According to Poker News Daily, he is. They held an exclusive interview with Phil where he indicated that the lowest point of his career was leaving the show. Personally, I can’t imagine the show without him, and was discussing this with April, who just happens to be Phil’s greatest fan. She posted the link at the forum at Blind Bet Poker, and we posed the question – if he is actually leaving, who do you think could replace him?
So far the responses include:
Could Replace
- Phil Ivey
- Chris Ferguson
- John Juanda
- Gus Hansen
- Mike Matusow
- David Grey
Should NOT Replace
- John Juanda
- Annie Duke
- Daniel Negreanu
- Mike Matusow
- Howard Lederer
Who do you think could replace Phil on the show? You can leave your comments here or at the BBP Forum.
1. This is CELEBRITY Poker, now the WSOP or WPT. There are literally thousands of poker players in the world who have enough experience and insight to be able to analyze the frequently crappy play on this show. It doesn't take a big-name professional to give simple odds and remind viewers that if you're going to open the pot, do so for at least three times the big blind.
The other significant prerequisite for this particular job is the ability to work with Dave Foley, who I happen to think is a comedic genius. It took Phil Gordon a while to learn how to keep up and eventually was able to comment without being prompted by Foley.
So you need someone smart, quick and funny. Of all the people on the combined 'Could' and 'Should Not' lists above, the only one I see who even comes close to that is Negreanu. However, Foley and Negreanu both sound alike and I really can't imagine Bravo going with two short metrosexual Canadians working together.
So who does that leave? I think Greg Raymer would be a great choice. He's got all the necessary qualities, he's a great speaker, very funny, smart, etc., but he's not terribly telegenic and that could be a big strike against him.
Here's another choice I haven't seen on the list: Phil Laak. When he's not acting like a goofball at a final table, he seems like a reasonable candidate. I saw him on that crappy poker show on E! and he was rather personable.
Someone on one of the links mentioned Wil Wheaton, which sounds like an inspired choice. I just have to believe that Bravo would want a quasi-big-named pro for the job. (Wil, I know you're a regular here. Go out and win a big one, or even just get on ESPN and the job is certainly yours!)
Then there's Gabe Kaplan. He knows the poker, he knows the comedy, but could he work as second banana to Foley? Even as an equal banana?
Now, with all that said, Phil Gordon will be missed.
Posted at 7:23PM on Nov 10th 2005 by elf