In sport, international boundaries are no longer what they used to be. A perfect example of this is the fact that the Tour De France makes various detours into other countries and in 2014, the race will be starting in Yorkshire! This may not be the picturesque French mountainside that people normally associate with the epic cycling race but it just goes to show how things are stretching out. In a way, it is fun that this is happening but underneath it all, there is clearly a marketing focus to create awareness and draw more people to an event or tournament.
Poker players have to tour
Even though the Norwegian Championship is one of the most respected live poker events in Europe, it seems as though the organisers are looking to add some more excitement and drama to the event. Then again, perhaps they are just looking for a great party because they have decided to bring the event to Dublin and the event will coincide with St Patrick’s Day! The CityWest Hotel in Dublin is the venue for the event which will run between the 16th of March and the 24th of March.
While the idea of hosting the Norwegian Championships outside of Norway sounds strange, it is actually common practice. This is due to the fact poker is banned by the Norwegian authorities, so it is perfectly understandable that the Norwegian poker community is keen to celebrate their love of the game but also avoid arrest at the same time! The Championship is only open to Norwegian nationals so there will be an influx for this event.
There is definitely something about Dublin that appeals to the Norwegians as the CityWest Hotel in Dublin was the venue for the 2009 and 2012 finals too. The Championship has been held in Riga in Latvia, with this city last hosting the Championship in 2011 and in England where the famous Dusk Till Dawn venue hosted the Championship in 2008.