There are some days in the life of a poker news writer when it can get overwhelming trying to choose something about which to write. There can be so much happening that you want to write everything and write it now. But there are days like today, the first day of the year 2014, when there is virtually nothing going on in the poker world.
It wasn’t unexpected; it’s like this every year. It still stinks, though, unless I’m on vacation. When I complained to my seven-year old daughter about it this morning, she asked, “Why can’t you just write about the Packers?”
She can read, but I guess she’s never read this website. Come on, my little princess, it’s time for you to learn how to float the turn in order to bluff the river.
Once the New Year’s hangover wears off, though, the action in the poker world ramps up quickly. Let’s use this space to take a look at some of the events that are coming up in the next month.
January 5 – 13: European Poker Tour PokerStars Caribbean Adventure
Probably the most popular poker festival outside of continental North America (I made that “continental” distinction because the Bahamas are part of North America – see, I did my homework), the PCA benefits from being a) close to the United States, b) in a vacation paradise during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, and c) fed by tons of satellites on PokerStars.com. The $10,000 + $300 Main Event starts January 7 and runs until the end of the PCA. Last year, almost 1,000 players registered for the Main Event, which awarded to $1,859,000 to the winner, Dimitar Danchev.
January 14 – January 31: World Poker Tour Borgata Winter Poker Open
What’s not to like about the WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open? It’s the first major tournament of the year in the United States and it’s held at a fantastic casino. Ok, so Atlantic City in the winter might not be the most wonderful place on the planet, but it is always nice to have an event within driving distance of so many densely populated areas. Though it starts in mid-January, the $3,300 + $200 Main Event does not begin until January 26. Last year saw 1,042 people play in the Main Event. Andy Hwang claimed the $730,053 first prize.
January 22 – February 1: European Poker Tour Deauville
EPT Deauville is one of the oldest stops on the European Poker Tour, introduced in the inaugural season of the Tour (we are now in the EPT’s tenth season). It left the schedule for Seasons 3 and 4, but returned for Season 5 and has been on the Tour ever since. This year, it is also part of the France Poker Series. The €5,000 + €300 Main Event begins January 26 and will conclude on February 1.
January 23 – February 14: Aussie Millions
It’s like an embarrassment of riches for poker in January. A huge WPT event in the States, an insanely popular EPT event in the Bahamas, another EPT event on a French beach resort, and now the Aussie Millions. Most of the poker attention is focused on North America and Europe, but the jewel that is the Aussie Millions ranks right up there with the best of them. It’s also older than most, having started in 1998. Though the Main Event, which will run February 2 – Feburary 9, is usually large (player counts have been in the 600’s and 700’s since 2007), the final table is usually populated by at least one big name.
January 9 – January 20: World Series of Poker Circuit – Choctaw Durant
January 23 – February 3: World Series of Poker Circuit – Harrah’s Tunica
Now that the World Series of Poker Asia Pacific was moved from the spring to the fall, we’ll have to wait until the end of May for any WSOP bracelet events. But fear not, WSOP Circuit stops occur all throughout the year, all throughout the country. Those who don’t want to fly to the Caribbean or pawn their car for a buy-in can test their skill starting in the second week of January at the WSOP Circuit’s stop at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma.