Old-school players dominate early selections for sixth season of illustrious Premier League
With less than a month to go until the start of the sixth Party Poker Premier League, the names of the first six players who will be taking part have been announced.
The first name on the list, and probably least surprising is Scott Seiver. The defending champion is currently in the form of his life and there was never really any doubt that the American would be returning to defend his $500k title.
Joining Seiver will be Daniel Negreanu, who is returning to the tournament after missing out on last season’s event. Phil ‘The Poker Brat’ Hellmuth has also been invited back following an incredible 2012, which saw him take down the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event and win yet another WSOP bracelet in the summer.
Also joining the line-up is ‘Big One For One Drop’ winner Antonio Esfandiari. With over $20 million in winnings last year alone, Esfandiari’s name was always likely to make the list, but surprisingly it will be his Premier League debut. “For years I have been hearing about Premier League Poker and it’s nice to finally make it over there to play in it,” Esfandiari commented.
The final two players to make the earlybird roster are Tong G and Phil Laak. Tony G brings with him one of the strongest Premier League records in the history of the event with final table appearances in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th seasons. G has played in every season of the Premier League so far and this year’s invitation means he keeps his perfect record.
American pro, Laak is also a Premier League regular and had his strongest finish to date last year after he came third overall for $175k.
The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Aspers Casino in Stratford and will run alongside the Party Poker World Poker Tour National London Event as part of a bumper festival of poker in March.
