With Party Poker and Matchroom Sport’s latest announcement that the Big Game IV will take place in London from April 11 to 13, the uber-secretive Isuldur1 has once again stolen the spotlight, if not by his own doing. Soon after the press release, Team Party’s Tony G blogged this invitation to the unknown legend: “Isildur1 – get over to the UK for April 11-13 for the PartyPoker.com Big Game IV at Les Ambassadeurs in London. I will pay for your flights, I will pay for your hotel – I will even stake you totally for the 48 hour cash game. I want to experience the chance to see your brilliant online game in the live environment.”
As of this writing, there’s been no response from Isildur1, but in addition to Tony G, other confirmed attendees include Phil Laak and his lady Jennifer Tilly, Premier League IV runner-up Luke “Full Flush” Schwartz, Neil Channing, Laurence Grondin, and online stud Isaac Haxton. It goes without saying that Isildur1, who has yet to reveal himself to the poker world, would create an electric atmosphere in an already exciting event, but it remains to be seen whether the alleged Swede will even respond to the summons, let alone make an appearance.
Should Isildur1 wish to maintain his furtive relationship with the poker community, Matchroom Sport’s managing director Eddie Hearn says every care would be taken to protect his identity: “We have been in contact with Isildur1 and would love him to join the game – if he wants we will even make special arrangements so that he doesn’t have to reveal his identity to anyone. We are quite happy to let him play wearing a mask or in disguise!”
Tony G furthered the sentiment in his blog, telling Isildur1 that he could borrow the Kermit the Frog outfit that he wore at the Premier League. On one hand, it seems unfathomable that Isildur1 would actually wear a Muppet mask on a worldwide broadcast, yet he’s gone to great lengths to hide his identity while perpetuating his iconic status; a stunt like this would certainly accomplish both. Despite offering to back the high-stakes fiend, Tony G also appealed to Isildur1’s competitive nature by saying, “Let me make one thing clear though. If I stake you I still want to crush you and make you bleed from the mask… and I will!”
Whether Isildur1 shows up or not, the Big Game IV promises to entertain as only a non-stop 48-hour cash game can. In a newly added wrinkle, this year’s game will feature “evictions” from the table. Every two hours, all eight players will nominate one of their tablemates “Survivor”-style and the chosen one will be replaced by a fresh face.
As for players who might fill Isildur1’s big shoes should he decline the offer, in last year’s Big Game III, Andrew Feldman and Robert Williamson III emerged as the biggest winners in a field that boasted Juha Helppi, Barny Boatman, and Roland de Wolfe, while the first two events featured Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, Kenna James, Dave Ulliott, and WSOP champion Jamie Gold.