Sam Trickett, James Dempsey and Toby Lewis Confirmed for World Poker Tour Cyprus
Now that the record-setting European Poker Tour in Barcelona came to an end with Andre Lettau's victory of the Main Event, for many poker players it's time to pack their bags and head to another exciting international event: the partypoker WPT Merit Classic North Cyprus.
Set to begin on Monday, Sept. 1, and with an intense schedule that will run through Thursday, Sept. 11, the event is sure to bring a crowd of well-known players to the halls of the Merit Cristal Cove Hotel and Casino.
Built around the $1,000,000 guarantee $4,400 buy-in Main Event, the ten-day poker festival features other marquee events like the $10,500 High-Roller and the $125,000 guarantee $1,100 WPT buy-in Merit Poker Cup.
Among the big names that have already confirmed their attendance to the event is the leader of England's all-time money list, Everest Poker pro Sam Trickett.
WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey, 2010 EPT Vilamoura champ Toby Lewis and recent WPT National Marbella winner Steve Watts will also join the Main Event field.
"I can't wait to go back to Cyprus," Watts told PokerNews. "My mum lives next door to the hotel, and all my great memories as a young man on lads holidays there were amazing."
As Chad Holloway pointed out in an article about the three reasons why you should take a September vacation to plat the WPT Cyprus, Watts also believes that the combination of a great location, top poker events and an impeccable organization are what make the WPT Cyprus a must-play tournament.
"The weather is always great," Watts continued. "Plus all the WPT staff are always so accommodating, and make it a really fun tour stop. I can't wait to get there and, please, let me final Table another WPT!"
Also on his way to Northern Cyprus is Germany's Manig Loeser, who will attempt to beat his 2013 performance when he closed the Main Event in 23rd position and final tabled the $1,100 event.
As is tradition for a WPT event, the Royal Flush Girls will be in Cyprus to join the players in all the activities and parties planned by the organizers.
"I am counting down the days until the WPT Cyprus," Violet Dillon told PokerNews. "I am super excited to be returning to one of my favorite casinos on the poker circuit."
Another member of the Royal Flush Girls, Turkish model Tugba Ercan, told PokerNews that the tournament will be her first chance to discover Cyprus.
"The partypoker WPT Merit Classic North Cyprus gives players the opportunity to catch that last little bit of European sunshine and have their final poker holiday of the summer," Ercan commented.
"I am so excited to be going there for the first time ever, as I have heard so much from everyone about this WPT stop. I’m originally from Turkey and speak the language so I’m looking forward to be using those skills and mixing with all the local players."
From Sept. 5-10, our PokerNews Live Reporting team will be in Cyprus to bring you all the action from the Main Event. Make sure you don't miss any of our updates and have a look at this page to discover how to score a last-minute free seat to the €1,000,000 guaranteed Main Event and join the poker crowd in Cyprus.
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