Poker News

Peter ‘the poet; Costa

As I suggested in the last issue - I have been busy with developing a new way of playing online poker. I did plan that I would continue with this theme, however, something else has developed. For me, it means a trip back in time - back to what started my “pro” career in poker.

The Late Night Poker (LNP) series was the start of televised poker. This British production led to the WPT and to the dreams of thousands. I recall how I would watch the show back in the days when my main business was catering - not poker. I would sit, watch and dream of one day playing on the show. Well …I got my dream to play and to win Series 6. I was so focused in the final - there was no way that I would not win. After all, only by winning could I ensure that I was invited for the next series. Sadly, that series was the last. Now almost four years later - I am finally going back!

William Hill and Presentable Productions (the original producer of the LNP series) have got together for a new event. Held in the same Cardiff studios they used for LNP, it will be a trip back in time for many of the Europeans. The sponsors are also adding almost $220,000 to the prize pool. And as a first for such an event - the draw for this shootout format was made live on TV. This star-studded field also includes of couple Americans that will be making the long trip. Scotty Nguyen will play in the first heat on the 17th Oct and the one and only Antonio “The Magician” plays in my heat three days later. This will be aired in December and is expected to be a real lavish affair.

With the winner of each heat going through to the final table - it should prove very entertaining for the viewer. It will also give me chance to play with Antonio again. Antonio and I became friends when we clashed in the cash games at the Commerce a few years ago. I always felt that given some luck - this kid would be a star. Just hope he speaks to me now! Seriously though, as soon as the draw was made - I couldn’t help but smile at the prospect of clashing with him again. Given that we will start the event with 10,000 in chips and blinds of 25-50; I can see a lot of garbage hands being played between us. Just hope that my garbage proves better than his on the day!

Away from the table - I will be looking to spend some quality time with both Antonio and Scotty. After all, these are two guys that know what fun is. So you could say that I will be looking to learn from both of them!

It is now almost eight weeks that I have been here in the UK. With now having a residence in Las Vegas - I do miss this place while in the USA. But these eight weeks away from Vegas - have made me realize just how much Vegas has become my true home. Excuse me for being a big softy here - but nothing beats waking up to the sight of those mountains each day. The fact that I hate cold weather, and it is getting that way here - has nothing to do withit. Well… perhaps just a little bit.

In the next issue - I shall cover this event in greater detail.

Until next time - play well, get lucky and remember that Vegas is not just heaven for poker!

Filed under: Poker News