The 2010 edition of WSOP Europe blasted off in stellar fashion today, as the first tournament was a complete sell out.
The £2,500 buy-in Six-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event attracted 244 entries. This is the first time a Six-Handed tournament has been played as part of WSOP Europe. Based on the overwhelming enthusiasm, it most certainly will not be the last.
Indeed, all tables at London’s swanky Casino at the Empire were filled to capacity, which required the taking of alternates to fill empty seats as players were gradually eliminated. By the middle of the second level (about 80 minutes into the tournament) all players had been seated and were in action. Remarkably, the tournament began just a few minutes after the scheduled noon start, despite an overflowing casino jammed with poker players. By 12:15, all that could be heard were the echoing sounds of poker chips being rattled and stacked (and Mike Matusow, talking incessantly to an unfortunate table victim).
The tournament began with a short -pre-game ceremony. WSOP executive Ty Stewart introduced WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel, who has overseen operations during all four years of the London series. Effel welcomed the crowed and then said he expects this year’s turnout to be the highest ever. Based on the early numbers, Effel’s zeal appears quite justified.
The biggest events are yet to come. The upcoming £1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament which starts this Friday is projected by many to be the biggest WSOP Europe tournament in history. Excitement is so strong that three starting days will be required to accommodate the huge field that is expected.
This is the largest WSOP Europe series ever held in London. In 2007, there were three gold bracelet events. In both 2008 and 2009, four gold bracelet events were played. This year’s schedule includes five gold bracelet events.
World Series of Poker Europe on The Poker Channel
Tune into The Poker Channel and catch all the action from last year’s WSOPE
Across Continental Europe
Ep3 15th September, repeated 18th both 2200 CET
Ep4 22nd September, repeated 25th both 2200 CET
UK & Eire
Ep2 17th September, repeated 19th both 2300 BST, 20th 2230 BST, 23rd 0000 BST
Ep3 24th September, repeated 26th both 2300 BST, 27th 2230 BST, 30th 0000 BST
