Big poker names for Great British Poker Tour

The organisers of the popular Great British Poker Tour Grand Final added yet more lustre to the event this week with the announcement that top international poker pros Jamie Gold, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Jennifer Tilly and Robert Williamson III have all signed up for the climactic final event on November 5 to 11 at the Gala Casino Harbourside, Bristol.

"So far in the GBPT we've seen a really high standard of poker from local amateurs holding their own against UK and European pro-players," says GBPT Tournament Director Thomas Kremser. "It'll be a fascinating contest to see what drama will unfold with these star names of World Poker in the frame. For aspiring poker players, it simply doesn't get any better than this!"

Gold controversially took down the biggest prize in poker tournament history when he won $12 million at the 2006 WSOP. The Hollywood agent is known at the poker tables for his constant chatter and relentless bluffs.

Esfandiari came to fame by winning the 2004 Poker Classic in L.A. Formerly a professional magician, Esfandiari is always entertaining at the poker table. One of Esfandiari's best friends is Phil Laak who is another of poker's more eccentric players. Laak is currently dating Hollywood actress Jennifer Tilly - a mean and winning poker player herself. In 2005 Tilly won the ladies event at the WSOP and took home a gold bracelet.

Williams III is considered one of poker's courteous and friendy characters but it hides a skilled and at times ruthless streak that has enabled him to amass close to $2 million at the poker tables.

All five players will be competing for GBPT Grand Final title with an estimated prize pool of GBP 500 000. With side games included the prize pool will be bumped up to an impressive GBP 650 000 across the week.

Although there are a number of qualifiers that are being offered players can buy-in directly to the main event for GBP 2 500.