WPT Continues Growth With Record 839 Players at Legends of Poker
Source: pokergazette.com
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With an ever-increasing
schedule of poker tournaments filling the calendar, the instigator of the
worldwide poker phenomenon, the WORLD POKER TOUR®, continues to draw record
numbers of players to its events, as evidenced by this weekend's record-breaking
turnout for the Legends of Poker at the Bicycle Casino.
With 839 players coming to the table, resulting in a $4,195,000 prize pool, the
event stands as the largest ever on the WPT circuit, and those substantial
numbers portend potential growth across the board at the remaining 14 events to
be filmed for Season IV on the Travel Channel. That sets the scene for another
record-shattering total prize pool for the season. Last year, the WPT awarded
nearly $70 million to players on the Tour.
First place for the 2005 Legends of Poker will net $1,125,000 for the winner.
Last year, the legendary Doyle Brunson captured the crown. That 2004 event drew
667 players and a $3,335,000 prize pool. The turnout this weekend marked a 20%
increase in the field. Among the chip leaders are Gabe Kaplan, Jerry Buss and
Barry Greenstein. The tournament continues today at 4:15 p.m.
"Our hats are off for the great job done by our colleagues at the Bicycle Casino
in securing a field large enough that it had to be split into two starting
days," said Steven Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "The WPT
is poised for another season of exceptional play and exceptional growth.
Modifying our policy to allow players to wear sponsor logos will also encourage
more companies to sponsor players and award seats in our events. This continues
to demonstrate our impact on the growth of the sport. We anticipate another
record-shattering season."
Next up on the WPT calendar is the Borgata Poker Open at the Borgata Hotel and
Casino in Atlantic City, Sept. 19-22.
The WPT launched the poker phenomenon when it first aired on the Travel Channel
on March 30, 2003, and it continues to lead the way in developing poker as a
major international sport. Viewers and aspiring tour players can log on to
www.worldpokertour.com for ways to improve their game or to find out how to
register for the 14 remaining WPT tournaments. The highest rated show ever on
The Travel Channel, the WPT is now licensed for broadcast in more than 100
countries and territories worldwide. WORLD POKER TOUR® airs every Wednesday at 9
p.m. ET/PT on the Travel Channel.
Online Poker
Copyright © 2004 online-poker.freeservers.com