05 Feb 12

WPT Venice Begins Tomorrow: Cody, Scott, Pescatori, Romanello, Tony G to Play

The third WPT Venice in 12 months starts tomorrow, with some big names from the worlds of poker and entertainment, expected to join in the action.

The 2012 WPT Venice, Feb 06-10

The next leg on the 2012 World Poker Tour kicks off tomorrow at the Casinò de Venezia Ca’ Vendramin in Venice, the oldest operating casino in the world. The festival takes place during the world famous Venice Carnival, meaning the €4,950 main event will be one of many fabulous spectacles this week.

This time last year Alessio Isaia defeated 522 other players to capture this title, and with it a first prize of €380,000. Then just two months ago, the WPT was here again, proving how popular the event is. That time Edoardo Alescio beat 212 others to capture €175,000.

Edoardo Alescio Wins WPT Venice

You can watch all the action throughout the week with the WPT Live Ticker:

WPT Live: WPT Venice 2012

The Usual Suspects
Lots of big names have confirmed for this event, including PartyPoker hostess Kara Scott, Max Pescatori, triple crown winner Jake Cody, local hero Giovanni Rizzo, Charles Chattha, James Akenhead, John Eames, Roberto Romanello, and James Dempsey.

Unfamilar Faces
One face expected to play, who is familiar or unfamiliar depending on how you think of it, is actor Claudio Santamaria. He is not a regular at the poker tables, but both poker and film fans may remember as Carlos; one of the main villains in Casino Royale.

Another big name expected, though not in a playing capacity, is hot shot new magician Dynamo. He will be performing a 90-minute close-up magic show for guests at the WPT player party, including some never-seen-before illusions.