by Kate
3. May 2010 11:33
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TThe World Series of Poker is the biggest and most prestigious poker event presently and is now set to debut in Africa at the Emerald Resort and Casino from October 24-31.
Past WSOP winners include legends such as Phil Ivey, Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, Phil Helmuth and Stu Unger. As well as these players are the host of celebrity players who have become regulars at the WSOP. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Don Cheadle, Shannon Elizabeth and Lou Diamond Phillips are among them.
Martin Rice, Emerald Resort and Casino CEO is thrilled with the news, saying: "Rugby, soccer and cricket each have a World Cup, Poker has the WSOP."
The WSOP is in the top 10 of the most admired sports brands in the US.
"Poker has, over the past half-decade, accelerated in popularity. Our Emerald Poker Series, and its growing fields, is testament to the unlimited success of the sport. It was only natural to follow-on its popularity with the greatest tournament on the planet," says Rice.
A No Limit Texas Hold'em Freeze Out will be the main event and will take place over 4 days with entries starting at $ 5000 (stack of 40 000 chips) with each level timed at 60 minutes and running antes introduced at level 5. The field is limited to 500 players. Starting blinds are 50-100.