WPT On the Rise
The World Poker Tour (WPT) is the world's most prestigious poker tournament circuit. Find out a little more about the WPT here.
Countdown WPT Paris: 7 days to go
Since its 2002 inception, the WPT has given rise to some of poker's most memorable moments - notably the crowning of champions such as Daniel Negreanu, Gus Hansen, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier and Phil Ivey.
A WPT title is a third of the coveted "Triple Cown" - which also includes an EPT and WSOP title. In June this year, British youngster Jake Cody and Frenchman ElkY secured Triple Crowns by clinching their maiden WSOP bracelets.
With three triumphs and $6,394,390 in WPT cash, under-rated Spaniard Carlos Mortensen is the most prolific player in WPT history. The WPT is credited with launching the career of several pros, including Gus Hansen, who became the first player to secure a hat-trick of titles in 2004.
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| Carlos Mortensen showing he has creative skills too |
The charismatic Mike Sexton and co-host Vince Van Patten have brought you all action. The gusto they bring to their commentary adds another dimension to the WPT final tables. After years of being prohibited from entering WPT events because of his commentary duties, Sexton was allowed to participate, and in March of this year he came in 6th place at the Bay 101 Shooting Stars for $148k.
As well as the glitz and the glamour, the WPT is known for its monster prize pools - in 2006, Joe Hachem scooped a massive $2,207,575 for his victory at the $15k Fifth Annual Five Diamond Classic.
PartyGaming acquired the WPT back in 2009, and more and more dates continue to be added to the calendar. This year features an impressive 12 stops, with 10 yet to come.
The exotic locations of Malta and Marrakech, as well as the beautiful cities of Paris and Prague, are included on the tour. Given the events of Black Friday, we can expect the WPT circuit to become more Euro-centric in future years, and no doubt there are plans to expand the brand into Asia. The highlight is considered the season finale $10k Five Diamond Classic, held in December at the mecca of poker casinos, the Bellagio.
