Mark Newhouse had no idea he'd ruffle some feathers inside the Rio tonight, home of the WSOP Main Event Championship final table.
During an interview that had obviously been filmed on an earlier date, Newhouse was asked to compare this year's opponents to the lineup he faced last year, when he finished ninth.
"....It's a softer field this year," Newhouse said matter of factly.
Trouble was, that interview aired during the first break in the action, in front of more than 1,500 spectators packed inside the Penn and Teller Theatre. Most were cheering other players, so Newhouse's candid opinion didn't go over too well. The remark drew jeers, followed by a massive "boo" from the crowd.
It was difficult to tell if players at the final table were aware of what had just happened. As is the case at just about every championship final table, unpredictability is one of the hallmarks of the event, making this a must-see attraction for all poker fans.
We shall see if Newhouse is correct about this year's lineup being "softer" than in 2013.