Stages such as the BSOP Rio de Janeiro re-launch and the second edition of the Winter Millions were impossible. However, the circuit was not stopped. Two editions of BSOP Online have already been held at PokerStars, both with great number of players and guaranteed prizes easily overcome. At the moment, the situation in Brazil is still far from allowing the return of tournaments, but how does BSOP see a possible return in the future?
What is the current forecast for return, what measures will be taken and what are the long-term effects of the pandemic? To answer these questions, SuperPoker spoke with Devanir Campos, BSOP's general director. Check out the full interview.
SuperPoker - With what predictions does BSOP is working for the return of the stages?
Devanir Campos - First of all, we need to follow all guidelines, recommendations, laws, decrees on the holding of events for BSOP to operate. When events, conventions, fairs and everything are prohibited, we have to observe what these rules are and how they are.
Currently, it is not allowed because it causes crowds of people. Despite being a sporting event, our meetings are much more like a convention or a fair. Because of the way people circulate and stay at the event, there is a very close proximity.
There is a second point because BSOP works with people from all over Brazil, Latin America, etc. So, in addition to being allowed, we have to see if it is possible to be organized. For example, if flights are taking place, borders are open, etc. These are the main points to note.
It may be that at a certain time events are allowed in São Paulo, but in other states they are quarantined, reduced mobility; in short, difficulty in moving. This leads to a much lower chance of having participants, so we will have to analyze all of that at a given time.
Now, we are considering that the most feasible this year is just to do the BSOP Millions. But we will keep an eye on everything that is happening on the scene to see if it will be possible.
How do you evaluate the accomplishment of two editions of BSOP Online in this period?
It was a real success, we are very happy with the results of both BSOP Online. We had great fields, prizes, and also saw that the Brazilian public really attended. We just see that the average number of Brazilians in each of these events was much higher than what happens regularly at PokerStars.
There were a lot of people who participated and liked it. The choice of tournaments was made with great care so that people had a great time and could miss their homesickness. We are passionate about poker and look forward to being able to sit down again with friends for fun. Online is the natural way at that moment so that we can adhere to all the rules of social distance and kill the nostalgia of playing poker.
Do you believe that measures such as wearing a mask, alcohol gel, etc. can become popular in poker even after the pandemic?
I think so, this pandemic is teaching the world population several things, which will remain a legacy. One is that companies are seeing that they can, with technology, have more jobs at a distance. The Brazilian, especially the legislators, will have to learn to make some working rules more flexible in order for this to be a reality. We are seeing that life can work in the online environment.
In addition, regarding protective equipment, a mask, alcohol gel and everything else, this really showed that it is necessary to take care of personal hygiene. Especially washing your hands frequently, taking care of objects. For example, picking up a stair railing, pressing an elevator button, who knows how many hands have passed there before. Today we are dealing with the coronavirus, but it is not the only contagious disease, so we really need great care.
The Asian peoples, Japan, China, already had the custom of using masks. Not because they could get a disease, but especially someone with flu symptoms and everything. It is already a demonstration of social respect in knowing that you have a disease and not spreading it to others. I think this will improve standards of cleanliness, disinfection of objects and also the hygiene of people; I think it is an interesting legacy.
How do you imagine a first stage of the post-pandemic BSOP?
A very cheerful stage. I think that many people will miss playing, participating in an event, seeing friends, feeling the adrenaline. At first, perhaps the steps are slightly smaller. This is because not everyone will be able to get around easily, but also because one of the results of this entire stoppage is an economic impact. So maybe the events in general in the world get a little smaller. Many people will have to rise, companies will return slowly, consumer demand also. Anyway, a normal reflection of the economic scenario. Everything will need time to get back to normal, from the newsstand to the events.
What effects do you think the pandemic will have on the long-term live and online poker scene?
One of the effects is that many people who did not play online, learned to do it. He had a first contact with websites, applications, he was looking for ways to have fun, kill time, exercise his knowledge of poker. Whatever the goal, online is sure to benefit. On the other hand, many people also got to know poker for the first time, as a way of spending time, and they don't necessarily know live poker.
I think both will benefit. At first, online poker is more powerful, but secondly, live poker will also benefit from many new people wanting to learn and have fun. People who started online may also want to find out about live events, where they can play, take courses and much more. Live poker has suffered a lot, online poker has benefited, but I think that in the end live will also reap some benefit from this whole story.
Source: SuperPoker
