Denmark My Words - EPT Copenhagen Begins | 2011 EPT Copenhagen

Good morning and welcome to the second northernmost stop on the EPT circuit, Copenhagen. A light dusting of snow is falling over the city that has been home to Hans Christian Andersen, Soren Kierkegaard and Edvard Grieg - and the clientele currently residing at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia hotel is no less heavyweight.

Among the players expected to cough up the DKK 35,000 to play today are former World Champion Peter Eastgate, fresh out of retirement and being sponsored by PokerStars here this week, along with his former Team PokerStars Pro teammates Johnny Lodden, Theo Jorgensen and Ville Wahlbeck.

Players are still mostly standing in a long queue downstairs to register at the casino, but in the meantime we can happily announce that in other EPT news, a venue for the Grand Final has been confirmed. This season will culminate at the Casino Gran Madrid in the Spanish capital - the first time that the EPT has been to Madrid.

EPT founder John Duthie said, "We wanted somewhere new, dynamic and inspiring, and knew that Madrid would tick all the boxes for the travelling poker player, regardless of age or desires. The same familiar team will be running the event and the schedule will, I am sure, provide something for everyone. All the usual qualifying satellites will be held on PokerStars.com and other regional versions of the site, giving all players of all nationalities the opportunity to join us in launching from our new home. Hasta la vista!”

So there's some sunshine to look forward to, but for the time being it's back to the Danish snow. Play is due to start at noon, in around half an hour. Please stand by.