World series of Poker comes to SA

The World Series of Poker (WSOP), makes its African debut at th Emerald Resort and Casino from October 24-31. The event, WSOP Africa, is set to attract top internationally ranked players.

The World Series of Poker is the world's most prestigious and celebrated Poker event.

Among its winners are legends Phil Ivey, Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, Phil Helmuth and Stu Unger. Celebrity players such as Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Don Cheadle, Shannon Elizabeth and Lou Diamond Phillips are among the regulars at the WSOP.

"This is the biggest news in Poker," says Emerald Resort and Casino CEO Martin Rice. "Rugby, soccer and cricket each have a World Cup, Poker has the WSOP."

In the United States the WSOP remains in the top 10 most admired sports brands and, says Rice, the Emerald Resort and Casino intends WSOP Africa to follow suit on the continent.

"Poker has, over the past half-decade, accelerated in popularity. Our Emerald Poker Series, and its growing fields, is testament to the unlimited success of the sport. It was only natural to follow-on its popularity with the greatest tournament on the planet."

OP Africa comprises two tournaments with entries priced in US dollars. A 3 day Pot Limit Omaha tournament with a $1100 buy in, rebuys at $300 for 3 hours and an add-on of $ 400 at the end of the rebuy period. All levels are 60 minutes. The Omaha field is limited to 200 players with starting stacks of 2500 chips. Starting blinds are 25-50.

The main event, the No Limit Texas Hold'em Freeze Out will take place over 4 days with entries at $ 5000 (stack of 40 000 chips) with each level timed at 60 minutes and running antes introduced at level 5. The field is limited to 500 players. Starting blinds are 50-100.