My thought is that TAR has always had something special in some way --- First was "big money" match ups that you could actually watch vs hearing about through the grapevine.
Second, the race to 100.. this was a test of endurance both mentally and physically. Add to that some serious betting and well you have something special...
When the backers dried up and long race proved to be not as marketable (viewing times were really long stretching into the early morning hours in many time zones)... races were shortened up and more of a pay to play with bonus money on the line for a win was established. So how was it special -- the equipment and environment. Similar match ups occurred outside of TAR (Busti and SVB played 10 ball either at DCC or Tunica, I would have to check the tape)(SVB and Dennis O. played at the 10 ball US Open)...
Tight table, private studio. (2 men enter, 1 man leaves , sort of thing)
So far this year I can watch from home Turning Stone for free (4.5 in pockets, did SVB play Mike D. there?... last years match is still out on uTube can see them play today on 4.5 in. pockets).. I will be watching DCC ALL WEEK ... 4.5 in pockets PLUS SOME 10 ft action! This will be on via several distributors both PPV and free.
Just a few months ago I was at the US Open... If you like watching A LOT of break and runs... it was great...
In a few months I will be able to watch the US Open 10-ball, 1 pckt and 8-ball all on 4.5 in pockets... Thanks CSI....
So for TAR ... Which I REALLY ENJOY... my question is what is so special now? The BIG Bets are gone, the table is the same as anywhere else.... The races are still longer, spread over several days and the studio is private.. is that enough to set itself apart from all the other options I have both PPV, free and previously recorded?
I am not sure... I do know I really enjoyed seeing the best in the world being tested under very difficult conditions and will miss it.