Greg Raymer Asks for Backing, James Akenhead’s Bar, UK Omaha Series

Who Wants a Piece of Raymer?

Greg Raymer, the former WSOP Main Event champion with four HPT titles and almost $7.5 million in winnings, is seeking financial assistance for his tournament endeavours in 2014.

After numerous conversations with his wife, who he has stated has become “more and more nervous about [him] playing poker“, Greg has decided to sell 60% of his tournament action for the coming year.

Aside from wanting to increase his marriage EV, Greg is also not able to draw a stable income from sponsorship deals anymore so he feels that the time is right to asking for tournament backing.

Taking his plea to 2+2 a few days ago has seen Greg ask for $100,000 in staking money and offer a unique deal for those who invest.

Operating in a different way to many staking deals, the arrangement will ensure Greg has enough funds to cover all his tournament play in 2014 and that he will take home 40% of any winnings. Beyond this, the remaining 60% will be split between those who purchase chunks of at least $1,000.

To make deal a little more complicated, Greg is also buying 20% of himself which means he’ll be taking a slice of the 60% set aside for investors, as well as the 40% which is already set for himself.

Akenhead Swaps Pots for Pints

2009 WSOP Main Event final-tablist and Poker Million winner, James Akenhead has recently told Poker Player Magazine how he is now enjoying life away from the game as a bar owner.

Despite still being in his prime, the former pro who has more than $3 million in tournament winnings has given up the game and purchased a bar in London.

In a recent interview with the British publication, James explained how tough runs at the felt over the last few years have led him to invest some of his winnings in a new venture and move onto the chapter of his life.

Now pulling pints rather than raking in pots, James says he’s happy to step away from poker but that he’d “love to go back to Vegas for all of the key events“.

The Vic to Host Omaha Series

No Limit Texas Hold’em events often dominate tournament schedules across the world, but if you’re looking for something a little different, then London’s Grosvenor Victoria Casino has the answer.

Keen to show MTT’ers across the UK the delights of Omaha, the card room is putting on a series of four card tournaments next week.

Dubbed the UK Omaha Series, the mini festival will see five tournaments takes place with buy-ins ranging from £100+£10 to £250+£25.

Among the tournaments on offer will be a selection of PLO (4, 5 and 6 card) and PLO8 games that will culminate with a two-day Main Event that will kick off on Saturday January 25th.

UK Omaha Series Schedule:

Thursday 23rd – 7.45pm – £100+10 – PLO – 1 re-entry – 10k Starting Stack – 30 minute levels

Friday 24th – 7.45pm – £150+15 – PLO 4/5/6 – 1 level of each – 15k Starting Stack – 30 minute levels

Saturday 25th – 4.00pm – £250+25 – PLO – 1 re-entry – 20k Starting Stack – 40 minute levels

Saturday 25th – 7.45pm – £100+10 – ROE – 1 re-entry – 10k Starting Stack – 30 minute levels

Sunday 26th – 4.00pm – £200+20 – PLO8 – 1 re-entry – 15k Starting Stack – 30 minute levels