On Wednesday, February 21, at 3 p.m., the legendary Binions Hotel Casino in Las Vegas is hosting its fourth
Ultimate Poker
Challenge Cash Poker. The
UPC series has ballooned in popularity, becoming the highest-rated cash poker game on network television. Taping is open to the public.
Over the years, poker reality television has become increasingly popular. Some shows like
High Stakes Poker and the
World Poker Tour were destined for success, with heavyweight sponsorship and early exposure. ESPN's saturated coverage of the
World Series of Poker has become a poker fanatic's staple, elevating the game to sports status. But many poker shows' ratings have suffered due to their inability to establish a firm fan base.
Every once in a while a poker show comes along and becomes an instant hit with viewers. Such is the case with
Ultimate Poker Challenge's Cash Poker. The WGN series kicked off late last year with limited publicity and sponsorship. But lately,
UPC's Cash Poker series has piqued international interest, giving cable and network competitors a run for their money.
The
UPC Cash Poker series is a no-limit Texas hold'em event with a $25,000 buy-in and optional rebuys. Eighteen players compete on two separate tables, with alternates ready to jump in as soon as a participant busts. Every player gets his 10 minutes of fame, as both tables of the live cash poker event are televised.
Last year's series featured big names like Doyle Brunson, Terry Meyers, Nenad Medic, Mike "The Mouth" Matusow, Todd Brunson, and Italy's hero, Max Pescatori. These episodes are currently airing, so go to www.ultimatepokerchallenge.com and click on "TV Schedule" for more information on when the
UPC Cash Game airs in your area.
Poker celebrity and established professional Chad Brown, whose career exploded in 2006, is the
UPC Cash Poker host. Brown secured several titles over the years, reaching even more final tables, and has quickly elevated his status in the poker industry. "Cowboy" Kenna James and Brandi Williams join Brown as the show's co-hosts.
This week's 18 competitors include Herb Montalbano, Joe Awada, Lee Marcum,
UPC host Chad Brown, and the always-entertaining Robert Williamson III. Limited seats are still available and players can register by visiting www.ultimatepokerchallenge.com, or by emailing the show's executive producer at
[email protected].
