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

<p>On the latest special episode of the <em>PokerNews</em> Podcast, <strong>Sarah Herring</strong>, <strong>Jeff Platt</strong>, and <strong>Chad Holloway</strong> talk about the <strong>World Series of Poker (WSOP)</strong> moving from ESPN to CBS Sports, the WSOP.com online bracelet event schedule, and highlights from the <strong>GGPoker Spring Festival,</strong> including <strong>Lev Gottlieb</strong> capturing his fourth title.</p> <p>Toss in <strong>Connor Drinan</strong>’s epic GGSF comeback win and a discussion on whether or not 2020 WSOP champ <strong>Damian Salas</strong> is the real deal after winning a <strong>PokerStars SCOOP</strong> title, and it's another must-listen episode.</p> <p>Plus, they welcome guest <strong>Steven Pique</strong>, the Director of Poker Operations at <strong>Sahara Las Vegas</strong>. 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.</p> <p>Big thanks to the special sponsor this week in Elite Chip Care.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Time Stamps</strong></span><br /> *Time|Topic*<br /> 00:24 | Welcome to the show<br /> 00:35 | Hitting it hard with Sarah’s Grandma<br /> 01:42 | Teasing guest Steven Pique of Sahara Poker<br /> 02:05 | Jeff’s experience at Lone Star Poker Series Champions Club<br /> 04:39 | WSOP done at ESPN, headed for CBS Sports<br /> 12:42 | WSOP.com online bracelet schedule revealed<br /> 18:25 | Elite Chip Care<br /> 19:11 | Guest Steven Pique, Sahara Director of Poker Operations, joins the show<br /> 20:46 | Opening a poker room when others are shutting down<br /> 23:12 | What’s the vibe of the Sahara poker room?<br /> 26:40 | Spreading mixed games<br /> 28:30 | Taking poker back to being a good time<br /> 32:00 | Sahara promotions and comps<br /> 35:40 | The importance of comfortable chairs & food options<br /> 39:00 | Dead areas of Vegas being brought back to li