US pros sign-up

It has been confirmed that five of the most famous players on the international poker circuit have signed-up for the final event of the Great British Poker Tour, which will take place at the Gala Casino Harbourside in Bristol, 5 – 11 November.

American pro Phil the ‘Unabomber’ Laak and his partner, Hollywood actress Jennifer the ‘Unabombshell’ Tilly, will both be taking a seat at the table alongside up to 200 other players. Joining them from across the pond will be poker-star Antonio Esfandiari, US Poker Nations Cup captain Robert Williamson III and WSOP champion Jamie Gold, who won $12 million in the main event last year.

“So far in the GBPT we’ve seen a really high standard of poker from local amateurs holding their own against the UK and European pro-players, so it’ll be fascinating to see what drama will unfold with these star names of World Poker in the frame. For any aspiring poker players, it simply doesn’t get any better than this,” said GBPT tournament director Thomas Kremser.

As well as fighting for the title of ‘Great British Poker Champion 2007’ in the four-day freezeout, players will be hoping to pocket a share of an estimated prize pool of £500,000. The first place winner is expected to walk away with over £165,000 and will also gain a seat at the Bellagio Five Diamond World Poker Classic in December.

Players can still qualify for the main event throughout October in weekly freeroll tournaments on galapoker.co.uk, or through live satellites at participating Gala casinos. Alternatively entrants can buy-in directly to the game – which will be televised on ITV4 – for £2,500 + £50.