Young Poker Player Takes Canadian Title
Published: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 Online-Casinos.com
YOUNG POKER PLAYER TAKES CANADIAN TITLE
C$250.000 purse goes to 23-year-old poker player
The inaugural Canadian Open Poker Championship, held at the Stampede Casino in Calgary last weekend was won by 23-year-old rookie player James Lopushinsky, who left the final table with the grand prize of C$250 000.
Second place, and C$125 000 went to Karim Chatur, also of Calgary
Former poker player Kelly Kellner organised the heads-up, No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em format event, along with management at the Calgary Stampede Casino. The prizes are believed to be the largest guaranteed payouts ever offered for a Canadian poker tourney.
Speaking to Online-Casinos.com & InfoPowa before the event, Kellner said he wanted to do something different from the current poker tournaments being played and shown on TV in North America.
"It's two players at the table. One guy goes on, one comes out," said Kellner, the CEO of HeadsUp Entertainment. "I love playing heads-up - most poker players do. It is the ultimate challenge of your ability. When you're there and it's just you and I, if I can read you and I can bluff you, that makes me a great poker player. It gives players an opportunity to shine and it's something that hasn't been done in Canada."
Also competing in the championship was Brad Booth, a local poker celebrity who first took Lopushinsky under his wing and taught the championship winner the intricacies of the game. Lopushinsky worked for Booth as a dealer at his gaming facility and has a relatively short history as a poker player.
A total of 64 poker players competed in the event, entering by paying a fee of $5,000 or through qualifying events and satellite tournaments, where entry fees started at $60.
An old favorite brought back under a new software brand, U.S. friendly.
Use just one account to access poker, sports book and casino gaming.
Excellent number of high-quality games and great support.
Nice sign-up and on-going bonuses with fast cash withdrawal processing.
Good selection of fun games including some new, innovative games on offer.
Huge sign-up bonus with reasonable wagering requirements and an excellent look and feel.
New players receive an insane 200% bonus up to $1000 free on both their first and second deposit.
New players offered up to $888 free in sign up bonuses, a special bonus available for blackjack players as well.
