Making its only trip outside of the continental U. S., the World Poker Tour’s North American Poker Championship starts this Friday at Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario, Canada.
Previously held during the tournament schedule at the Bellagio’s Festa al Lago, the North American Poker Championship has shown growth in every year that it has played. Since its inaugural tournament during the third season of the WPT, the NAPC has grown from 312 runners to last year’s 504 player field. This year’s field is expected to meet or exceed last year as the multitude of transplanted Canadian poker pros enjoy a trip back home and the Canadian dollar offers a good deal for all who participate.
The four year history of the tournament has provided the breakout victory for young players as well as established veterans. In 2004 (when it was named in honor of the legendary Doyle Brunson), former WSOP World Champion Juan Carlos Mortensen outlasted Erik Seidel and John Juanda to capture the crown. The next year was one for the veterans too as noted cash game player Minh Ly defeated “Action” Dan Harrington to win the event.
Once it moved to Canada in 2006, the NAPC dropped the “Doyle Brunson” in its name and became a battleground for the young internet stars. Soren Turkewitsch was the champion on the first visit to the banks of Niagara Falls and last year Scott “BigRiskky” Clements defeated fellow online player Jonathan “FieryJustice” Little, winning over $1.1 million.
With its proximity to the United States, the NAPC is a popular stop for tournament poker professionals and young internet players. Because of the lower age restriction (eighteen years old versus the 21-year age minimum in the States), the best the online world has to offer storm the Fallsview Casino Resort to take part in the action. With this influx of online money, the field should be around 550 players, making a $1 million first place prize, and Scott Clements will be there to defend his crown.
Fallsview Casino Resort is currently offering satellites to enter into the NAPC and the first of three Day Ones starts at noon on Friday. Saturday and Sunday will see the remaining players begin the tournament with the survivors from the weekend combined at the start of play on Monday. Three more days of battle will lead up to the final table, scheduled for October 16th.
Can Clements do something that hasn’t been done on the WPT and repeat as champion? Will the veterans take the title or will it be a internet unknown? Poker News Daily will keep you informed on the North American Poker Championship as they crown another millionaire next week.
