(Photo: Cardplayer.com)
Party Poker has revealed that John Duthie has signed on to run the Party Poker LIVE global poker tour, assuming the role of president for the next five years.
Duthie founded the European Poker Tour in 2004 and served as the CEO for eight years, playing an integral part in making the EPT one of the top tours in the world. The EPT had a 13-year run through December 2016 until the tour underwent a re-branding this year and is now known as the PokerStars Championship.
(Photo: Partypoker.com)
The Right Man
The new Party Poker LIVE tour was announced last month and the company is ecstatic that Duthie has taken the helm.
Party Poker Managing Director Tom Waters said of the new hire:
"Very few people in the world have made such a significant contribution to poker and his experience, relationships and understanding of players will be a huge asset to us."
That experience includes more than $3.2 million in career earnings as a live tournament player. Duthie won the inaugural Poker Million in 2000 and his standing in the game has reached legendary proportions, especially among Brits.
Duthie said:
"I still love the game just as much as the first time I saw my first flop and I believe this passion will help Party Poker LIVE become the largest and most fun poker tour in the world.”
Guarantees Galore
In addition to Duthie signing on, Waters also revealed that Party Poker LIVE will guarantee $5 million prize pools for $5K buy-in events, $1 million for entry fees of $1K, and $500,000 GTD for $200 buy-ins.
"We plan to visit as many continents and countries as possible." Waters added, with all events slated to include "at least one Online Day 1 for players who have limited time to spend away from home or simply wish to reduce their expenses."
Party Poker LIVE has confirmed the following events thus far, with more to follow:
- · Mar 23rd-27th Party Poker Million Sochi [Sochi Casino & Resort] $1M GTE [$1,100 buy-in]
- · Apr 6th-10th Party Poker Grand Prix Austria [CCC Montesino] €500K GTE [€225 buy-in]
- · Apr 18th-23rd Party Poker MILLIONS [Dusk Till Dawn] £6M GTE [£5,300 buy-in]
- · Apr 25th–May 1st Party Poker Grand Prix Canada [Playground] CA$500K GTE [CA$220 buy-in]
- · April 27th–May 1st Party Poker Grand Prix Germany [Kings Casino] €500k GTE [€225 buy-in]
- · May 5th–10th Party Poker Million North America [Playground] CAD$5M GTE [CAD$5,300 buy-in]
- · June 1st – 5th Party Poker Million Germany [Kings Casino] €1M GTE [€1,100 buy-in]