World Poker Association The First Poker League

Move over MLB, NFL, NBA and other professional sports organizations, there?s a new club in town. The World Poker Association, the first poker league, has been officially launched

Poker takes a giant step in its evolution as the world?s gambling game of choice. The World Poker Association is a not-for-profit entity with no ties to any online casino, brick and mortar casino or other for-profit entity. It is completely member-based and features tournament poker as the game of choice.

When asked about the World Poker Association?s purpose, founder Jesse Jones sates, ?The WPA is designed to become the 'PGA of Poker.? The WPA will need poker players from around the world to come under the banner for it to be successful?that appears to be happening. According to Jones, one of the biggest jobs the WPA will perform is providing ?professional standards? to the world of tournament poker.

Joe Hachem, 2005 World Series of Poker Champion, is one in a long line of professional poker players who is whole-heartedly endorsing the World Poker Association. Many poker players see the creation of the WPA as a way to further legitimize playing poker as a ?sport? and as a way to separate it from the rest of the gambling world. This content is evident in statements from many poker professionals. As to this, Jesse Jones said, ?It is my dream that one day tournament poker will command the respect, participation and sponsorship that other sports have attained.? He elaborated further by stating, ?With player and industry support, I know tournament poker will find its rightful home in the major leagues.?

Only time will tell if poker becomes a fully legitimized sport, but people all over the world, from all walks of life, play poker. The World Poker Association will have to work hard to prove it?s a legitimate concept and not simply a gimmick idea that will fade in time. The WPA, with all its support from real professionals, has a great start towards legitimatization.