Play got under way on Thursday at the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe tournament in London with the HORSE event attracting a field of 105 players kicking off the series.
The glitz of Las Vegas has come to the capital with the series being held over three venues; The Sportsman, Fifty London and The Casino Empire. It is the first time a tournament like this has been held over three venues.
There are three events on the schedule taking place between now and Sunday 16th September, besides the £2500 HORSE event there is also the £5000 Pot Limit Omaha starting on Saturday and the £10000 No Limit Hold Em event which will begin later this week. Registration for the Pot Limit Omaha event can be made up to 30 minutes before the action gets under way tomorrow, whereas the deadline for registration for the No Limit Hold Em event is Sunday 7th September.
750 players will battle it out for the No Limit Hold Em title taking place at The Casino Empire, all chasing a total prize fund of a staggering £7.5million. It is the biggest prize ever in poker outside of Las Vegas with the winner scooping £1.5million in prize money.
It is the first time bracelet events are to be awarded outside of Las Vegas as WSOP look to expand their tournaments worldwide.
Speaking before the event Jeffery Pollack Commissioner of WSOP said, “It will have a unique identity, style and flair, but will remain true to the 38-year tradition and heritage of the WSOP.”
He also added, “The turnout here in London is just the beginning for the WSOP Europe. We are committed to Europe for years to come.” Good news for players and gambling fans alike.
The events have attracted a number of professional players such as Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Jamie Gold and Britain’s Dave “Devil Fish” Ulliot.
An indication of how strong the field is was made clear when Marcel Luske, a leading European professional, was the first player to be eliminated from the HORSE event as he busted out playing against Gus Hansen.
Other leading professionals to be eliminated from day 1 included, Ted Forrest, Andy Bloch, Humberto Brenes, Michael Binger and the mighty Phil Hellmuth. Phil was confident before the tournament, exchanging some banter with Britain’s Dave “Devil Fish” Ulliot, but couldn’t survive the first day. He should be back though in a resilient mood for the Pot Limit Omaha and No Limit Hold Em events.
The WSOPE event looks set to be a great event and should pave the way for more tournaments in Europe.
