TORONTO, March 14 /CNW/ - Toronto native and professional poker player
Daniel Negreanu, whose 2004 winnings topped $4.4 million, will make a hometown
appearance at the launch of tomorrow evening's International Poker Tours'
Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament for The Canadian Charity Association. The
tournament, which will be held at Paradise Banquet Hall and Convention Centre
in Vaughn, is open to all, with no entry fees, and is the first in a series of
weekly events to be held across Ontario.
Unlike traditional poker tournaments where gambling often overshadows the
game itself, International Poker Tours promotes poker as a recreational
sport -- and a gateway to qualify for other social tournaments. Players of all
levels are invited to test their skill and mental dexterity in a challenging
and thrilling Las Vegas type tournament. All players start with an equal
amount of chips, but how they strategize and manage their chips will determine
if they can win the tournament. Tournament winners qualify for the next stage
in a series of events, with the grand prize being a seat in the ultimate
event, the World Series of Poker held in Las Vegas.
"Poker is the fastest growing sport in the world," said International
Poker Tours CEO and President Richard David Silver. "With the absence of
hockey and the basketball season nearly over, recreational poker has an
opportunity to breathe new life into venues that will be looking for exciting
entertainment for their patrons."
One of the brightest lights in the poker world today, 30-year old
Daniel Negreanu was the top tournament poker player in 2004. Named ESPN Player
of the Year, Card Player Magazine Player of the Year, Champion of the Year and
was runner-up World Poker Tour Player of the Year, Negreanu is a popular poker
commentator and columnist.