Genting is a major name in the UK casino industry and it seems that the Genting Poker Series (GPS) is developing a great reputation too. The first season of the series went down very well with poker players and it seems as though the follow-up season is set to be a smash hit too.
The continuing success and popularity of poker can be shown in the turnout for this event. Last year, the tournament saw a highly respectable number of 365 poker players participate and the prize pool was a healthy £140,000. The figures for this year’s event totally smashed that level and any reasonable expectations for the 2013 event.
Big poker events draw the crowds
A total of 590 poker players made their way to Start City in Birmingham which resulted in a prize pool total of £236,000 to play for. Given that the guarantee was listed as £100,000 it is clear to see that people still want to play poker in big numbers these days.
One man who definitely got the benefit of the increased prize pool was Julian Thew, a sponsored professional from the Sky Poker stable who would run out to be the champion. Thew not only claimed the position of GPS Star City Champion, he also managed to claim just over £40,000. He could have actually earned more money for himself but Thew had struck a deal with a number of other players to ensure that the top four payouts were more balanced.
This can sometimes work for you, it can sometimes work against and perhaps the fact that the financial pressure was off inspired Thew to reach greater heights! The purists may not agree with this sort of tactic but it is something that many top level poker players approve of.