London again the venue for next WSOP Europe

03/19/2008

Poker players around the world will be pulling out their diaries this week following an announcement from Harrah's that the 2008 World Series of Poker Europe will take place in London between September 19 and October 1, with Betfair again the sponsor.

As with the inaugural event, this year’s tournament will be hosted by London Clubs International and held at their St. James (Fifty), Leicester Square (The Casino at the Empire) and Marble Arch (Sportsman) locations.

“It was a clean sweep for the Europeans last year,” said World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. “There are many, many talented players in the European poker community and I think it caught some of the world’s best known poker players by surprise. It’s safe to say the pros haven’t forgotten about last year and the young guns should expect a tougher fight in 2008.”

The schedule for the 2008 WSOPE is currently being finalised and will be released upon completion.

“Last year produced a fantastic tournament which exceeded all expectations,” said David Yu, CEO, Betfair. “Online qualification for the 2008 event is already underway so we’re expecting an even better contest this time around."

"We look forward to again serving as hosts for this prestigious event,” said Michael Silberling, COO, London Clubs International. “A first class tournament at our properties promises to bring out the best poker players in the world.”

WSOPE in London complements the WSOP held annually in Las Vegas. The inaugural 2007 event saw Norway’s Annette Obrestad best a field that included Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan to win the largest amount ever for a female, £1 million – or U.S. $2 013 102.