Do you think these guys (Paul and Ricky) would be willing to put up their own money against one another? Maybe 1k - 5k each? That could stand to make it a more compelling watch if it wasn't just raised money and the players had zero skin in the game.
Interesting question.
I think you would have a better shot at convincing them to play if it's mostly added cash. The zero-net-sum average gain just isn't very enticing.
When they play big tournaments, they can pretty well count on doubling or tripling their money...even with sub-standard play (by their standards). And they have a reasonable chance to increase their entrance costs tenfold.
It's comparatively less lucrative to play for eachothers' money.
The upside is smaller: best case scenario you double your money.
The downside is bigger: if you ain't first, yer last...no sneaking into last cash and breaking even.
Also not sure how much scratch these guys have on hand throughout the season. They both make enough yearly, just in tourney winnings, that they could afford to gamble $1k, or even $5k...but I'm not sure if they'd WANT to put up that kind of cash. And I'm not sure that they could scrape it all together without a little planning in advance.
But aside from the financial side, there might be other motivating factors that would make them willing to put their own fliff on the line. Spirit of competition, building your brand, etc.
Anyway, this is all just speculative. Somebody get P McB on this thread. Oh yeah, and get NOTpaulmcbeth also...I have a sneaking suspicion about that guy
