International
The Microgaming Poker Network is known the world over for its hosting of 159 gaming sites that cater to players all over the globe. Located on the Isle of Man, Microgaming monitors safe and secure gaming environments for millions of online gamers, many of them poker players. In response to the need for something new and different on the live tournament poker scene, Microgaming is now taking its players to a live single-table tournament championship.The European Championships of Single Table Tournaments (ECOSTT) is the first of its kind and will be held July 17-19, 2009, at the Reval Park Casino in Tallinn, Estonia. Players can qualify online at the various Microgaming poker websites or buy-in directly at the event for €2,200. And the guaranteed prize pool is set at €120,000.
The three-day event will be comprised of four individual no-limit hold’em single-table tournaments, for which the one buy-in allows entry to all. Being knocked out early in the first or second round doesn’t equal elimination in this special event because players will be looking to accumulate points in each tournament. The 18 players with the highest points scores in the end will participate in one final tournament to find the STT champion of the world.
“We have seen a gap in the marketplace for a European event which recognizes the skills needed to be a top STT player,” said a spokesperson for Microgaming. “This tournament gives players four rounds to accumulate points for a place in the grand final, rather than suffering the disappointment of getting knocked out by a bad beat on the first day of other major events offered elsewhere.”
While players are welcome to travel to Estonia and buy in to the event, as well as the €550 side NLHE event with a guaranteed prize pool of €21,000, they also have ample opportunities to qualify on any of the more than 40 participating Microgaming sites with poker rooms. Qualifying tournaments are available in the form of single-table tournaments, multi-table tournaments, and Rounders tournaments, the latter of which is new to many sites and offers a steps-type program of buying in low and working one’s way through six levels of satellites.
One of the websites offering satellite opportunities for ECOSTT is Ladbrokes Poker, one of the largest poker sites on the Microgaming Network. By downloading here and using the bonus code “PWORKS”, players can get a special bonus on top of their deposit amount - 100% on any amount up to $1,000. A great way to get started on Ladbrokes while winning a trip to Tallinn, Estonia, for the ECOSTT event!
Players winning prize packages are in for some bonuses. The €4,000 packages include the €2,200 buy-in to the main event, €550 buy-in to the side event, an entry into a live blackjack tournament on location in Estonia, and a ticket in to the welcome party given by tournament organizers. In addition, accommodations at the Reval Park Hotel and €800 in travel and spending money will be included.
Apthorp - New Horizon for Erik Seidel
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