World Poker Tour

The world Poker Tour (WPT) is a collection of televised poker tournaments held internationally, but primarily in the United States, and is responsible for the recent explosion in Texas Holdem popularity. Debuting in early 2003, the WPT season always begins in May and concludes in April in the Bellagio of Las Vegas, Nevada with a grand final spectacular. The tour includes 16 different tournament destinations, including Paris, Las Angeles, and the Caribbean.

The final tables for various events are filmed in front of a live audience, and broadcasted on TV with camera angles that allow viewers to glimpse each player’s cards as they battle it out for the big bucks. The 1st 5 series of the WPT aired on the Travel Channel on American Cable Television, and after battling for air-time against CBS’ Super Bowl, it is currently airing on GSN. The show has also featured a range of interesting hosts and co-hosts, such as WSOP winner Mike Sexton, and Sabina Gadecki.

Some of the largest ever prizes have been dished out at the WPT, like the 2004 1st place prize of $2,728,356 won by Martin Deknijff. The 2006 total prize pool exceeded $12 million. Buy-ins range from as little as $500 through to $25,000 for the grand final. Those interested in gaining entry to the WPT can register via the participating casinos listed at the WPT official website – www.worldpokertour.com - by paying directly before the registration deadlines. Alternatively, entry can be gained by winning a satellite tournament. Satellites are held by the WPT online, PokerStars, and a selection of other sponsoring offline and online casinos. All dates and registration deadlines are updated regularly at the site, and list all information and entry prerequisites.