WPT Cyprus Attracts Stars, Irish Winter Festival Announced

WPT Cyprus Gets Underway

The first event of the World Poker Tour’s twelfth season, the $1 million guaranteed Cyprus Merit Classic, got underway earlier today but not before PartyPoker’s Big Game kicked things off yesterday.

Featuring the likes of Sam Trickett and Daniel Cates, Marvin Rettenmaier and Dominik Nitsche, the $50/$100 cash game with a $200 straddle formed the main opener of the Cypriot festival.

Despite being surrounded by tournament regulars such as Rettenmaier and Nitsche, cash game specialist Sam Trickett couldn’t find a way to win. Indeed, after 12 hours at the felt Trickett missed almost “every flop” and ended the session down a few thousand dollars.

Also failing to make a profit was Rettenmaier. Despite entering the game with high hopes, the German pro eventually called it quits after losing $15,000.

After the festivities of the Big Game today saw the start of the $4,400 Main Event and at the time of writing the 131 entrants had been whittled down to 100. Leading the way into the second half of the session was Alper Dokeman.

For live updates from the event, click here.

Paddy Power Poker Announce Irish Winter Festival

Paddy Power Poker has just announced details of its annual Irish Winter Festival. Set to take place inside Dublin’s Burlington Hotel between October 25 and 28, the €1,125 Main Event is expected to attract a bumper field of international players.

In addition to the Main Event the festival will feature a selection of six side events, including a Crazy Pineapple event as well as a €225 two-day mini tournament.

Commenting on the event, a spokesman for PaddyPokwer said:

“The IWF festival is one event I look forward to every year; you know there is always something a bit whacky to get involved in! We’re particularly excited about our newest addition to the schedule, the Crazy Pineapple tournament. Not only has it got the best name of any poker tournament ever, it’s also a great format which generates lots of action. Anyone making fruit puns at the table will be fined chips, though.”

For the full schedule, click here.