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World Series of Poker Launches First European Tournament

In a bid to go head-to-head with other international poker tournaments, The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced that they plan to launch the World Series of Poker Europe via Harrah's Entertainment Incorporated. The first ever World Series of Poker Europe is scheduled to be launched in London from September 6-16, 2007.

The newly launched tournament will take place in 3 casinos that are managed by the London Clubs International, which is at 50 Leicester Square and the Sportsman. The World Series of Poker Commissioner, Jeffrey Pollack, said that this will be the first time ever that a WSOP bracelet will be distributed outside of the jurisdiction of Las Vegas. He claims that the WSOP Europe will have a unique image of its own.

Pollack further stated that the WSOP Europe has been made with mainly European players in mind, but players from every part of the world can join. They are hoping that it will also be an honored tradition in Europe.

Bill Timmins, CEO of the London Clubs International (LCI), stated that they are happy to host one of the most prestigious poker tournaments all over the world. He said that as one of the chosen offline satellite tournament venues, the LCI will be able to attract players to come to their poker rooms in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Southend and Brighton for a shot at the WSOP Europe event.

The first WSOP Europe event will begin on September 6, 2007 with a 3-day affair and a 2,500 pound buy-in or about the equivalent of $4,900 HORSE Tournament at the brand new casino in Leicester Square, which will open on April 2007.

On September 10, 2007, the WSOP Europe main event, a 6-day affair with a 10,000 pound buy-in, will begin with a No-Limit Texas Hold'Em tournament in Leicester Square, the Sportsman and the Fifty. The participants will be finalized on September 13th at Leicester Square.

This announcement follows on the heels of the WSOP's announcement that it will no longer allow any form of advertisement from online sites at their Las Vegas event. Prohibiting any online poker sites that still allow US based players could minimize the willingness of those online sites to hold satellite tournaments for the World Series of Poker as they would not be allowed to market or even send players to represent them in the tournament.

This could also affect the number of participants in the WSOP. According to poker professionals, Phil Gordon and Nolan Dalla, the attendance could revert to the levels of pre-Chris Moneymaker with the added effect of the UIGEA and the resulting advertisement ban.

03/25/2007, Sunday
Todd Sanders

World Series of Poker Launches First European Tournament

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