Poker Tournaments to Play in Before you Die
If you enjoy playing live poker tournaments you have a wide choice of venues all over the world. But which are the ‘must play’ tournaments? The tournaments that every live player should experience before hanging up his hoodie? Well, unless you’re talking about the huge events, one poker table is much like another, so location is of paramount importance.
WSOP Circuit event – New Orleans
New Orleans is a lively, friendly, cosmopolitan city famous for great food, cool jazz and blues, exciting nightlife and festivals. Harrah’s casino is situated in the centre of town on Canal street. You can ride the city’s famous streetcars from the casino into the French Quarter. The only problem with coming here is finding the time to play poker.
The Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure
This is the place for your winter getaway. A nine day series of tournaments set on Paradise island in the sunny Bahamas. Everybody who’s anybody is here and the competition is fierce. Despite the Atlantis resort and casino coming in for some stick recently, this is still one of the great poker venues.
The European Poker tour grand final – Monte Carlo
Well, you have to visit Monte Carlo at least once in your life, don’t you? You can rub shoulders with James Bond wannabes and asssociated villains in the casino. You may even spot Roger Moore driving around, one eyebrow raised, in his Rolls Royce. Monaco was described as “Alcatraz for the rich,” originally by Jack Nicholson, but later repeated by Dave Parrotfish ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott. Despite that it’s still a fascinating place to visit for a few days.
Asia Pacific Poker Tour – Macau
Macau itself is nothing special, but hop on a jetboat and in less than an hour you’ll be in one of the most exciting cities in the world, Hong Kong. Hong Kong has everything: beaches; bargains; night markets;, great food; sensational skyline; surprisingly, even remote villages and beautiful mountaineous countryside if you visit some of the islands. Take the authentic picturesque Star ferry to the island and take the tram or a double-decker bus up to the peak for a sensational, panoramic view over the city and Kowloon. Hong Kong really is a “must see” destination. But don’t forget the poker. Luckily, jetboats run every fifteen minutes between Hong Kong and Macau.
The Aussie Millions
Melbourne in January. It’s the height of the summer. Explore the lanes. Enjoy the wondeful choice of food Melbourne offers. Take in the cricket at the MCG and soak up the sun. So many visitors declare Melbourne to be one of their favourite cities. The Aussie Millions is staged the same time as the Australian Open tennis tournament and many poker players take advantage of that scheduling to view some top class tennis action. But poker doesn’t take a back seat here. The Aussie Millions is one of the most prestigious poker tournaments in the world and there are a host of popular side tournaments too. All the stars are here and the atmosphere is always friendly and relaxed – the Aussie way.
World Series of Poker – Las Vegas
Some time you’re gonna have to go to Las Vegas, and what better event to turn up for than the WSOP? All the famous pros are here along with the top internet stars and many recreational players. There’s just no tournament in the world to match the WSOP main event. Many players would give their right arms to win one of those ugly bracelets (and ask someone to strap it on their left wrist for them.) Then there’s every card room in Vegas still to explore and the legendary partying… You’ll need plenty of staying power for this trip of a lifetime.
