Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates has declared his intention to appear at the Microgaming Poker Network’s Poker Tour stop at Tbilisi, and 138.com open an online poker site on the same site.
What value does the appearance of a major poker personality bring to an event?
The Microgaming Poker Network Poker Tour (MPNPT) is about to find out. Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates is heading to Tbilisi.
The MPNPT has partnered with the online gaming giant Adjarabet to bring live poker to the Georgian capital 28th – 31st May. The star attraction of the three-day festival is a $550 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) Main Event, with a $400,000 guarantee, a sum of money that Cates can win in a single session of online cash games.
So why has Cates decided to travel to Georgia to play in such a small event?
According to the press release Cates has been ‘getting whispers that there is plenty of high stakes cash game action,’ whilst also pointing out that Tbilisi is a city that he wants to chalk off his bucket list.
The event will take place in the Tbilisi Sports Palace in May Square. It’s the largest indoor sports arena in the country, and has been selected to host the European Youth Olympic Festival later in the year. Adjarabet and the MPNPT will ensure there are at least 40 poker tables for tournaments, side events, and cash games offered around the clock.
Lasha Machavariani, CMO of Adjarabet, is delighted that the Jungleman will be swinging into their part of town.
“We decided to pitch the buy-in for our Main Event at $550 as it looks like the world norm at the moment and is accessible for players on all different levels. We are expecting north of 300 entries through online qualifiers who I am sure will also be thrilled to play and meet Jungleman,” he added.
The MPNPT were also in the news recently when they added Dublin as a festival stop. Bewley’s Hotel will host a 15-event festival between Sep 2-6, with a €250,000 guaranteed €500 MPNPT Irish Poker Cup the center of attention.
138.com Join the Microgaming Network
In other MPN news, online gaming operator 138.com has announced plans to join their online poker network. 138.com is the Asian-facing side of the Isle of Man based Xela Holding’s business.
It’s the first time 138.com has ventured into the world of online poker and MPN Head of Poker Alex Scott is delighted to have them on board.
“I’m thrilled that yet another major brand has chosen the MPN as their poker home. The recreational-focused strategy that we have pioneered is really starting to pay off.”
138.com is the second new addition to the MPN in recent weeks after SBOBET also declared their allegiance to Scott’s bustling new environment.
