UPDATE: Tom Dwan finally got into the game just after midnight local time.
Fans will be dismayed to hear that Tom Dwan will not be taking a seat in the starting line-up of six in tonight’s final Million Dollar Game session, despite being advertised for all four days.
Producer Ryan Feldman revealed exclusively to PokerOrg that player politics had forced his hand and that while “Tom understands the situation, it doesn’t mean he’s happy about it.” Feldman added that Dwan might get into the game later on in the session.
Dwan lost big on the first night and smaller on the second night, before a big winning session on Thursday helped bring him closer to parity. He is still around $500K down, though. And, to rub salt in the wound, Peter, who Dwan lost a huge chunk of his chips to on Tuesday night, is set to return to the game tonight.
Keating: It wasn't me
Dwan wasn’t happy about being pulled and tweeted to show his displeasure.
Politicking was going on behind the scenes, with Santhosh Suvarna “pushing for” Dwan and Keating stating that he wasn't the reason behind Dwan's absence.
When asked why he had been pulled, Dwan replied, “Ask Ryan [Feldman], lol.” So we did. This is what Feldman had to say.
Politics behind the scenes
"We’ve talked a lot, we're good friends," Feldman said. "He [Dwan] understands the situation, it doesn’t mean he’s happy about it.
“There’s a lot that goes on in poker politics and line-ups. People have to understand it’s not as simple as 'here are all the players, you guys play, and this is what’s best for the show.'
“There are domino effects, things that happen, and promises that are made. There are people who want certain things, and other people who want the opposite. I have to cater to so many people and some of the players, if you don’t cater for them, there’s a domino effect. I had to do what’s right for the game.
“Tom understands that. We’re going to stream for infinity hours tonight, and Tom will get in at some point. But the players—a lot of the players—would prefer to start six-handed with this line-up. Later in the game, we will make decisions and get other special guests in, which will likely include Dwan.
“There are things we can decide that would cause the game to fall apart at any given moment. There are conversations behind the scenes. We just have to cater to the people that are the most important, and we’re going to put on the best show with what we have.”
Feldman ended by saying he hoped there would be a record-breaking pot tonight. The current record is $3.1 million, ironically involving Dwan against Wesley Fei in last year’s Million Dollar Game. You can hear what Dwan had to say about how that hand played out here.
The final session of the Million Dollar Game is set to start shortly on the Hustler Casino Live YouTube channel and on the PokerOrg homepage. If you're hoping to see Dwan, though, be prepared for a late night.
