"Let's get this show on the road," Jack Effel coaxed the players to their chairs. He waited until there were the requisite minimum two players at each table before handing the mic over to Ty Stewart.
"Okay, welcome to the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe. Yes, the Americans are back, and we brought our southern accents, our big bellies, and our fantasy football chat." A few hushed boos reminded us that us Yanks are most certainly the foreigners here. "This is a labor of love for this group," Stewart continued, "and we really want to make the Empire one of the premier international destinations for poker."
After a few more opening remarks, he handed the loud stick back over to T.D. Jack Effel, and Effel recognized Stewart for being the brain child behind this WSOPE, now in its fourth season. The T.D. then gave the players a hearty thanks for turning up today, giving a quick rundown of the events the week has in store. Next came the old familiar WSOP rules reading, including the walkthrough of the player release form. No abusive language, kids.
All right, 24 minutes late is plenty. It's time to kick off this WSOPE with Event #1. Effel handed the mic to the only Brit who's won both a WSOP and a WSOPE bracelet, British pro JP Kelly. With the honor of uttering the most famous words in poker, Kelly commanded the dealers to action, and the cards are flying here in London!
It's a fine start to the WSOPE. Event #1 has sold out just before the start of play with 204 players in their chairs. Tournament Director Jack Effel just announced to the room that we'll be playing with alternates to accommodate the overflow, and he promised, "We will get everyone a seat today."
We're just a few moments away from the opening remarks and the start of play, so don't wander off on us.
Today marks the beginning of the fourth annual World Series of Poker Europe here in the beautiful Empire Casino in Leicester Square. September has become the month for poker in London these days with the WPT having gone and the EPT coming up. But for the next two weeks all focus is here as players have travelled from all across the globe to one of its' biggest cities.
Expect a full deluge of American stars, crazy Scandinavians as well as a strong showing from the UK's local players. All will be looking to capture the almost mythical bracelets that one gains from winning one of the five events scheduled to take place.
The opening event is a new one, a £2,500 6-max event with a cap of 204 players today and it looks as though it's expected to be close to selling out already. The action will begin in around 15 minutes or so and Pokernews will be bringing you all the news both today and throughout the series.
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