The second World Series of Poker Europe opens its doors tomorrow as poker’s elite descend on London. The hub of European poker will stage the prestigious event at the Empire Casino, and promises to be an even greater success that last years inaugural event. The hosts are looking to improve upon last years efforts with better organization and a brand new event.
Last years main event awarded £1,000,000 to young Annette Obrestrad, better known online as “Annette_15″. Already a prolific online player she not only became the youngest ever person to win a WSOP event, the day before her 19th birthday, she also edged the record for the highest ever single event payout – at just over $2 million.
The cream of the European and American poker scene were out in force last year, and those select few conspicuous by their absence have confirmed their attendance this year. The U.S. contingent, especially, will be looking to improve on last year, after they failed to take home any bracelets. The woman who came closest to ferrying some European bandar slot pulsa gold over the Atlantic was Jennifer Harman, who finished second in the £2,500 H.O.R.S.E event.
The series begins tomorrow with the newly added £1,500 No Limit Hold ‘em event and continues all week. The three events to follow are: £2,500 H.O.R.S.E, £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha and the £10,000 No Limit Hold ‘em.
Second place in last years main event was 23 year old UK pro John Tabatabai, and those Londoners who deigned to gaze skywards as they strolled along the Thames may have caught a surprising glimpse of the Welshman. Acting as the celebrity dealer for a unique poker event held for members of the media, Tabatabai and his compatriots were strapped into a special poker table suspended 45 meters above the ground. The floor-less contraption was the scene for a unique Sit and Go, orchestrated by Betfair, the sponsors of this years WSOPE.
An even more extraordinary event has been taking place these last few days in another part of the UK. Just over 24 hours ago the (land based) professional Dave Cain broke the record for the longest poker game ever played by one player. The previous record had been held by the American Larry Olmsted, who played for 72 hours and 2 minutes in a full ring game at Foxwoods Casino in 2004. What makes Dave’s attempt all the more impressive is that he playing only heads up. The massive weight of concentration may well have been the toughest barrier Dave has had to overcome.
Those of you not yet impressed may well be when you hear that Dave is still going strong at the Library Bar in Lincoln, UK. Reportedly so that he does not have to come back and break the record again, Dave is aiming for a total of 100 hours continuous play and will reach his target in just over 2 hours. The Guinness approved world record attempt is to raise funds for the Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and Louth & District Hospice charities. To held Dave reach his sponsorship target, and to congratulate him on his fantastic achievement, visit his website.
