More than £1million will now be up for grabs in the 2012 Genting Poker Series, which reaches its climax at a £200,000 Grand Final in December.
With £800,000 guaranteed by
Genting Poker, the popularity of the series has meant the prize funds from the first three legs has pushed the total value through the £1million mark - with four legs still to come.
Leg four will take place in Stoke from August 1-5 and more than 100 satellite qualifiers have already secured their seats.
Given the success of the three legs so far, Genting expect Stoke to deliver a prize fund approaching £150,000.
Whilst a host of big names have been playing in the series, the format is also proving extremely popular with recreational players and Genting Poker have revealed that over half of the players that sat down in the three legs to date won their seats through online or live qualifiers, including Edinburgh winner Paul McTaggart.
“The trend across the three tournaments to date reveals that more than 50% of players have come through our online and club satellites,” said Genting Poker manager Gary Oakes.
“We run a comprehensive programme of qualifiers for each main event of the series and while the outright buy-in of £400 + £30 is sensible, many players are winning their seats for as little as £20.”
Internet qualifiers have accounted for more than 40% of the 1,332 players so far, with the remainder qualifying through Genting Casinos around the country.
Leg 1 - Star City, Birmingham (£146,000) – Ruslan Vlasov
Leg 2 - The Fox Club, London (£232,000) – Albert Sapiano
Leg 3 - Fountainpark, Edinburgh (£154,800) – Paul McTaggart (qualifier)
Leg 4 - Genting Club, Stoke (£100,000 guaranteed) – August 1-5
Leg 5 - GentingPoker.com online leg (£100,000 guaranteed) – September 27-30
Leg 6 - Genting Club, Sheffield (£100,000 guaranteed) – November 21-25
Leg 7 - Grand Final, Palm Beach, London (£200,000 guaranteed) – December 5-9
Total prize fund to date - £1,032,800 (including guarantees)
