At the end of November, São Paulo will receive another edition of BSOP Millions, one of the biggest poker events in the world, with a prize pool of R $ 12 million. In all, there will be 15 thousand people attending the WTC, in São Paulo, for 10 days. The meeting, however, still suffers in the market. The sale occurs as a sport, but the overall picture is still jarring.
The BSOP circuit, part of the Brazil Series of Poker, is partnered with Pokerstars, who also sponsors the final event. This year, wine producer Concha y Toro will also support the meeting. But that's all. In previous years, brands like Sky, Volkswagen and Jack Daniels were also involved, but did not keep the contribution. As each player pays an entrance fee, the tournaments can survive.
The central problem is that gambling in Brazil is illegal, which caused the organization to go after evidence that the practice is closer to the sport than to a casino.
"Poker has suffered from this stigma, including in Court, and we have had to look for studies to prove that it is not a game of chance. It is a game of skill, so much that there are players who always stand out. Luck is present in poker as in any other sport," said BSOP Tournament Director, Devanir Campos, to Máquina do Esporte.
At the time saling the ativity to the market, the offers align with those of other sporting events. Activations are offered with the public, stands, areas of relationship and brand exposure work for each of the sponsors.
"When we present the project to companies, with activations for a well-paying public, executives are often thrilled. But at the time of the decision, even with all the documents, companies are scared, they think something can go wrong," explained Campos.
This connection with the sport has made Pokerstars, in recent years, bet on the direct presence of renowned athletes of other modalities. Names like Rafael Nadal, Ronaldo, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have already had agreements with the company. Their presence at events brings media and attracts stakeholders.
Today, Pokerstars does not have any Brazilian star to take to the event. Still, according to the BSOP, former Brasilian scorer Ronaldo already participated in the tournament even without an agreement; he has become a good player of the tables. To participate in the event, the registration starts at R$ 3,500 (USD 945).
Source: GMB / Máquina do Esporte
