PokerWorks

The World Series of Poker Europe is quickly approaching, as the first of the four events is set to begin on September 19th. As the WSOP in Las Vegas wrapped up only weeks ago, and the “November Nine” final table isn’t scheduled until November, the WSOPE will take place in the interim and keep the WSOP excitement growing among the poker community.

At the inaugural 2007 WSOPE, there were only three bracelet events spread out at three separate casinos in the London area. But changes implemented for the second annual WSOPE include an extra event to make a total of four tournaments this year, and the venue information was just announced. All of the bracelet events will be held under one roof – Casino at the Empire, located at Leicester Square in London. The other London Club International locations will be used for cash games, satellites, and some or all of the five non-bracelet tournaments yet to be announced.

COO of London Clubs International Michael Silberling noted, “Empire is excited to be hosting poker’s greatest players. Our Leicester Square property provides a fitting backdrop to conduct such a prestigious event like the World Series of Poker Europe.”

It has also been announced that ESPN will air eight hours of WSOPE coverage in the United States, as well as on a global level in non-ESPN markets, including Sky Sports in the U.K. The WSOPE coverage in 2007 was not available in the U.S., so the change will be a welcome one for the throngs of American poker fans who are anxious to see the coverage of the European tournaments.

Ty Stewart, WSOP Director of Marketing, said, “We are eagerly anticipating World Series of Poker Europe this year. We have enhanced the schedule to provide more variety and game play, greatly broadened the worldwide television exposure and have brought the event under one roof to better the player experience for this prestigious and premiere event.”

Players are already registering for events and confirming their plans to attend. Among them are some of the biggest names in poker, like Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, Erick Lindgren, and Daniel Negreanu. In addition, several members of the “November Nine” – Ivan Demidov, Peter Eastgate, and David “Chino” Rheem – will be in London for the tournaments as well.

The list of WSOPE events is as follows:

Event 1 9/19/08 €1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Day 1A
(3-day event, 2 opening days)
Event 2 9/22/08 €2,500 H.O.R.S.E.
(3-day event)
Event 3 9/24/08 €5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha
(3-day event)
Event 4 9/27/08 €10,000 World Championship No-Limit
Hold’em
(5-day event, 2 opening days)

More information can be found at www.wsope2008.com.