The World Poker Tour announced a major deal with The Star Entertainment Group on Monday that will see three events heading to Australia in 2022.
Details include the first Main Tour stop in the country later this year as well as the first WPT event in Sydney.
“Poker players in Australia have always been passionate about the game and the partnership with The Star Entertainment Group allows us to expand our presence there,” WPT CEO Adam Pliska said in a news release.
“Hosting the first WPT event at The Star Sydney puts us front and center in the largest poker market in Australia, one of the most iconic cities of the world, adding another element to our 20th anniversary celebration.”
WPT heading to Sydney
Players down under can expect a trio of events heading their way this year. The first is a WPTDeepStacks (WPTDS) series at The Star Sydney from March 30 to April 11.
The WPTDS AUD$1,500 Main Event headlines the 12-tournament schedule from April 7-11. The tournament offers three starting flights and unlimited re-entry.
A few highlights from the schedule include a $750 opening event, a two-day $2,000 event, and the $5,000 Challenge. In May, the WPTDS Gold Coast produced 1,113 entries for a AUD$1.5 million prize pool.
Star Sydney features five-star accommodations with excellent dining and entertainment options. Property management is pleased to host the WPT for the first time in Sydney and has big expectations for the event.
“The Star has hosted some of the biggest names in sport, music, and entertainment, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best poker players,” Star Sydney COO Damian Quayle said. “The Star is the home of poker in Australia, and we are thrilled with our partnership with WPT to host this globally-recognized tournament for the first time ever in Sydney.
“With the WPT celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, this event will be the first time that WPT sets a footprint in Sydney. This looks set to be the biggest ever staged in Asia Pacific and with the world’s best players here to compete, Sydney and The Star will be showcased as one of the best vacation playgrounds in the world.”
The tour recently announced that both Main Tour and WPTDS championship events will count toward the WPT Player of the Year race.
More highlights from the deal
After Sydney, two more Australian stops will head to The Star Gold Coast. The WPT hasn’t released dates and details on those events yet, but one will be a Main Tour stop.
WPT officials will announce complete details for the series upon regulatory approval.
“I could not be more excited to be bringing a Main Tour stop to my home country,” WPT Vice President Angelica Hael said. “I look forward to greeting every single one of my fellow Aussies at the event and welcoming the world to an amazing host property, The Star.”
All Australian events will be streamed live at WPT.com as well as the WPT’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.