November Niners Czech Their Privilege!

(Photo: Elena Chadaeva)

If, like me, you’ve never made it to Vegas and played the Main Event, the next best thing has to be the new kid on the block – the King’s Casino in Rozvadov – which has been breaking every record this week as poker players from all over Europe and beyond fight it out for 14 circuit rings – and today sees the WSOP Circuit Main Event kick in.

Poker in the Czech Republic has been firmly stamped on the map, with last week’s November Nine finalist Vojtech Ruzicka winning over the fans with his excellent play and eventual 5th place finish – his triple barrel bluff ending his bracelet hopes but showing true heart and determination.

Almost $2million richer, Vojtech has returned home to a hero’s welcome and a seat in the Main Event here at his local King’s Casino, while still having the energy to play the €5K High Roller and even some live CashKings games!

(Photo: Elena Chadaeva)

Not one, not two, but four November Niners!

Ruzicka is not the only big name who has appeared, with Pierre Neuville– who last year vied to become the oldest Main Event winner ever with his deep WSOP run taking him all the way to the final table and 7th spot - also making the trip from his native Belgium.

Both players were still in the thick of things in the €5K High Roller, so wouldn’t be appearing in the Main Event day 1a, which today takes pride of place in the massive main poker room at King’s; more than 120 tournament tables dwarfing all but the biggest card-room in the world back in Vegas.

As day 1a takes off, there is a guaranteed €1million prize-fund, and if the past 13 days here in Rozvadov are anything to go by, the number of hopefuls in the €1650 buy-in Main Event will likely smash that guarantee, the eventual winner looking set to take home a massive cash prize as well as the coveted circuit ring.

(Photo: Elena Chadaeva)

And we’re off and running!

When 2pm came and the ‘shuffle up and deal’ was announced, it was actually a relatively quiet start to the Main Event – but only because the 180 players filled only a small portion of the immense playing area! In every direction there were side-events, cash games, VIP and high-roller events taking place – and come the evening the Main Event numbers had swollen to 331, smashing last year’s day 1a numbers - and tomorrow’s day 1b is expected to fill the hall to the rafters.

Bonuses? Don’t mind if I do!

Ok, the phrase ‘everyone’s a winner’ certainly can’t be used in poker too often, but the sponsors of the WSOP Circuit in Rozvadov, 888poker, had planned to make a few people happy even if they didn’t manage to cash.

The first Royal Flush shown (using one holecard) in the Main Event was rewarded with an iPhone 6s, while on Day 1B players are invited to an excellent Lebanese Buffet, provided from U Cedru, the ‘first address for Lebanese cuisine in Prague’ – and certain to keep the hungrier players (and journalists too I hope!) happy.

Add in to the Main Event recipe England’s James Akenhead - who made it to the final table in Vegas in 2009 and a late entry from Martin Staszko…

…the 40-year old Czech pro who scooped $5,433,086 for his runner-up run in 2011’s epic final table, the scene is set for one of the biggest and richest events ever to take place on Czech soil.

It was a hard fought 8 hours on the felt, whittling the field down bit-by-bit until, just after midnight and the 12th level of play with blinds at 600/1200 ante200, a lucky 146 players bagged up on their way to day2 on Sunday. They’ll be joined by day 1b’s fortunate ones tomorrow, and I’ll be on the spot to report on the fortunes of Ruzicka and Neuville as they plot and plan and fight the best of the rest for a shot at the circuit ring come close of play on Monday night!

(Photo: Elena Chadeyeva)

Plans, plans and more plans!

Although King’s owner Leon Tsoukernik has had to miss his own flagship event, his attention to detail and grand plans can be seen in every square inch of Europe’s biggest cardroom. If 160+ poker tables seems, well, excessive, then his plans to add another huge playing hall for the WSOP Europe over the next few seasons will make Rozvadov the ultimate ‘poker island’ he has been dreaming of.

Add in a new hotel expansion and things are looking more than rosy for the locals, and also the visitors who like to claim Rozvadov as their second-home. Visitors, Leon says, who cross all sections of society – everyday poker fans like you and I, welcomed in the same way as the high-rollers and treated just as well. The personal touch is king in Kings!

(Photo: Elena Chadaeva)

Day 1a Chip leaders

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