2007 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE)

Martini anyone?

The Empire Casino is full to the brim with players, media and a range of well-dressed spectators, who have come to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. The red carpet is full of Vegas showgirls and resembles something akin to the Oscars, whereas inside it is more like a James Bond movie. The champagne and martinis are flowing freely, and the mood is jovial as players mingle. There is a real sense of anticipation in the air for the next week's action....

Suave, Sophisticated & Swanky

Although tonight's Antes Up for Africa charity event is destined to raise copious amounts for a very worthwhile cause, the event will also provide several of this week's players with a more than welcome warm-up.

The newly formed Empire Casino here in Leicester Square is a sight for sore eyes. Suave, sophisticated and swanky isn't just my lonely hearts' tagline (ahem), but they are adjectives that could also be applied here, as the Capital's newest casino truly shines as a venue a cut above the rest.

We've had a browse around the cardroom already, which can hold around ten tables, but there is also space for a few extra tables to spill out into the casino, mainly on the balcony area which overlooks the main pit. We've spotted a whole host of big names already, many of whom are sure to be partaking in more than just the Main Event.

Ante Up......

PokerNews is proud to present our live coverage of the inaugural 2007 World Series of Poker Europe. We are on location inside the brand new Empire Casino in London's Leicester Square, where tonight a handful of the numerous high profile American poker pros in town for the W.S.O.P.E. will gather to play in a charity event "Ante Up for Africa".

Some of the world's best players have descended on London in preparation for the biggest poker event Europe has ever seen. But this one isn't for personal glory or gain, but rather to raise the charity's profile in the UK and beyond, following from the huge success of the Las Vegas Ante Up for Africa tournament at this year's World Series of Poker. MC'd by Phil Hellmuth himself, the likes of Johnny Chan, Annie Duke, Todd Brunson, Phil Gordon, Andy Bloch and Hoyt Corkins have been spotted walking the red carpets, and a cowboy hat a foot above the rest of the crowd announced the arrival of Chris Ferguson.