EXPERIENCING
VEGAS the poker way YOUR QUINTESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE 2009 WORLD SERIES OF POKER
www.piggspeakpoker.co.sz
Peter Eastgate, 2008 Main Event Champion
Viva Las Vegas!
What is the WSOP? THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER (WSOP) IS THE OLDEST, LARGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS SET OF TELEVISED INTERNATIONAL POKER TOURNAMENTS THAT ENJOYS THE MOST MEDIA ATTENTION OF ALL POKER EVENTS IN THE WORLD. One of its main attractions is the fact that it enables all players on any level of skill to test their poker prowess and compete against some of the greatest poker professionals and legends from around the globe. Winners of each WSOP Event collect handsome cash prizes as well as a golden WSOP Bracelet. The illustrious series of tournaments finally culminates in the Main Event, which is a $10,000 Buy-In No Limit Texas Hold’em Event. In 2008, close to 7000
players entered for this poker event of poker events, resulting in a jaw-dropping total prize pool of more than $64million and a first prize of more than $9million! Apart from collecting a substantial sum of money, the winner of the WSOP Main Event is crowned as the World Champion of Poker. And interestingly enough, since 2001, this esteemed title has belonged not to poker pro’s, but to reasonable newcomers (newbie’s) to the poker scene.
History of the WSOP When looking at the above-mentioned figures, it is very hard to imagine that the WSOP unofficially kicked at a casino called Binion’s Horseshoe, in a bay the size of a normal hotel room, with just over 30 players seated around the poker tables! This first major poker event took the form of a number of high stakes cash games that were spread over several days and attracted poker enthusiasts such as Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder and Rudy “Minnesota Fats” Wanderone as well as some of the most well-known players at the time, such as Doyle Brunson, “Amarillo Slim” Preston, Johnny Moss, and Puggy Pearson. The gathering, which saw the first crowning of a Poker World Champion, is said to be the brainchild of Benny Binion, owner of the host casino. However, rumour has it that the idea was a combined effort between him; Tom Moore, partner of the Holiday Casino in Reno and Vic Vicrey, a well-known gambler in those times. But since the latter were not interested in organising such an event again the following year, Benny Binion seized the opportunity to develop it into what they dreamed of: The World Series of Poker. At first, the WSOP grew painstakingly slowly. As a matter of fact, 12 years later,
the Rio
Home of the WSOP
in 1982, the event only drew 52 participants! Satellites were then introduced that enabled players to win their way to the WSOP Events for significantly less than what the Buy-Ins cost. Shortly after, the event started booming, to such an extent that by 1987, one could play almost every variant of poker at the WSOP and there were more than 2,100 entrants in the Main Event. In 2004, Binion’s Horseshoe was purchased by Harrah’s Entertainment, who sold the original Hotel & Casino to MTR Gaming Group, but kept the rights to the WSOP and its brands. They then announced that the 2005 WSOP event will take place at their own Hotel & Casino, the Rio, which is located just off the Las Vegas Strip. To this day, the Rio remains the home of the WSOP. And… as they say… the rest is history! By 2006, a record number of 8,773 people entered for the WSOP Main Event alone, which subsequently had a multi-million prize pool!
It’s all about the glory Regardless of the staggering sums of money up for grabs, most poker players aspire to win that coveted WSOP Bracelet, stating that “it is not about the money, but all about the glory.” In fact, amongst the crème of the poker crop it is said that all poker players can be divided into two groups: those who have WSOP Bracelets, and those who don’t. And there is not a poker player who does not secretly desire to be part of the elite “Bracelet Club.” Simply described as “invaluable,” the current WSOP Bracelets are manufactured by luxury watch maker Corum. In 2008, the Bracelets for the 54 side events comprised 55 diamonds, totalling 0.25 carats set in 80 grams of 14 carat yellow gold. The Bracelet for the Main Event had a stunning 291 diamonds, totalling 2.81 carats set in 168 grams of 18 carat white gold! At the 2009 WSOP, a total of 57 Bracelets will be issued.
The Poker Hall of Fame In 1979, a virtual Poker Hall of Fame was established to honour poker players who have made valuable contributions to the development of the game of poker and specifically to the World Series of Poker. This was taken over by Harrah’s Entertainment, who bought the WSOP in 2004. Selected members are initiated during a stately enshrinement ceremony which occurs parallel to the appointment of the Final Table of the WSOP Main Event. To be considered as a member of the Poker Hall of Fame, players have to meet the following main criteria: Must have played for high stakes Must have competed in top, acknowledged tournaments Must play consistently well and be respected by peers Must have stood the test of time Non-poker players can also be considered, if they have contributed significantly to the overall growth and success of the game of poker, and such results can be proven. Since 1979, only 37 members have been accepted into the Poker Hall of Fame, of whom only 16 are still alive. This includes the likes of “The Grandfather of Poker,” Doyle Brunson; T.J. Cloutier; Johnny Chan and “The Poker Brat,” Phil Hellmuth. Nominations are currently accepted for new members that will join the Poker Hall of Fame during the 2009 WSOP.
How to enter for the 2009 WSOP Anyone who can play a game of poker, or who can afford the Buy-In can enter for the 2009 WSOP. There are a number of side events with Buy-Ins ranging from as low as $1,000, to the $10,000 Buy-In Main Event. Reservations can be done online, by visiting the official website of the World Series of Poker at www.worldseriesofpoker.com . Should you not want to risk the $10,000 to compete at the WSOP, you can play your way to the final table at the All Africa Poker Tournament where there are fully sponsored WSOP packages for grabs. In addition to a guaranteed prize pool of R3, 5million, Piggs Peak Casino, home of All Africa Poker sponsors 2009 WSOP packages to the value of R150,000. For
more information about the next All Africa Poker Tournament or book your seat to this tournament, visit www.allafricapoker.com, e-mail victoriaw@piggspeak.com, or call Victoria on 0800 003 549. The All Africa Poker 2009 WSOP Tour kicks off the first week in July and is set to be the biggest contingency to date. Keiran Reilly, Ryan Brauer, Warren Zackey, Nicolas Zakhem, Nick Sissou, Neville Robbeson, Lino Pestana, Aston Soon Shiong, Jonothan Voss, Gareth Kalil will be joined by Danny K in taking their seats at the worlds biggest and most anticipated poker tournament. To follow their WSOP progress get to www.allafricapoker.com
Anyone who can play a game of poker, or who can afford the Buy-In can enter for the 2009 WSOP.
What to expect at the 2009 WSOP WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel has officially announced that players can expect plenty more play for their hardearned bucks at the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP). “It’s by far the best value we’ve ever given at the WSOP, and the only thing I’m sorry about is that we didn’t do it earlier. I think the players deserve it.” This will be done through the improvement of the structures and formats of the games. There will, for example, be additional levels (25-25 and 75-150) in the No Limit Hold’em events and triple chip stacks in all others. There will also be three $1,000 Buy-In Events, similar to the former $1,500 Events, but this time around with the huge advantage of added levels.
More diversity will furthermore be introduced into the lower stakes poker games, to give these players exposure to more of the various poker variants available. In addition, thirty nine of the 57 Events for which players can collect a WSOP Bracelet, will have a Buy-In of $2,500 or less. This means that all that honour and glory that is normally reserved for a privileged few only, will now be accessible to almost any one. And for those who enjoy the challenge of higher stakes, there will be more than sufficient provision. Most importantly though, is the fact that participants in the Main Event will have the greatest advantage from these changes to the structures and format, as they will kick off with a starting stack of 50% more than the previous year.
The 2009 WSOP Schedule THE 2009 WSOP IS SET TO TAKE PLACE FROM WEDNESDAY THE 27TH OF MAY TO THE 15TH OF JULY 2009 AT THE RIO HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS. The full schedule of WSOP Events is as follows: 2008 final table EVENT DATE Tuesday, May 26 1 Wednesday, May 27 2 Thursday, May 28 3 Friday, May 29 4 Saturday, May 30 5 Monday, June 1 6 Monday, June 1 7 Tuesday, June 2 8 Tuesday, June 2 9 Wednesday, June 3 10 Wednesday, June 3 11 Thursday, June 4 12 Thursday, June 4 13 Friday, June 5 14 Friday, June 5 15 Saturday, June 6 16 Saturday, June 6 17 Sunday, June 7 18 Sunday, June 7 19 Monday, June 8 20 Tuesday, June 9 21 Tuesday, June 9 22 Wednesday, June 10 23 Wednesday, June 10 24 Thursday, June 11 25 Thursday, June 11
TIME 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM
TOURNAMENT Satellites and live action begins Casino Employees No Limit Hold'em No Limit Hold'em Omaha Hi-Low 8/b No Limit Hold'em Pot Limit Omaha World Championship Seven Card Stud No Limit Hold'em 2-7 Draw Lowball No Limit Hold'em (6-handed) Pot Limit Hold'em / Omaha No Limit Hold'em World Championship Mixed Event No Limit Hold'em Limit Hold'em (6-handed) No Limit Hold'em Seven Card Stud World Championship Ladies No Limit Hold'em World Championship Omaha Hi-Low 8/b No Limit Hold'em (6-handed) Pot Limit Hold'em H.O.R.S.E. No Limit Hold'em Shootout World Championship 2-7 Draw Lowball No Limit Hold'em Omaha / Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8/b
BUY-IN $500 $40,000 $1,500 $1,000 $1,500 $10,000 $1,500 $2,500 $1,500 $2,500 $2,000 $10,000 $2,500 $2,500 $5,000 $1,500 $1,000 $10,000 $2,500 $1,500 $3,000 $1,500 $10,000 $1,500 $2,500
EVENT 26 27 28 29
DATE Friday, June 12 Friday, June 12 Saturday, June 13 Saturday, June 13
TIME 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
Sunday, June 14 Sunday, June 14 Monday, June 15 Monday, June 15 Tuesday, June 16 Wednesday, June 17 Thursday, June 18 Thursday, June 18
12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57A 57B 57C 57D
Friday, June 19 Saturday, June 20 Saturday, June 20 Sunday, June 21 Sunday, June 21 Monday, June 22 Monday, June 22 Tuesday, June 23 Tuesday, June 23 Wednesday, June 24 Thursday, June 25 Friday, June 26 Friday, June 26 Saturday, June 27 Sunday, June 28 Sunday, June 28 Monday, June 29 Monday, June 29 Tuesday, June 30 Thursday, July 2 Friday, July 3 Saturday, July 4 Sunday, July 5 Monday, July 6 Tuesday, July 7 Wednesday, July 8 Thursday, July 9 Friday, July 10 Saturday, July 11 Sunday, July 12 Monday, July 13 Tuesday, July 14 Wednesday, July 15 Saturday, Nov 7
12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 5 PM 12 Noon 2 PM 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon 12 Noon All Day TBD
TOURNAMENT Limit Hold'em Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low 8/b No Limit Hold'em World Championship Heads-Up No Limit Hold'em Pot Limit Omaha H.O.R.S.E. No Limit Hold'em World Championship Limit Hold'em No Limit Hold'em Pot Limit Omaha No Limit Hold'em World Championship Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8/b Limit Hold'em No Limit Hold'em World Championship Pot Limit Omaha No Limit Hold'em Shootout Mixed Event World Championship Seniors No Limit Hold'em Razz World Championship Pot Limit Hold'em Omaha Hi-Low 8/b No Limit / Limit Hold'em Pot Limit Omaha Hi-Low 8/b World Championship H.O.R.S.E. Limit Hold'em Shootout No Limit Hold'em Triple Chance No Limit Hold'em Seven Card Stud Hi-Low 8/b No Limit Hold'em 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball No Limit Hold'em (6-handed) Ante Up for Africa Charity Event World Championship No-Limit Hold'em Day 1A Day 1B Day 1C Day 1D Day 2A Day 2B Media Event Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Play Suspended Final Table
BUY-IN $1,500 $5,000 $1,500 $10,000 $2,500 $1,500 $2,000 $10,000 $1,500 $5,000 $2,000 $10,000 $2,000 $1,500 $10,000 $5,000 $2,500 $1,000 $2,500 $10,000 $2,500 $2,500 $1,500 $50,000 $1,500 $1,500 $3,000 $1,500 $1,500 $2,500 $5,000 $5,000 $10,000
Big Slick
Southern African WSOP Gallery 2007 Team All Africa Poker enters for 2007 WSOP
Ray Rahme makes poker history 2007
Team All Africa Poker, comprising Claude Sacks, Neville Eber, Darryn van Heerden, Ray Rahme and Ryan Brauer, headed off for Las Vegas to enter the WSOP Main Event in early July 2007. They were accompanied by Sandy Koor, All Africa Poker Tournament Director and Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak Group of Casinos who sponsored the historic event. Also in on the action, was Super Saturday’s Neil Andrews who captured all the antics in a video diary, supported by the film crew of Michael Collet Productions, who were filming the events for All Africa Poker Channel as well.
Ray Rahme makes poker history by becoming the first ever Southern African to make it to the final table of the WSOP. He finished in an excellent 3rd place, and earned himself a grande US $3,25million dollars (equating to more than R21million)! The Piggs Peak crew was beaming with pride at producing such world-class poker talent.
Southern African poker players make their mark on the international poker scene Not only was Team All Africa Poker represented by the winners, but supported by many other Southern African players. Joe Rahme made a great start to his WSOP endeavours by winning the US$500 Buy-in event at The Wynn Hotel netting himself a cool $12,000.
Ray Rahme
2008
Ryan Dreyer
Piggs Peak takes a record number of 23 players to the 2008 WSOP Ready to take on poker legends and celebrities from across the globe, Piggs Peak sponsored 23 people to join the All Africa Poker and WSOP Tour in 2008. They were Raymond Rahme; Allistair Didloff; Ryan Eber; Nik Rujevic; Darren Miller; Peter Vermaas; Gordon Harris; David Spangenberg; Greg Ronaldson; Cecil Ohlson; Kyri Patsalas; Michael Simoes; Neville Robbeson; Eugene du Plessis; Andre Johnstone; David Fox; Nicholas Poole; Iain Swallow; Conrad Coetzer; Jerri Mperdempes; Jonathan Voss; Darren Kramer; Marco Farrell; Howard Berchowitz; Neil Andrews; Sandy Koor; and Michael Collet.
Rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous Eugene du Plessis found himself playing side by side with poker legend Mike "The Mouth" Matusow. Those who know Eugene, will know that he's more for the quieter things in life! In Mike's words, "He's having a great time, apart from having The Mouth next to him and being card dead" - as always the diplomatic Matusow says it like it is!
Neil Andrews
dy & Mike Neil, Eugene, Wen
Southern African players cash in at the 2008 WSOP Three members of Team All Africa Poker managed to outsmart thousands of poker hopefuls to cash in at the 2008 WSOP. Neville Robbeson was the first to be eliminated in 445th position, earning US $27,020 (±R190,000). Ryan Eber was the next to be sent to the rail in 376th position, nevertheless collecting a substantial US $28,950 (±R200,000). Andrè “Shuffle” Johnstone was the last Team All Africa Poker member standing. He finally exited in a highly respectable 316th position, cashing in a handsome sum of US $32,166. (More than R220,000). The Team All Africa Poker crew performs at the WSOP Media Tournament
108 members of the media joined together in the Brazilia Room at the Rio Hotel in aid of charity and Team All Africa
Poker media were proud to hold the Piggs Peak flag high, when Michael Collet, our energetic producer and on site camera man finished on the Final Table in 10th place. While this was the bubble position, Nolan Dalla, Media Director of the World Series of Poker presented Michael aka "Grande" with a Starbucks mug as a momento of his achievement. Neil Andrews improved on his 26th position in 2007 by finishing in 12th place, and Wendy Graaf improved on her 2007 64th position to finish in 27th place. Darren Miller supported the team from the rails, offering words of encouragement and much needed advice!
Anteing Up for Africa The crew from Team All Africa Poker got to interview a host of poker celebrities at the Ante Up For Africa charity poker tournament. This is the brain child of Don Cheadle, Annie Duke and Norman Epstein in 2006, who are dedicated to raise money and create awareness for Africans in need. Invited celebrities included the former year’s attendees Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Brad Garrett, Jason Alexander, Adam Sandler, Willie Garson, Mekhi Phifer, Shannon Elizabeth and Toby Maguire, among others! Neil Andrews was amongst the papparazzi on the red carpet and captured some priceless comments and quips from the stars as he interviewed them for All Africa Poker Channel, which is available on the interactive menu of DSTV.
Team All Africa Poker heads to the 2009 WSOP Team All Africa Poker, consisting of Gareth Kalil, Jonathan Voss, Lino Pestana, Aston Soon Shiong and Kevin Stani is flexing their poker muscle to take on players from across the globe at the 2009 WSOP. Once again they will be accompanied by Supersport’s Neil Andrews, as well as the glamorous "Perfect Pair" – Danny K and Lee Ann Liebenberg who have recently been appointed as the ambassadors for Piggs Peak home of All Africa Poker.
Danny K is not only one of the top selling vocal artists in Africa but has also established himself as one of the top poker players on the local scene. Danny has played in numerous poker tournaments and has made the final table at each of the SA Poker Open’s as well as Poker Ace. Danny is also the undefeated winner of the All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge, where he has won a total of R200,000 all of which he has donated to charity.
How to make the most of the city that never sleeps Who wants to sleep in the city that never sleeps? Here are a number of shows to see and places to visit when you are visiting Las Vegas during the 2009 WSOP:
MUST DO’S... PARTICULARLY FOR FIRST TIME LAS VEGAS VISITORS Bellagio
Free Water Fountain Show. Sunday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to midnight. Shows run every half hour.
Caesars Palace
FREE Atlantis Water Show in the Forum Shops. (At the end of the street by the Schwarz Toy Store). First show at 10:00 a.m. and the last show at 11:00 p.m., daily on the hour. -----------FREE Caesar and Brutus Show in the Forum Shops. (at the end of the street where Planet Hollywood restaurant is located.) First show at 10:00 a.m. and the last show at 11:00 p.m., daily, on the hour . -----------Check out the Forum Shops. A Must see when you are in Vegas
FREE Gaming Lessons
Most casinos have FREE gaming lessons. Ask any employee in the table gaming area when and where the lessons are being held. This is a MUST DO if you are new to gaming. Playing any game in a casino without knowledge of the game is a sure way to lose your money.
Fremont Street Experience
An exciting pedestrian promenade located in downtown Las Vegas. It includes a misting system, retail cart, kiosks and FREE mall entertainment. Plus, a one-of-a-kind light and sound show derived from over 2 million lights and 540,000 watts of concert quality sound. Shows every night on the hour every hour beginning at dusk with the last show at midnight. http://www.vegasexperience.com
Mirage
Erupting volcano. Show lasts about 3 minutes and can be seen nightly after dark, every 15-20 minutes until midnight.
Most Casinos
Bell Captain's desk in most casinos have copies of various Las Vegas magazines. Check them out for money saving coupons.
Rio
Masquerade Village Parade performances every hour from 4pm to 10 p.m. Dark Tuesday and Wednesday. A Must See. Try standing underneath the floats as the balcony is really crowded. It's also the best way to snag some beads.
Treasure Island
Well known pirate battle in Bucaneers Bay has been replaced with an all new show called "Sirens" featuring female performers. Show is free and performed nightly seven days a week at front of hotel at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
WHAT?
WHERE? WHEN
All Shook Up: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute The world's largest private collection of Elvis material, to experience at close, intimate range: his cars, his stage-worn jumpsuits (and other clothes), his guitars and piano, and thousands of items that offer insight into various stages of The King's life and musical career.
San Remo Hotel
Daily at 6pm
Rio Suites Hotel
10:00pm Nightly except Tuesday & Thursday. Thursday 8:pm
O, A Cirque Du Soleil Production Beyond circus, beyond theater, Cirque du Soleil has created an entirely original form of live entertainment. "O" pays tribute to the magic of the theater - from the simplest street performance to the most lavish of operas - where anything is possible and where the drama of life plays itself out before our very eyes.
Bellagio Hotel
7:30pm and 10:30pm Show Days Friday thru Tuesday
David Copperfield Magic Show - Las Vegas David Copperfield has elevated the ancient art of magic to new heights and redefined it along the way. He has vanished the Statute of Liberty, walked through the Great Wall of China, flown through the air, and made audience members disappear and reappear in places they would never expect.
Mandalay Bay
Visit http://off2vegas.co m/shows/davidcop perfield.shtml for more info & show dates
Elton John in Las Vegas The career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than three decades. By all measures, he is one of the world's most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time.
Caesars Palace Hotel
7h30pm, visit http://off2vegas.co m/shows/eltonjohn. shtml for show dates
Mama Mia Musical Show in Las Vegas Benny Andersson and BjĂśrn Ulvaeus' musical phenomenon, Mamma Mia is now playing at MANDALAY BAY. A sell-out sensation on four continents, the world's hottest show is now set to dazzle the entertainment capital of the world!
MGM Grande Hotel
Nightly except Fridays 7:00pm Monday Thursdays, 5:00pm & 9:00pm Sat, Sun & Fridays
Chippendales at the Rio Late night adult entertainment for women will never be the same in Las Vegas as the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino welcomes the world-famous Chippendales dancers to the Masquerade Showroom.
Go informed: For a comprehensive list of everything you need to know when you’re off to Las Vegas, the weather, sights and attractions, activities, tours, etc. visit www.off2vegas.com
the city that never sleeps
Royal flush
Straight flush Four of a kind
Full house Flush
Straight Three of a kind Two pair
One pair
High card
WSOP here I come! Experiencing the WSOP and Las Vegas for the duration of it, will be an adventure like no other. So prepare yourself for a great time and approach it with a sense of fun. Regardless of the outcome or how you fare, you will leave the WSOP with stories that you can share with your buddies for weeks to come. But most of all, you will have memories that will be imprinted in your heart and mind for the rest of your life.
www.piggspeakpoker.co.sz