The first ever PokerNews Cup competition was held this week in Melbourne, Australia, at the Crown Casino. Over 130 online players, who qualified via freeroll satellite tournaments, gathered in the city alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, and approximately several hundred other enthusiasts representing over 15 different countries
Amidst a sea of languages a week’s worth of fun activities and unique prizes had been established for the contestants, beginning with a welcome party that gave many the opportunity to get up close and personal with the pros.
After the first event of the tournament came to a close, the players were treated to a tour of some of Australia’s oldest wineries, such as the De Bortoli Winery, and were able to spend the night taste testing the goods of the vineyard whilst talking intense poker. The next morning they awoke to a cruise along the famous Yarra River, where the celebrations continued throughout the day.
554 players enrolled for the first event, yet it was Steve Charles who took home the win, with an astounding initial sum amounting to no more than one big blind. The Main event of the PokerNews Cup saw 428 players go head to head for a total prize pool of $1.1 million, and a first prize of $300,000. The competition was evidently nervous, as a large majority of players had entered as ‘big buy-in’ poker tournament virgins or amateurs.
By the end of the event it was Dory Zayner who was awarded the title of Champion and the first prize winnings. As for profits, Jordan Lamberg won $47,900, which is quite a lot considering he earned his entry into the tournament for free. Lamberg was one of 100 qualifiers who won complete tourney packages through satellite freerolls
A smashing success, the PokerNews Cup is now holding freerolls for entry into their South African checkpoint, scheduled for this December.