The World Poker Tour has announced the creation of WPT Caliber Regional and National Events. These tournaments are more affordable to the player and can be likened to circuit events that the WSOP hosts across the United States.
Founded in 2002, the WPT played a major part in the poker boom that swept across the United States in 2003. Many players set aside time to watch pros battle on the Travel Channel during its inaugural season. In fact, the WPT remained on the Travel Channel until 2008 when it migrated to the Game Show Network. GSN is also host to the popular High Stakes Poker, essentially a televised cash game.
Mike Sexton and Vince Van Paten won’t be doing final table commentaries nor will winners of these events be awarded a WPT Title. Furthermore, Player of the Year points will not be awarded in these events. Still, a WPT branded event carries a ton of weight in the poker world. Daniel Negreanu, Barry Greenstein, and Doyle Brunson are just a few of the poker legends who have a WPT Title under their belt.
Normally, WPT Title Events feature entry fees on excess of $10,000. WPT Caliber Regional and National Events aren’t cheap, but they are cheaper. The first event kicks off in Lawrenceburg, Indiana at the Hollywood Casino. The No Limit Hold’Em Main Event costs $1,600 to enter and begins on Saturday, November 20. In addition to a Main Event, players can enter preliminary events with entry fees from $100 to $500. The festivities begin on November 11.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is home to the second event. The buy-in of $5,000 is a bit pricey compared to the event in Indiana, but about half the price of a full-fledged WPT Title Event. Also, the weather is bound to be better in sunny Florida than in the frigid winter of Indiana. Day1A starts on November 19 and the final table is slated to begin on the 22nd.
THe WPT has always been a global brand and they are taking the same approach with the Regional and National Events. The third announced stop on the tour is set to take place in Paris at the Aviation Club de France on February 9. Entry to the Main Event will cost you € 5,000. Prelim events start on February 1st.
Stay tuned, as the WPT has promised to announce more events at the beginning of 2011.