Why Did Highly-Ranked GPI Players Decide To Not Opt In for GPL Draft?

Steve O'Dwyer, Connor DrinanThe Global Poker League (GPL) released the list of draft-eligible players on Friday morning, comprised of 203 of the top 1,000 GPI-ranked players that opted in. Those 203 players account for more than $550 million in live tournament earnings, over $115 million in tracked online tournament earnings, and represent 33 countries. But for as comprehensive as the list is, there were several notable names not on the list, specifically from the top portion of the GPI rankings.

Twelve of the top 25 players did not opt in to make themselves draft eligible, of those ranked in the top 1,000 of the GPI as of Dec. 31, 2015. Those players were Steve O'Dwyer (GPI No. 2), Nick…