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9/26/09 - Adding a unique interest to the World Series of Poker Europe in London this year was a successful attempt in aid of charity to set a new world record for continuous poker playing.
Starting on Monday night, Brit poker pro Paul Zimbler played poker for 74 hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds in the live-game promotion, with all proceeds going to charity. His goal was to beat the previous record of 74 hours.
The minimum donation to play against Zimbler was GBP 10. However, official WSOP Europe sponsor Betfair delivered a significant boost to his effort with a donation of GBP 5 000.
Zimbler was off to a flying start facing poker legend Doyle Brunson of the USA. He was to play several other big names in 183 continuous sessions before breaking the record facing fellow poker pro Mike “the Mouth” Matusow on Thursday night.
During the record attempt, where Zimbler invited opponents to face him in 20-minute heads up contests, the record breaker posting an impressive 102 wins and 81 losses despite his fatigue in the latter stages, raising over GBP 35 000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
The exhausted Zimbler had to be assisted from the table at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square following his achievement.
