A temporary blip, or the beginning of a worrying trend? The low turnout for the PokerStars.com
European Poker Tour Dublin event at the end of October was the subject of earnest speculation within the industry.
Was it the higher buy-in? The lack of TV coverage? The venue? The competitive environment?
All of these issues conspired to render the Dublin leg of the prestigious tour something of an anomaly: Ireland holds the record for the two largest tournaments ever held in Europe (the
International Poker Open and the
Irish Open), the Amsterdam
Master Classics main event, held immediately after the Dublin tournament, was a sellout, and the recent success of tournaments such as the
Grosvenor UK Poker Tour have proved that the popularity of the game is as strong as ever.
With attendance down from 389 last year to 221 this year, the
EPT has said it will look at what happened and engage in constructive debate with players to ensure that they get it right next time.
The logistics of running a series of tournaments of this size present a formidable challenge to the organisers, and while all of the people cannot be satisfied all the time, we should remain confident that the problems experienced in season four will be identified and addressed, and the
Tour will return as strong as ever.
It has been one of the success stories of not just European poker but poker in a global context, and it is in the interests of the European game that a strong
Tour exists.
Christmas Cheer
If there's one thing poker players are better at doing than winning money, it's donating it. The recent
Simon Poker Day, benefiting Dublin's homeless, was held as part of the
EPT Dublin festival. At a time of the year when people's thoughts drift to family, friends, and home, it was heartening to see such a vibrant and vocal turnout at the event.
Dozens of players travelled from the UK specifically for the event, and dozens more filled cars from across Ireland and made the journey to participate. More than €50,000 was raised, bringing the total in two years to more than €100,000.
Everyone complained about the structure, some complained about the venue (an irony not lost on this writer), and at least one complained when he was ejected from the tournament for buying in a second time!
But the grumbles were in jest, and the players dug deep to give a little back ahead of a bleak time for those on the streets.
The game reverberated with banter, laughter, and, perhaps surprisingly, the odd hand of cards.
Those involved in organising and supporting the event want neither thanks nor congratulations, but deserve both. So raise a glass this festive season, and whether you're behind or ahead at the moment, toast your good fortune, family, and friends.
Merry Christmas, and I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.
