GMB
- What is the
expectation for the 2017 season of the Brazilian Poker Championship?
Devanir Campos - The
country's economy is still starting a slow recovery, and because of this we
understand that the entertainment industry - of which we are part - is one of
the most suffering from this scenario. However, our expectation is to maintain
the growth trend, mainly driven by the growth in the popularity of poker in the
country and by the increasing presence of foreigners participating in our
championships.
GMB - Why start the season with an edition outside Brazil? And why the choice
of Punta Del Este in Uruguay?
DC - Last year was the first time that BSOP went
outside the country and, at the beginning, this seemed strange to many people.
However, Punta del Este is already a destination well known to Brazilians. The
stage that happened there last year was a hit in the middle of the off season.
This time, the season was the summer, in which the city boils. So we believe
there is the potential to have a huge event, much bigger than the 2017 edition,
which is a factor that the poker competitor is always looking for: great
destinations, great tournaments full of people and great prizes.
GMB - What will be the differential of
BSOP Punta Del Este?
DC - In relation to the
accomplishment of the event, the Brazilian competitor will not feel differences
other than the currency used. BSOP takes its staff and schedules the event
according to what our competitors are already accustomed to. The main
attraction is in the destination. The Enjoy Punta del Este, hotel and casino
where the event will be held (formerly known as Conrad) is fabulous and boasts
a range of amenities and very large leisure options. The city will be crowded
in the summer and the fun options are plenty.
GMB - How do you evaluate the
evolution of Brazilian players with the increasing popularity of poker in
Brazil? How does this interfere in the quality of the tournaments in the
Brazilian Championship?
DC - Brazil has little time for
professional poker, especially compared to the US or Europe. That makes it take
a while to shine on the international stage. But like in almost every sport,
our ability, ingenuity and intelligence have already shown many results. Today
we have 3 winners of world championship stages and several internationally
respected names. Some of our best players, such as world champion André Akkari,
are stopped to take pictures and sign autographs at international competitions.
We are building idols of a new sport and I am sure we will still shine a lot,
putting our flag in the big world competitions.
GMB - How does BSOP see regional poker
tournaments such as the Nordeste Poker Series held in Recife and the LOL Series
in Ribeirão Preto? How do they help in the growth of the sport? Is there any
plan to help these competitions grow?
DC - Regional tournaments are extremely
important. They are the training of competitors in the professional setting. A
poker competitor usually takes the first steps in disputes between friends.
Then he ventures into small club tournaments. The next natural step is the
regional tournaments to then compete in the Brazilian championship. Well, it's
like that with practically every sport. Regional competitions train new
talents, create new champions.
GMB - On the regulation of gaming
in Brazil, what is the position of BSOP on the subject?
DC - We are extremely supportive of the regulation of gambling and the clear
separation of these in relation to skill games, which we include poker. Brazil
needs foreign exchange and it is an absurd ignorance to think that there is no
gambling happening in the country today. Gambling exists in all cities, but
illegally and without generating a real tax. Slot machines, our local and
popular jogo do bicho, illegal casinos are everywhere. It is time to take these
markets out of the shadows, to have the government control the processes and to
generate billions of reais in taxes.
GMB - How legalizing gaming can help poker to win more players? And how can it
influence poker as a business?
DC - There is no direct relationship. The only thing you could have is that if
someone still has the retrograde and biased view that poker is a game of chance
if gambling is allowed, then this person would not have to be afraid to play
poker. The relationship with companies also follows the same logic: today
companies in Brazil are afraid to invest in the market because they are still
afraid of associating the image with something that "could be considered a
game of chance" by some. Few companies were pioneers and saw that one
thing has nothing to do with the other.
GMB - In conclusion, how do you see the current poker moment in Brazil? What does
BSOP design for the future of this sport in national territory?
DC - The poker market grows year after year. We
are always with new tournaments, brands and companies investing in a scenario
that will still show many talents. Our professionals are emerging all over the
world and new idols are being created. It took a lot for the Brazilian to
accept sports like surfing and skateboarding: until 2015, very few people knew
who Gabriel Medina was. He needed the media to stand out and now he has a name
in poker. A decade ago, surfer and skateboarder was considered by most of the
population as vagabond and drugged. Today we are proud of our surfers. We hope
that in a few years the big television networks will announce our world
champions of poker, highlight the national competitions and take pride in being
good and one more sport.
