If you’re looking for a way to pass the time in Europe before the World Series of Poker Europe events begin, look no further. Poker in the Park, Europe’s largest poker festival, will be held September 2nd and 3rd at Hanover Square in London. This new location is near the Oxford Circus Station, and this year’s event is absolutely free to anyone over the age of 18, so why not come out and play some poker and learn from the pros? Last year’s event drew 20,000 poker fans from all over the UK and elsewhere, with all the extras being added to this year’s lineup, the 2011 Poker in the Park will be the biggest yet!
Everything at the 2011 Poker in the Park is free (well, except for food and drinks), and the events that are planned for 2011 are definitely worth checking out. Unlike previous years, where players stood in long lines trying to get into the Poker Dome, a large tented area with sit-n-go action and space enough for 80 players, this year’s Poker in the Park has an extra two domes so that everyone can have a chance (or several) to play. The event is sponsored by PKR, Bluff, and Bodog Poker and has reached out to pubs across the UK to nab their best players, so expect to experience some real competition when you’re playing here.
If you’re wondering what kind of games you can play at Poker in the Park, we have your answer: in addition to the free tournaments that are running constantly in Poker Domes 1 and 2 during the event– there are a total of 10 on Friday and 18 on Saturday, starting every hour), you can take part in the Heads-up Marquee, where you compete on electronic poker tables in knockout tournaments for the title of Poker in the Park Heads-up Champion.
If you’re new to poker or you’re uneasy about taking your game against big names in poker just yet, fear not– Poker in the Park is more than equipped to help you learn the game or improve your playing. Swing by the Poker Pros’ Lecture Marquee for lectures (five on each day of the event) from famous poker players, or sit down with the pros at the Live Tuition Marquee and let them analyse your game and tell you what you’re doing wrong (or right!). Some of last year’s celebrity poker players included Annette Obrestad, Jamie Gold, Liv Boeree, and Peter Eastgate, and while the 2011 lineup isn’t announced yet, one thing is for certain– this experience could improve your poker game forever!
Also new in 2011 is the Poker in the Park Main Stage, which will house stand-up comics and live music, making this event something that the entire family can enjoy– even the non-poker players! If poker isn’t your thing and you instead fancy another type of game, the Mixed Game Marquee may be for you. This area will house a wide variety of games other than poker, including backgammon, rummy, and chess.