The WSOP is beginning to become more popular

The WSOP already is the 11th most popular sports league in North America according to a survey of the market research firm Turnkey Sports & Entertainment

The question no longer seems to ask if poker is a sport. The real question is to find out just how popular this sport is.

The WSOP is even more popular than the American traditional sports like the Indy Racing League and the Hot Rod Association. You have to take into account that these sports attract much more people in America than they do in Europe. Just as Tiger Woods and Micheal Schumacher are synonymous with golf and racing, players such as Gus Hansen, Phil Ivey and Daniel Negraneu are becoming common household names.

12,000 sport fans from 47 North American states, who are supporting at least one team from the NFL, NBA, NHL or the MLB, were asked. They could choose from 24 leagues where every person had to name three leagues in which they are interested the most.
The WSOP was the only poker event that could be chosen.

Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the WSOP, expressed his happiness after the survey:

"We're honored to keep company with the best sports brands in North America [...] Thanks to our players, sponsors, media partners, fans and staff, we've entered the mainstream in another new way."