Grosvenor Poker is looking to strengthen its National Poker League with a brand new event for 2023: the UK Poker Open. The full 10-day festival will take place at Goliath's home, Grosvenor Casino Coventry, from the 24thth from February to 5th March and will have a huge £1 million in guaranteed prizes.
With a buy-in of £1,500, the UK Poker Open is sure to tempt some of the most experienced poker players on the circuit as they compete for a Goliath-worthy prize pool against a much smaller field. Of course, like all Grosvenor Poker events, expect plenty of side events and cash tables galore, as no matter what type of player you are, there will always be a seat to get in on the action.
Win open seats in the UK
There are plenty of opportunities to win your seat at the UK Poker Open for a fraction of the buy-in by playing the daily satellites offered at various card rooms and online at Grosvenorpoker.com.
The players' verdict
One of the poker aces looking forward to the tournament is Matt Davenport, who finished ahead of the rest in last year's National Poker League. Originally from Cheshire, Matt, 49, has taken part in many competitions across the country including Coventry, Reading and Edinburgh.
The city has fond memories for Matt, who finished seventh at last summer's Grosvenor UK Poker Tour for the 10th anniversary Goliath competition, winning £6,800. He said: “Taking part in major tournaments in Coventry is a fantastic experience.
“There is always a fantastic atmosphere and players come from all over Britain. Now, with a guaranteed prize pool of £1 million, I am confident that this new event will be a phenomenal success.”
Two other successful players looking forward to the UK Poker Tour are Birmingham's Chris Johnson and Middlesbrough's John Bousfield. Business owner John finished fourth in the National Poker League and Chris fifth, and both won £15,000 in free tournament entries this year.
They both agreed: “Having the £1 million tournament is absolutely fantastic. “It seems like an incredible event and opportunity to make life-changing money on something we really enjoy.”
National director of poker, Jim McShane, said: “This is the first time we have offered a £1 million prize pool in one of our casinos and we are the organizers of the very popular National Poker League and have 32 poker rooms across the country.
“We see the buzz that live poker generates; It's a show we're proud to support every day. So when we thought about what else we could bring to the table alongside the existing Goliath festival, which is also held in Coventry, it was simple. Let’s increase it and make it even bigger.”