Joe McKeehen is poker's newest world champion. On Tuesday he won the 2015 WSOP Main Event, the bracelet and $7.68 million top prize.

Tuesday also proved to be a banner day for 888poker as two of its three sponsored players made the final three, including the champion.

888poker Sponsors Pay Off Big Dividends

Prior to the start of the November Nine 888poker announced it had signed sponsorship deals with Thomas Cannuli, Neil Blumenfield and Joe McKeehen.

The signing of McKeehen was obvious as he was the overwhelming chip leader heading into the final table.

The signing of Cannuli was not surprising either as he is a regular on 888poker in NJ. He was one of two New Jersey players at the final table.

Blumenfield's signing was a bit surprising as he was the one true amateur at the final and the player most likely to collapse.

In the end Blumenfield's signing proved prophetic by the company as he played inspired poker on the first day and was able to cruise into the final three on Wednesday.

Blumenfield's run was inspiring to older players throughout the United States and shows that poker is not just a game for the young.

While Cannuli finished sixth, he played very well and he showed tremendous class after busting out of the event. He is a young man with a very bright future and one that 888poker would be wise to continue capitalizing on.

Finally, McKeehen did something that has been done only one other time in November Nine history; win the title after starting as the chip leader.

McKeehen played flawlessly at the final table and caught fire on the final day to take the title.

At this point it is unclear whether McKeehen will embrace the role as poker ambassador following his Main Event win. If he does, 888poker will benefit.

Final Day a Walking Billboard for 888poker and WSOP.com

We completely expected commercials and plugs for 888poker and WSOP.com during the Main Event broadcasts but the final day seemed more like a walking billboard for 888poker and WSOP.com.

If you look at the set during the final day, the NJOY advertising was replaced with 888poker. 888poker was also featured on the felt and on the wall right beside a big sign for WSOP.com.

It was a bit surprising that PartyPoker NJ didn't attempt to purchase airtime during the Main Event. Even a couple of ads would have seemed appropriate.

While we cannot blame WSOP officials for promoting its online poker brands, there seemed to be a bit of overkill on the final day.