Season XII has seen a host of changes affecting the World Poker Tour (WPT), and one of the most interesting as been the creation of their own brand of high rolling poker known as the Alpha8.
The inaugural event took place during the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Florida, and Steven Silverman took the honors, and $891,660 first prize, after defeating November Nine chip leader JC Tran in heads-up competition in the $100,000 buy-in event.
At the time Silverman was carving through that field the WPT had still not released news of any further stops, but that changed this Thursday, after the locations of London and Johannesburg were filtered through the poker news streams.
London is the place to be if you are a live tournament poker player searching for some action in October. The European Poker Tour (EPT) London festival takes place Oct 2-12, and the WPT Alpha8 event will take place on Oct 28th at the Palm Beach Casino in Mayfair. The event will be re-entry and the high rollers will have to dole out slightly more cash as the buy-in has been elevated to £100,000.
“We are very excited to name London as the second stop for our new Alpha8 series,” stated WPT President Adam Pliska in the press release. “With its long-standing reputation as one of the world’s premier cities and financial capitals, London offers all of the amenities any high-stakes poker player could possibly desire. Its combination of culture, fine dining, nightlife, and enthusiasm for high-stakes poker make it the perfect venue for a unique event such as Alpha8.”
The third stop of this impressive tour is due to take place on Valentines Day, 14th Feb 2014, at the Emperors Palace Hotel & Casino Resort; the site of Dominik Nitsche’s WPT victory during Season XI.
“South Africa is home to one of the most enthusiastic poker communities anywhere, and the gorgeous Emperors Palace Casino is truly a one-of-a-kind gaming destination,” Pliska said. “The resort offers everything the discerning, high-stakes player wants, whether it’s world-class poker or the chance to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in one of the world’s most beautiful and exclusive destinations. Emperors Palace truly epitomizes what Alpha8 is all about.”
Participating players will also receive a free, two night safari, with their opportunity to cast their eyes on the big five.
