The second annual Punta Cana Poker Classic usurped its own prize pool estimates as the event got underway in the Dominican Republic. Organizers had originally ambitiously forecast a pool of $500,000 only for this to jump a further $100,000 to make those players at the resort even happier with the five nights they signed up for.
The tournament’s second year has seen unprecedented interest from the world of poker with Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott confirming his attendance along with other pros. The Hard Rock Resort and Casino is all-inclusive and big enough that you could legitimately claim to get lost in its surroundings on an hourly basis.
The action saw over 400 registrations vying to win part of the $600,000 on offer. In all ten levels were completed with BetCris and Bodog sending 100 and 30 qualifiers respectively. Bodog’s newest recruit, the beautiful Amanda Leatherman, was unfortunately eliminated on day one but the joy of this tournament is the venue has so much to offer that when you’re eliminated it doesn’t feel like that big a deal. She’s one of a number of hot Bodog pro’s in the Caribbean so there’s plenty of poker playing eye candy on offer.
After day one, 140 players remain with Cuba’s Jessica Perez and Engleberth Varela both among those fighting it out for the top prize. Stay tuned for more coverage on this tournament as the week goes on including a sexy photo shoot with Bodog girls and summary videos with on camera reporter Dana Workman.
