Matt Savage wants to apply the “restaurant policy” to poker tournaments
Matt Savage, Executive Tour Director for the World Poker Tour and one of the most respected voices in the poker world, has taken to his blog to address an issue that many players and fans may not talk about often — tournament etiquette, particularly when it comes to hygiene and appearance at the table.
In his latest post, Savage explained that while he’s all for players feeling relaxed while competing, some basic boundaries should be respected. One of his main concerns is the increasing trend of players taking off their shoes during events. According to Savage, the tournament floor is not the place to go barefoot or show off unwashed feet, especially when events are being live-streamed or shown on television.
He recalled conversations with the late Mike Sexton, a fellow poker icon, where both tried encouraging players to dress better, especially during major events. Despite those efforts, not much changed. Now, Savage is shifting focus to something more basic — keeping shoes on during play.
With summer around the corner, he predicts more players will show up in sandals, flip-flops, or even Crocs. While he isn’t banning them, he urges players not to remove their footwear during the game. He warns that what lies under the tables after a long tournament isn’t pleasant, and going barefoot near chip racks could also be a safety hazard.
Savage made a lighthearted yet firm comparison to restaurant dress codes, suggesting poker events should follow a similar rule: no shirt, no shoes, no service. His message is simple — comfort is welcome, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of cleanliness and basic courtesy to others at the table. His reminder adds a bit of humor but also highlights a real issue many tournament organizers quietly deal with.
