All Star Poker Players
The World Series of Poker is attempting to hold an all star event similar to those held by the likes of the NBA, NFL, and MLB. To make the event worth while, the WSOP will be putting up one million dollars to award during the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, taking place during the 41st Annual WSOP at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. ESPN will cover this No Limit Hold’em event for airing in a special two-hour telecast on Tuesday, August 3, 2010.
“The Tournament of Champions brand has heritage in delivering the big moments,” said HIE Vice President Ty Stewart. “We’re thrilled to reinvent it around a model that should elevate the game by engaging millions of poker fans. We have received a lot of input from players and their affinity for the TOC, and we are excited for them and the fans and hope it’s here to stay.” A total of 27 players will participate in the freeroll poker invitational, with 20 players selected by voting from the public out of a pool of more than 500 players. To determine the final seven spots, a system has been implemented. Five entries into the tournament are automatic. The three previous WSOP TOC winners gain automatic entry, plus the reigning WSOP champion and the reigning WSOP Europe champion get seats at the table. Therefore Annie Duke, Mike Matusow, Mike Sexton, Joe Cada and Barry Shulman will make up 5 of the 27 players for this event.
“Tournaments like the Tournament of Champions help elevate poker to the level it deserves and I am honored to participate,” said inaugural TOC victor Annie Duke. “Winning the TOC marks one of the most memorable events in my poker career and I’m ecstatic that the WSOP is hosting this prestigious event.” The final two places will be, possibly, for the fans as two sponsor exemptions will be awarded by the WSOP, with details forthcoming on how those seats can be won. The schedule for the tournament has been announced. Play will convene at the Rio on Sunday, June 27, 2010 to begin the tournament. Play will halt once the final nine players are reached, and those nine return on Sunday, July 4, 2010 to play for their share of 1,000,000 dollars and the title of 2010 WSOP TOC Champion. The tournament has been scheduled to avoid conflict with other WSOP events, as no new tournaments begin on either June 27 or July 4.
