WSOP signs jerky pact with Jack Link's

The WSOP joins the Jerky Boys for 2009 and beyond!

In a coup for snack foods everywhere, the World Series of Poker has named Jack Link's Beef Jerky its presenting sponsor.

The landmark announcement, made simultaneously in Las Vegas and Minong, Wisconsin on Monday, presented a multi-year partnership between the Series and Jack Link's, the No. 1 brand of beef jerky and the fastest growing meat-snack manufacturer worldwide.

"This is a great fit between two category-leading brands," said Ty Stewart, WSOP vice-president. "We've found a savvy and fun sports marketer who fits our culture and we welcome Jack Link's to the WSOP family."

As part of the deal, the WSOP will be renamed the "World Series of Poker Presented by Jack Link's Beef Jerky."

The agreement will also see Jack Link's branding throughout the tournament room, as well as a new "Wild Card Café" to replace the popular No Limit Lounge above the TV table.

Hungry poker players will be able to buy many of Jack Link's' more than 100 premium meat-snack products in the Poker Kitchen.

"The game of poker is all about sharing good times with friends. Jack Link's enthusiasts and poker fans are cut from the same cloth - they are fun-seeking, adventurous sprits," Jack Link's director of marketing Jeff LeFever is reported to have said.

The move continues the WSOP's longstanding tradition of mixing poker and bar fare, following similar partnerships with Milwaukee's Best Light beer and Planter's Peanuts.

Lonely poker players can rejoice as the comely Milwaukee's Best promo girls will remain on duty as representatives of the WSOP's official beer.

This year, however, their numbers will be supplanted by Jack Link's infamous Sasquatch.