They don’t call it the Sunshine State for no good reason and this month, in fact at the time of writing which is today – the 17th February 2011, the World Series of Poker Circuit arrives in the Sunshine State of Florida for the first time. What is perhaps so remarkable about this event, may actually be the venue, because it is being hosted by the Palm Beach Kennel Club – yes…dog racing! They kicked-off today with event number 1 which is a $345 No-limit Hold ‘em buy-in. But wait a minute, this buy-in doesn’t look right for a WSOP buy-in?! That is because this is WSOP “Circuit” which are Gold Ring tournaments that serve as pre-qualifiers or mega satellites for the Main Event Championship. Players get involved in the same games online in the build up to the big BIG events.
There will be 12 days and nights of cash-game poker on offer and the Palm Beach Kennel Club is delighted to be involved in what is considered to be the “Rolls Royce of poker events worldwide. It doesn’t matter if the WPT gets more televised coverage; the WSOP is the poker event to end all poker events; it is the big guns. In fact WSOP events are the only “less than $1 million” events that big names such as Phil Ivey will play in. And speaking of poker pros – the Sunshine State is expecting Greg Raymer, John Racener, Jerry Yang, Tom Schneider and Tony Cousineau all to take a seat at the felt. All of these well know poker pros are in fact famous Floridians.
This particular WSOP tournament concludes on the 1st March with a $1 600 buy-in Main event Championship which sees them hoping to make history with a record turnout. Well… it won’t be difficult to beat the record in Florida as this is the first event of its kind in this state. They are hoping for strong fields however as poker is a popularly played game in the Sunshine State – particularly in the south of Florida. Two starting days have been scheduled and organizers believe it is going to be a complete sell out.
The Palm Beach Kennel club is the first dog track in the USA to ever host a WSOP event, and they are also allowing late registration. So, if you are a reading this now and feel up to putting your poker paces against Greg “Fossilman” Raymer who is the 2004 WSOP Main Event Champion and bracelet holder, then you know where to go!
This is the 9th of 15 Circuit stops for the current season and players are eligible to compete for a $1 million freeroll seat. This freeroll event is the jewel in the crown of the National Championship World Series of Poker point race and as long as you are over 21 – one hundred players will qualify. It will be the first event to be televised nationally and takes place at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas from the 27 – 29 May 2011, for the coveted prize of a WSOP gold bracelet – plus the pot of course!