Mark Your Calendars for the 6th Annual Full Tilt Miriam Foundation Montreal Open
Since the boom of 2003, poker has helped raise millions for charity in the form of donations, fundraisers, and tournaments. One of the biggest charity tournaments in recent memory is the Full Tilt Miriam Foundation Montreal Open, which is in its sixth incarnation and set to take place between March 27 and 30, 2011. The event is one of North America's largest televised poker charity tournaments and helps raise money for services, research and knowledge for those affected by developmental disabilities. What’s more, it takes place in Montreal, Canada, one of poker’s hotbeds ever since native Jonathan Duhamel won the 2010 World Series of Poker last November.
The Full Tilt Miriam Foundation Montreal Open started on April 6, 2006, at Marché Bonsecours and sold out with 800 players. The top ten finalists then flew to Las Vegas where they competed for five WSOP Main Event seats and a cash prize pool. From there, the event continued to grow every year, quickly becoming one of the most attractive events in Canada. Just ask Billy Gerontakos who emerged victorious in 2008, followed by Kevin Latendresse in 2009 and Kosta Papaposolou last year.
Tournament officials are already predicting this to be the biggest and best year yet, with the expectation of over 1,300 players. This year's event will be held at the Windsor Hotel and will play down to the top 30 players, who will then fly to Las Vegas on a date yet to be determined and play for ten WSOP seats and a prize pool valued at more than $250,000. Not only that, the televised event will reward the winner with a VIP WSOP package, the Lawrence Taiger Trophy, and training with a Full Tilt Pro.
Speaking of Full Tilt Pros, a number of them are expected to attend including: Howard Lederer, Gavin Smith, Lynette Chan, Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Marc Karam, and Eric Cajelais. Not only will participants have the opportunity to play with some of the biggest names in poker, they’re buy-in will entitle them to a meal, free drink, entry into a raffle, and an overall good time for a great cause.
The buy-in for the charity event is a reasonable $275 for a starting stack of 5,000. Players can also rebuy for $125 during the first four levels with a $125 add-on available at the end of the rebuy period. Furthermore, players will be able to choose their starting flight from the following days:
Sunday, March 27, 7:00 PM
Monday, March 28, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 29, 7:00 PM
The top 100 players from each night will then return on Wednesday, March 30 to participate in Day 2. For a full look at the tournament structure, rules, and prizes, you can visit the Montreal Open’s website.
For those who want to play but may be looking for more affordable options, Full Tilt Poker is also offering Qualifier Tournaments on Wednesdays at 20:15 EST and Sundays at 16:15 EST for $50 + $5. You can also satellite your way in to Qualifier Tournaments from $3.00 + $0.30. Winners will receive a $500 package. The prize package consists of entry to the live 6th Annual Full Tilt Poker Miriam Foundation Montreal Open tournament, held at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, Canada, plus $225 to be transferred into the player’s Full Tilt Poker account, which can be used toward expenses. All you need to do is sign up for a Full Tilt account today to get started.
*Photo courtesy of the Montreal Open.
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