Although his beginnings as a poker player in the 1990s didn't yield much success, his deep love for the game has led him to roles ranging from chip runner to tournament director. As the founder of the Tournament Directors Association (TDA), Matt has been instrumental in standardizing and improving the rules of poker tournaments around the world. His love for poker and people has earned him a place among the most respected tournament directors in the industry. We spoke with Matt Savage during WPT Prime Liechtenstein. If you missed the first part of our interview, you can read it here:
Given the “cheating” incidents that occurred at the final table of the WSOP in July 2024, what specific measures are being introduced to address and prevent such issues at the upcoming World Poker Tour Championship in December?
Yes, it happened. While they were not necessarily cheating, they were doing something that was right on board if it is okay or not. Because they did that, I think that rule change there. This rule will be in effect for the WPT Championship in December, and such actions will not be allowed.
We had this discussion at the TDA last year and we have decided we are not allowed this thing at the table. For me, I do not want them allowed at the audience or in tournament area at all. So when will have the Championship for WPT in December this will not be allowed.
How could people cheat using phones?
So, people were using cameras on the side, and when the dealer was dealing the cards, they could see which cards were coming up. This happened with cash games; we haven’t seen it in tournaments, but we want to be a step ahead of everyone else. This could be a game-changer. So we have to be really vigilant to ensure this doesn’t happen to us, which is why we do not allow phones on the table. Players will not be allowed to use phones on the table at all.
Are you planning to introduce any new rules?
There is always something coming up. The latest one is about using phones at the table. We will have more discussions about that, and there is always discussions about people playing faster. Here (in WPT Prime Liechtenstein) you can see that we have clocks in play. I think the clocks becoming more common over time because it makes game less enjoyable, if somebody taking too much time.
Did any major drama or significant issues occur during your career?
I always solve the drama. (HAHA) I have been lucky that I did not have a lot of drama, such as fighting or similar issues. I believe my staff knows that if they have a problem or make a mistake, I am here to back them up. However, sometimes things happen, and you need to step in and correct them.
Once, there was a situation in Cannes. The operator put a €5 million guarantee but then missed the guarantee and they said they were not going to pay it. I was tournament director, so it was real problem for me. That was big issue. Because I am working for them, I am not putting on the money what should I do? Should I quit, should I walk out, or should I stay and try to get operator money? And I did that. I stayed and said you must pay that money. You have to pay the players, put on the guarantee and luckily after lot of ,,drama” and arguments they did pay the money. That was the biggest one in my career.
Have you noticed any differences between poker players in America and Europe?
Yes, I was just discussing on Twitter that all the tournament players here (in Liechtenstein) are very respectful and keep their chips in an orderly fashion, whereas in the USA, they might keep their stacks in a less organized way. This is one of the small differences I’ve observed. I like it because it makes things easier for dealers and helps them make fewer mistakes.
How do you feel about online poker compared to live poker?
Playing online is a good way to win a seat to place like this as well. WPT is doing everything to get to enjoy their experiences going around the world and play in different events and I think that is important. To me poker should be play live. It is about interaction, meeting new people, and gaining experiences.
Do you remember any funny story?
I have been to many different places. I did first-ever tournament in Macau and went to the gaming board was a part of that. The night life things that we did many years ago. (laught) It’s funny. Running a tournament, then going out to the night club until 5-6 in the morning, then getting up and doing it all over. Just the people that I met even last night. We went with Cino to watch MMA fight to Austria. We went across 2 countries during night to see fight and meet new people. It’s always fun to hear and share stories with new people and to invite them to experience different aspects of professional poker.
I’ve also had the chance to see the world through my job. I did a tournament in Cyprus, then travelled to Sweden for the first time, and later went back home. Then I went to Berlin and Munich and took a train to Liechtenstein. Because of my job I get to meet many new people and see world. I believe that poker players should also take the opportunity to travel and see the world. Many people play recreationally but only do so at home. They should be going around see the world because in the end when you have this experience like we have it makes you better life.
In the end, let´s talk about the Savage Average. Can you tell me more about it?
In the tournament I created, there is no clock. The blinds only increase when players are eliminated. I believe this format is excellent because it eliminates concerns about the structure being flawed or players taking too much time. Without a clock, there are fewer worries about timing issues. I’d like to see more tournaments adopt this approach. It has been implemented around the world, and wherever it has been used, people have liked it.
How did you get the inspiration for the Savage Average?
I have observed many tournaments around the world and noticed that at the final table, where players are competing for the largest prizes, the blinds are often so high that there is less emphasis on skill. Personally, I prefer having more play and longer levels when the stakes are highest. The early stages of the tournament, where the blinds are lower, are less significant compared to the final stages. When players are competing for the most money, I want to see the best possible structure. That's why I designed the tournament format the way I did.
Thank you Matt and we wish you all the best in your career and life!
