As a Vancouverite (the Canadian version), I feel the need to write an article featuring the first ever Coast to Coast Poker Championship, a series of tournaments that will start tomorrow at the River Rock Resort and Casino (a mere 10 minute drive away from my house). The WPT Canada has scheduled seven events to take place between May 5th and May 13th, including a 3-day $3,000 main event.
There is an East vs. West theme for the events, with Brad Booth representing the west and Gavin Smith playing for the east. “I was born and raised in B.C. so I’m proud to represent the West in this new Canadian tournament,” Booth said. “I challenge all my eastern counterparts to come out to B.C. so we can show the world who really is at the top of their game.”
Smith, who was born in Ontario, will willingly rise to Booth’s challenge. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Coast to Coast Poker Championships,” he said. “I look forward to lots of good poker action and knocking out some of my Western opponents.” Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, a WPT spokesperson, is another notable name playing in the Coast to Coast Poker Championship.
It is estimated that over 2,600 players will participate in the championship and that there will be a total of $2.4 million to be won. If the main event sells out, first place will be a whopping $377,300!
British Columbia is the first stop for the WPT Canada this year, and national TV will show four episodes of the event. “We are proud to host the first-ever Coast to Coast Poker Championships,” said Darryl Schiewe, BCLC’s vice president of casino gaming. “We have such good poker in Canada … there is no reason to leave Canada to play.”
Included in the seven events are (of course) No Limit Holdem, Pot Limit Holdem, Omaha, a Mother’s Day team tournament, and a bounty tournament. Please see below for the full schedule. Satellites are available for those who don’t want to fork over the money to buy-in directly. Good luck to those playing in these exciting events – I wish I were part of your competition! Maybe next year …
Event #1 – May 5th:
-$500 ($460+$40) No Limit Texas Holdem
-550 player max – Single Day Event
Event #2 – May 6th
-$220 ($200+$20) C2C Super Satellite
-Awards one $4,000 package for every 20 entries
-Each package consists of entry to Events 3 & 4
Event #3 – May 7th, 8th and Final Table May 11th
-$1,000 ($920+$80) No Limit Texas Holdem with Bounties
-Receive $50 for every player you eliminate and $1,000 for special guest players
-500 player maximum – 3 Day Event
Event #4 – MAIN EVENT – May 9th, 10th and Final Table May 11th
-$3,000 ($2,800+$200) No Limit Texas Holdem
-3 Day Event – Limited Field
Event #5 – May 11th
-$200 ($125+$15+$60) Mother’s Day No Limit Texas Holdem and Brunch
-Team Play event
-Mothers play odd levels and partners play even levels
-All registered teams will receive 2 Special Mother’s Day Brunch tickets
-200 team maximum – Single Day Event
Event #6 – May 12th
-$300 ($270+$30) Pot Limit Holdem/Omaha
-300 player max – Single Day Event
Event #7 – May 13th
-$300 ($270+$30) No Limit Texas Holdem
-300 player max – Single Day event