Bayou Poker Challenge Main Event Day 1 | 2008 WSOP Circuit Event - Harrah's New Orleans

05-19-2008 11:55 UTC-5

Players Filtering In

donpeters

Players are beginning to filter into the tournament room for today's event. Each player is required to fill out a release form upon arrival at his or her table.

Play should be underway within 10 minutes.

05-19-2008 11:42 UTC-5

A Couple of Quick Announcements

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

[user42991]

We have approximately 20 minutes until the start of today's event. The tournament director has just announced that today's event will be played nine-handed, adding that late registration will remain open until 1:15 p.m. Turbo satellites have just begun for the event, for those hoping to win a last-minute seat in the championship event.

05-19-2008 10:55 UTC-5

The Day 1 Lowdown

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

donpeters

A makeshift poker room has been created in the Harrah's New Orleans Theatre specifically for the Bayou Poker Challenge. Players will begin Day 1 with 10,000 worth of starting chips and play seven 75-minute levels, with a 15-minute break at the end of each level.

More than just prize money is at stake for the event's contestants and eventual winner. In addition to the dough, the champion will receive a $10,000 seat in this summer's World Series of Poker Main Event, $1,000 in expense money, and a gold WSOP Circuit championship ring.

05-19-2008 08:46 UTC-5

2008 WSOP Circuit - Harrah's New Orleans

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

[user38449]

High stakes tournament poker is back in the Big Easy, as the Fifth Annual Bayou Poker Challenge (BPC) gears up for its $5,000 Championship Event, scheduled to kick off at noon CST later today.

The last major event on the tournament trail before the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the Bayou Poker Challenge generally attracts a solid field comprised of pros and amateurs alike, some looking to play one last 'normal' tournament before the bedlam begins at the end of the month.

Last May, 346 players turned out for the Fourth Annual BPC, which was won by Lou Esposito of Glendale, NY ($516,801). The WSOP Circuit later returned to Harrah's New Orleans in December, but drew a field of just 160 runners. Dr. Andy Philachack took down that tournament, and the $247,860 first place prize money that went with it. Back for another May installment, the tournament staff expects a bigger turnout this week.

PokerNews' Live Update Team will be on site for the duration of the event, shipping the scoop straight from the tournament floor. Coverage begins at 12:00 p.m. local time; we'll see you then!