Top 10 positive poker trends of 2009

The year 2009 brought a number of exiting poker events and set several positive trends in the world of poker which hopefully will be followed in the future. Online Poker TOP 10 have made a list of 10 most important things that happen in both live and online poker during 2009. The top 10 poker events and trends that have been listed are expected to set an example of how should poker improve in the nearest future. The major topics are of course more positive poker feedback in the press, live and online poker regulations and the rise of the new young poker superstars.

1. Poker role models

It is very important for poker to bring positive message to the wide audience and to raise its reputation in public. Annie Duke and Daniel Negreanu have done the job very well by promoting the game in 2009. In order to change the way people think about poker, positive feedback in the press is vital. And when players like Joan Rivers come up the stage it does not look promising. Therefore we need those who understand that poker should be appreciated for its benefits and should not be dishonored. Fortunately, a number of poker pros have stepped in this year to promote poker in the eyes of the public.

2. Poker enters network television

Poker entering several national networks is a huge step taken in 2009. And even if it does not keep on top, the opportunity for millions of people all over US as well as in the rest of the world to get to see poker on TV is already a very positive accomplishment. Such programs as “Face the Ace” and “PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge” are sure to send the message what poker is really about and that it is an honorable and respected game.

3. Huge Full Tilt high-stakes games

Tom “durrrr” Dwan, “Isildur1” Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius – these were the people involved in the sick mega poker games at Full Tilt. Although not all of the poker community approves of such huge stakes and pots being played online, Full Tilt games have drawn attention of millions poker fans all over the world. The million-dollar pot games is one of the reasons why online poker is still growing in popularity.

4. The online poker traffic is still high

Although there were doubts on weather the online poker sites will keep their players because of the harsh economical environment, poker has stood its ground. With global financial system reaching its bottom-line, poker seems to maintain its player traffic as more people perceive it as a good opportunity to gain some extra cash or even make their living of it after putting some effort into poker studies. However, everybody hopes that the economy will recover soon and there will be even more people who would go for online poker.

5. UIGEA delayed

The US government had given time for poker players and banks to seek for solution which is seen as a big step towards calling off the legislation. However, the outcome is still unpredictable and it could go either way, but poker players seem to be more optimistic than ever. Let's hope that the high expectations won't be shattered this time.

6. PartyGaming acquires WPT

Poker fans all over the world hope that Party's investment in World Poker Tour will help this prestigious brand to regain its lost positions. One of the world's major poker events has been struggling during the last few years so PartyGaming's involvement is expected to have a positive impact on WPT and to bring back its former glory.

7. Joe Cada – WSOP champion

The youngest-ever WSOP champion coming from US had a very positive impact on poker in the States. Joe himself seems to be highly committed to promoting poker and had done a great job so far. He set the trend for millions of young US players to follow and increased the popularity of the game in America. Moreover, his appearance on the national television had also spread a proper message about poker.

8. Mike Sexton elected into the Poker Hall of Fame

Mike Sexton is by all means on of those players who have made a huge positive impact on poker and made a tremendous job by promoting the game. So it comes as no surprise that he was finally introduced into the Poker Hall of Fame. This one definitely goes to the top 10 list of the positive 2009 poker events.

9. UltimateBet signs Joe Sebok

UB keeps on working on restoring their credibility among the online poker players and signing one of the best-known poker pros is sure to help. Sebok has already boosted UB by hosting the FSN poker show Poker2Nite along with Scott Huff and continues to bring positive impact to the company's name which UltimateBet really needs.

10. A lot of poker charity events

The year 2009 was full of poker charity. Lots of famous poker players have organized or taken part in poker games which have raised a record-braking amount of money for various honorable causes. Poker charity events not only help those for whom the money is collected but also improve the image of the game both in the eyes of the public and the press.