egt-World Series of Poker: How Much Do Final Table Players Earn from Wearing Sponsor Patches

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is one of the most prestigious events in poker. Beyond the grandeur and excitement of the tournaments, players who make it to the final table have another significant earning opportunity: wearing sponsor patches. This article explores how much players can earn for these wearable endorsements and the complex dynamics behind these deals.

Understanding the Value of Sponsor Patches

In recent years, the WSOP has seen a resurgence in sponsorship deals, particularly for players who reach the final table. These deals can be highly lucrative, with players earning from a few thousand dollars up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the player's negotiation skills, the sponsor's budget, and the player's marketability.

Specific figures can vary annually, and the exact amount is often kept confidential due to non-disclosure agreements. However, we can piece together a general picture of how these deals work. High-profile players have reportedly earned six figures for multiple patches, while others might net tens of thousands of dollars.

The Growing Popularity of Poker: Driving Sponsorship Increases

The rise in the popularity of poker, coupled with the increased visibility during WSOP tournaments, has contributed to the surge in these sponsorship deals. In the past, endorsement deals in poker were less common, but the trend is now on the rise. For instance, in 2017, players were reportedly getting paid $2,000 for patches on day 6, while only starting to enter the final table. This represents a significant increase and a testament to the growing influence and popularity of poker.

The official website WSOP By the Numbers also reflects this trend, mentioning that 50 players were getting paid $2,000 a day for wearing 888 patches on day 6. This was described as 'amazing,' highlighting the positive impact of these patches on the series.

How Players Obtain Sponsor Patches

Most players who wear sponsor patches have won them as part of their satellite tournament winnings. Winning a WSOP ticket through these online satellites often includes the requirement to wear a specific sponsor's patch. While there may be a few players who secure direct sponsorships, these are typically through contracts that involve a range of obligations, such as playing a certain number of hours or making public appearances.

For those on contract, the earnings are likely to be based on their reputation, celebrity status, and marketability. A well-known, skilled player is likely to have a much better contract than a lesser-known or less exciting player. This ensures that the financial incentives align with the players' value to the sponsors.

Hidden Bonuses for Higher Placements

For sponsored players, there are often hidden bonuses for higher placements in the tournament. These incentives are meant to reward players who have more airtime and exposure. While the exact bonus amounts are not always disclosed, they can be substantial. A piece by Chris Wallace, a recognized poker journalist, reported that certain deals were worth up to $50,000 for making it to the final table, with some players even getting their buy-in paid back with an additional $10,000 from a single patch deal.

These bonuses are not just for making it to the final table; they are also for higher placements that yield more visibility. Players who place higher in the tournament can potentially earn an additional five figures, making the final table a very lucrative opportunity.

Conclusion

The World Series of Poker's final table offers more than just the thrill of the tournament; it also presents lucrative sponsorship opportunities. The amount a player can earn from wearing sponsor patches ranges widely, from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on numerous factors. As the popularity of poker continues to grow, these deals are only likely to become more valuable. For players, the final table is not just about winning a medal or a bracelet; it's also about securing financial success through these wearable endorsements.