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Final Nine Timeline
Explore Final Nine History
2008
Anish Patel conceived the idea for Final Nine after watching the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event Final Table on television.
To capture both the excitement of poker and the iconic backdrop of Las Vegas, Anish decided the story would be told as a graphic novel.
To capture both the excitement of poker and the iconic backdrop of Las Vegas, Anish decided the story would be told as a graphic novel.
2009
Conducted extensive research into the history of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to develop an authentic storyline.
Created an entirely fictional cast of characters, inspired by different types of poker players rather than real-life professionals.
Created an entirely fictional cast of characters, inspired by different types of poker players rather than real-life professionals.
2010
Developed the story synopsis, choosing to centre the narrative around nine main characters instead of a single protagonist.
Finalised the characters and overall storyline.
Completed the manuscript for the opening chapter.
Approached literary agents and publishers but received either no responses or rejections.
Finalised the characters and overall storyline.
Completed the manuscript for the opening chapter.
Approached literary agents and publishers but received either no responses or rejections.
2011
Made the decision to independently publish Final Nine.
Contacted a number of artists across the UK in search of the right creative partner.
Calvin Innes (Hull, UK) joined the project as lead artist.
Released Issue #1 of Final Nine.
Contacted a number of artists across the UK in search of the right creative partner.
Calvin Innes (Hull, UK) joined the project as lead artist.
Released Issue #1 of Final Nine.
2012
Released Issue #2 and #3 of Final Nine.
2013
Anish Patel and Calvin Innes travelled to Las Vegas during the WSOP Main Event to promote and market Final Nine to the international poker community.
2014
Released Issue #4.
Following the completion of his work, Calvin Innes and Anish Patel mutually agreed that Calvin would leave the project.
Following the completion of his work, Calvin Innes and Anish Patel mutually agreed that Calvin would leave the project.
2015
Matt joined the project, contributing bonus artwork for the graphic novel.
2016
Production was placed on hold due to financial constraints.
2017
The project was revived.
Anish approached artists through freelance platforms to continue development.
Began working with Line Art Studio in Brazil.
Anish approached artists through freelance platforms to continue development.
Began working with Line Art Studio in Brazil.
2017–2021
Line Art Studio completed the artwork for the entire graphic novel.
2022
Anish Patel completed the final edits and production of the graphic novel.
Final Nine was officially released and published on Amazon.
Promoted Final Nine at MCM Comic Con London and MCM Comic Con Birmingham, introducing the graphic novel to comic book fans and new readers.
Final Nine was officially released and published on Amazon.
Promoted Final Nine at MCM Comic Con London and MCM Comic Con Birmingham, introducing the graphic novel to comic book fans and new readers.
2023
The official Final Nine website was launched.
Anish Patel travelled to Las Vegas to promote Final Nine and fulfilled a personal ambition by competing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
Anish Patel travelled to Las Vegas to promote Final Nine and fulfilled a personal ambition by competing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event.
2023–2024
Continued promoting Final Nine across the UK and Europe by attending major poker tournaments and industry events, introducing the graphic novel to poker players and fans throughout the poker community.
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