In recent years, completely unknown players in the world of live poker have managed to reach the final tables at several major international poker tournaments. These poker events have become, in a sense, the best launch pad for those hoping to become professional poker players. The WSOP is certainly the most prestigious tournament in the world.

The largest online poker rooms are competing to acquire these new celebrities. Players are invited to join the poker room teams and offered to be fully sponsored. From a business point of view, this is a win-win situation: poker rooms can boast having more prominent players, and the players get advertising and sponsorship.

French player Antoine Saout is one of this phenomenon’s last examples. Saout, a surprise finalist of WSOP 2009 final event, according to “The Hendon Mob” website, Saout began participating in live international tournaments in November of 2008, qualifying in sixth place in the Marbella Leg of the Marbella Spanish Poker Tour and winning € 5800. Within a few months he became famous and joined Everest Poker team.