded format in markets around the world. In the U.S., that format involves 16 tournaments open to pros, amateurs and talented celebrity players, captured for broadcast with a compelling mix of expert commentary, explanatory graphics, 16 cameras, top flight production values and great storytelling. The World Poker Tour introduced table-top cameras to reveal hole cards on U.S. television, which in turn ignited the worldwide passion for poker.

"We have a proven format and a proven brand," said Steve Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "Our shows are already a hit in 116 countries and territories where our syndicated shows from Seasons One through Three are airing. Networks airing them are seeing a substantial bump in viewership, just as our broadcaster, the Travel Channel, did in the U.S. Just think what kind of success a locally produced World Poker Tour will have -- both in regional participation and -- for a network or global media player -- in viewership, promotional opportunities, advertising revenue and more! It's like launching a local version of the NBA in the early years when more creative deals were possible."

WPT Enterprises, Inc. has maximized the value of the WPT brand globally with worldwide publicity; an internationally viewed World Poker Tour website, ; its recently launched international gaming website, WPTOnline.com; and an extensive lineup of licensed consumer products, now selling in Europe, Asia and Australia. Strategic alliances to create regional tours of the World Poker Tour series will benefit from solid groundwork already established, and a blueprint for a success. Lipscomb will be attending the show in Cannes, along with Gary MacKinney, WPTE Executive Director of International Sales, to meet with prospective partners.

"We believe that localization will attract greater fan loyalty to the WPT and WPTE partners," noted MacKinney. "Regional format partners will be able to showcase their own hometown heroes, local celebrities, women poker stars, commentators, regional rivalries and cultural nuances. Broadcasters will have homegrown WPT-brand shows that provide enormous promotional, publicity and sponsorship opportunities."

While at MIPCOM, Lipscomb and MacKinney will also be working with Alfred Haber Distribution to continue the sale of international rights to the WPT's previous three seasons of shows.