J.P. Kelly Wins WSOPE first event

9/22/09 - British poker pro J.P. Kelly bested a talented field of 608 players to win the first event in the current World Series of Poker Europe this week. Winning the GBP 1 000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em event was a signal achievement, giving Kelly the major prize worth GBP 136 803, another WSOP bracelet (his second) for a growing collection, and the distinction of doing so for the first time as an Englishman in England. And capping it all, Kelly became only the second player to win a WSOP bracelet in the USA and in the UK.

It was not an easy ride for Kelly as he battled his way through the record field to face French poker pro Fabien Dunlop in the hotly contested heads up. Dunlop, who had started the final table in the chip lead, proved to be a tough opponent, demanding all the controlled aggression that Kelly could muster to triumph.

The final table at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square comprised Fabien Dunlop holding the chip lead on 538 000, pursued by Kelly on 317 500 and followed by James Tomlin, William Martin, Richard Allen, Anthony Roux, Adnan Alshamah, Thor Drexel and Neil Suarez.

Kelly later observed: "I had to play tight early on because of Fabien with the big chip lead, but I knew if I got heads up with him I am a better heads up player, so I figured I could take him on there," he said.

And that's how it panned out - Kelly playing a tight, disciplined game which still left him at a 2 to 1 disadvantage to his French opponent in the heads up, but he hammered away until he was victorious.

Kelly plans to play in the WSOPE main event, buoyed by his big win and the main event seat it brings to him.

Leander In deal with SkyVegas - 02/07/2012 : Leander Games has agreed to create and develop an exclusive version of the games which will incorporate and reflect the Sky Vegas brand.

ON-PREMISES REMOTE GAMBLING FOR NEW JERSEY? - 02/07/2012 : The publication New Jersey.com reports that state politicians keen to boost the waning fortunes of Atlantic City land casinos are to discuss following the example of Nevada by permitting remote on-premises gambling using mobile handheld devices.

POKERSTARS DROPS MACAU MILLIONS - 02/07/2012 : The postponement of the Macau Millions reported recently has been confirmed by the Pokerstars blog, which announced this week that the project will cease next month for an indefinite period.

RECORD PRICE PAID FOR CARD PLAYER ART - 02/07/2012 : One of a series of five Cezanne impressions of card players painted in the 1890's has changed hands for a record $250 000, reports the publication Vanity Fair.

Vadzim Kursevich wins EPT Deauville main event - 02/07/2012 : After five gruelling days of top level poker and a 12 hour final table, the 24-year-old Belarusian poker ace Vadzim Kursevich has emerged as the winner of the EPT Deauville main event, claiming the top prize of Euro 875 000.