Is poker a mind sport or a mass entertainment product?

[dariana Orasma]

In the world of poker, figures like Lex Veldhuis, Fintan, and xQc have demonstrated that poker can be a spectacle for massive audiences, prioritizing fun and the "entertaining player" over purely optimal strategy (GTO). This clashes with the traditional view, making it an interesting topic.

 

[Tero]

I think Lex and Fintan can play at a high level and be entertaining at the same time. There is no contradiction.

 

[mkt]

For players, poker is a mind sport. Long term skill matters. But the way people watch it today feels more like entertainment

 

[MK_]

Well why not both.....😏 👍

 

[Poker Orifice]

I don't see why a streamer can't do both? Play well and be entertaining. I suppose 'entertaining' can have different meanings to different viewers.
Personally I prefer watching a player who is describing their thought process. A player who is very skillful and making the most optimal play given the situation.
I also prefer watching streamers who keep their stats./results open to be viewed by the public.

 

[ninjareal]

Hi all , I think making poker more visable, interactive and fun, whilst at the same time being creative and making big plays, is always good for poker.
poker is fun in general, compare to chess or example , chess is pretty hard for the viewer to get excitement and entertainment from,
so we should celebrate poker and enjoy, most have watch HSP - high stakes poker, at some point , time very well spent in my opinion

 

[WladiYoga]

Is wsop final table not entertainment? For the masses? Any Main Event is not entertainment? For the masses? Any soccer, any football game would be played differntly if there was no audience or TV transmission. I don't see the point. It is not an interesting topic. It's just a thrown into the room topic without a question, even worse than the people who just post Hello in the thread. Please