PokerWorks

The Canadian Poker Tour (CPT) has been a force in Canada but recently made some moves to become a more recognized live tournament circuit. Its recent purchase by Headsup Entertainment was followed by an announcement of the launch of Canadian Poker Player Television and the signing of Lacey Jones as the “face” of the tour, and the intent to be more of an established stop on the global poker scene is unmistakable.

Television typically means network or cable programming, but in the case of the CPT and HeadsUp Entertainment, in conjunction with Canadian Poker Player Magazine, the television announcement pertained to a new online poker television network that will launch on March 5. Taking matters into their own hands, the venture will feature the past three seasons of CPT tournament coverage posted online, along with new original content and documentaries filmed behind the scenes on the CPT. The streaming content will be available on demand by online viewers.

Headsup Entertainment has also entered into an agreement with 888 Poker, which will be its first primary network sponsor. Commercials and content will be mixed with the broadcasts and website subject matter. All of the Canadian Poker Player Television efforts are said to be aimed at Canadians, as there is estimated to be more than 3.5 million poker players in the country, but at an international audience as well.

Kelly Kellner, President and CEO of HeadsUp, stated, “There are so many amazing players and stories that we find on tour. Both the magazine and our online network will give players from across the country a forum and showcase as we strive to build new poker superstars… We believe we will see changes in the way sponsors react to their customers and having the ability to reach large scale audiences with on the spot promotions, I am excited to be able to deliver a medium for innovation of content delivery.”

The CPT will also add a new face to its brand, as it was also announced that Lacey Jones will represent the tour in live tournaments, such as the upcoming Winter Freezeout series at the Cash Casino in Calgary in late February. and via the online television network. She will also be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of Canadian Poker Player Magazine and in an accompanying article about the partnership.

Jones commented, “I truly love Canadians and am so happy to be a part of the Canadian Poker Tour.” Added Kellner, “We believe that by having Lacey attend many of our events and the fact that she is about to move to Vancouver, the partnership couldn’t be stronger.”

CPT continues to grow with 362 sanctioned events having taken place in 2009 and more than 560 scheduled for 2010. The tour recently expanded into British Columbia and eastern areas of Canada, and it has begun offering seats into tournaments through international online poker sites like PartyPoker.