The new season of the World Poker Tour may be two months away, but some of the destinations on the new schedule are really worth planning for. Today we look at the opening event, the WPT Merit Cyprus Classic.
The last main event of Season X of the World Poker Tour is over for another year, but Season XI is just around the corner. The first half of the schedule has been announced, and includes some exciting looking stops, including Paris, Malta, Denmark, and Prague.
| 2012 WPT Season XI Schedule | |||
| Name | Location | Date | Buy-in |
| WPT Merit Cyprus Classic | Merit-Grand Casino, Cyprus | Aug 4-9 | $4000+$400 |
| WPT Parx Open Poker Classic | Parx Casino, Pennsylvania | Aug 10-15 | $3,300+$200 |
| Legends of Poker | Bicycle Casino, California | Aug 24-29 | $3,500+$200 |
| WPT Grand Prix de Paris | Aviation Club de France, Paris | Sep 10-15 | €7,500 |
| WPT Malta | Casino at Portomaso, Malta | Sep 16-20 | €3,000+€300 |
| Borgata Poker Open | Borgata, Atlantic City, New Jersey | Sep 16-21 | $3,300+$200 |
| Jacksonville bestbet Fall Series | bestbet Jacksonville, Florida | Nov 9-13 | $3,500 |
| WPT Copenhagen | Casino Copenhagen, Denmark | Nov 12-17 | 24,000DKK+2,250 DKK |
| WPT Mazagan | Mazagan Casino, Morocco | Nov 26- Dec 1 | €3,200+€300 |
| WPT Prague | Corinthia Hotel, Prague | Dec 3-9 | €3,300 (10% withheld) |
| Five Diamond World Poker Classic | Bellagio, Las Vegas | Dec 17-22 | $10,000+$300 |
The WPT Merit Cyprus Classic is the first main event of the XI season, and it looks set to be not only a great tournament, but a fantastic holiday destination. Taking place at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino in Kyrenia, Cyprus, between August 4-9, this event will let players in on one of the best kept secrets in poker.
The resort itself is nothing short of breath taking, with stunning views, relaxing surroundings, and fun activities. Known as one of the best summer locations in the world, Cyprus boasts an array of outdoor activities such as jet skiing, golfing and snorkeling. In fact, an special high stakes poker player golf event is scheduled for this festival.
But the big surprise could be the poker itself. The cash games get very big over in Kyrenia, and there is a busy tournament schedule all year round. Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino is a popular poker destination, which regularly attracts hordes of visitors, particularly from the Russian poker community. In 2009, Thomas Bichon of France took down the last incarnation of this event for $579,165.
The $4,400 main event has a $1m guaranteed prize pool and the final table will be streamed online as it happens. It will be presided over by acclaimed Tournament Director Matt Savage and will use the standard WPT Main Event structure, which includes two starting days and a re-entry option on day 1B.
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Qualification starts soon
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<!-- PartyPoker END--> WPT Cyprus qualifiers will run on PartyPoker and WPT Poker from June 11 to July 15. Each $6,500 package will consist of the $4,400 buy-in, hotel accommodation, and spending money.
Alternatively, if you wish to buy-in direct, or book your accommodation for this event in advance, you can do so in confidence at the exclusive WPT registrations site.
