World Series of Poker Europe presenters Betfair.com report a star-studded field of 105 top players entered the first event, staged at The Casino at The Empire, London Clubs International’s newest casino in Leicester Square.
Play began at 2pm Thursday with a three-day, GBP 2 500 H.O.R.S.E. tournament; the title is an acronym for five different versions of poker. Many of the world’s highest-ranked professionals entered, including poker legends Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth Jr.
Play in a series of events continues through 16th September, with the GBP 5 000 Pot Limit Omaha and GBP 10 000 No Limit Hold Em events commencing later this week.
“We’re thrilled to be here and join with players from around the world to make poker history,” said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. “Betfair.com shares our vision for creating a new poker tradition in Europe and we appreciate the warm welcome and support we’ve received from poker fans, the City of London and the City of Westminster.”
“The World Series of Poker in Las Vegas has grown from six players to more than 54 000 in the past 38 years,” Pollack added, “and the turnout here in London is just the beginning for the WSOP Europe. We are committed to Europe for years to come.”
A leading European pro, Marcel Luske, was the first player eliminated from the field.
The glitz and hype of Las Vegas was present in Leicester Square. The day began at the ‘Odeon West End’ Cinema where, during a press conference, the trash talk and banter flew between the “poker brat” – Phil Hellmuth – and UK poker ace Dave “Devil Fish” Ulliott.
“You may be the King of Europe, Fish,” said Hellmuth, “But I’m the King of the World when it comes to poker.”
After arriving in a stretch Hummer, the two players were led into the press conference by a troupe of glamorous showgirls. Following an introduction from Commissioner Pollack and Betfair’s CEO David Yu, attendees got a chance to question two of the biggest names in worldwide poker and view their coveted World Series of Poker Bracelets.
There is no love lost between these two competitive and opinionated individuals and the press audience were treated to a bout of their famed “fighting talk” but it was all in good humour and a sure indication of the thrills and excitement to expect over the next 10 days.
Additional information, including structures, payout percentages and satellite dates and times for the tournaments, can be found on www.worldseriesofpoker.com.