World Championship of Online Poker Coming SoonWCOOP Ready to Roll at PokerStars.com |
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Online poker has seen a windfall of popularity and, despite legal questions swirling around the industry, online poker continues to find enthusiasm from players around the world. Proof positive that online poker is here to stay comes September 16, 2006, when PokerStars.com once again hosts the fifth annual World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) and its guaranteed prize pool of $10 million.
The WCOOP lasts 16 days and provides poker for all types of players. Starting with the $200 buy-in razz (seven-card stud low) event and climaxing with the $2,500 buy-in no-limit hold'em tournament and its guaranteed prize pool of $3 million, the series has a little something for everyone. The final event, which takes place October 1, 2006, is set to be the single richest event in online poker.
In a novel twist to the tournament series, this year will also see the introduction of H.O.R.S.E., a tournament that features a series of rotating games that include hold'em, Omaha eight-or-better, razz, seven-card stud eight-or-better, and seven-card stud. Hosting this prestigious event is PokerStars.com player representative Barry Greenstein.
Known to many as the "Robin Hood of Poker" for his big heart and large donations to charity, Greenstein is also known for his poker skills, especially playing in the "Big Game," where people often play mixed games. The H.O.R.S.E. event features a $5,000 buy-in, by far the largest of the tournament series, and should attract many of the world's best players, live or online.
According to Greenstein, the tournament series is a big deal for many online players. "Prestigious tournaments such as the PokerStars.com World Championship of Poker are the ultimate way to improve your game and experience the excitement of big tournament play," Greenstein said in a recent press release.
If last year's numbers are any indication of this year's player numbers, expect a colossal turnout. Last year's series featured 19,727 players and a collective prize pool of over $12.7 million.