Betfair Official Blog

WSOPE dates announced

The dates for 2008 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) have been announced with the series beginning on September 19 and the Main Event Champion due to be crowned on October 1 in London.

The venues remain the same as last year's event with the tournament being hosted by London Clubs International and held at their St. James (Fifty), Leicester Square (The Casino at the Empire) and Marble Arch (Sportsman) locations.

Last year's Main Event was won by Annette Obrestad (No-Limit Texas Hold'em Championship) with other bracelets awarded to Thomas Bihl (World Championship H.O.R.S.E.) and Dario Alioto (Pot-Limit Omaha).

It was the first time any WSOP Event had been staged outside the United States.

"It was a clean sweep for the Europeans last year," said World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.

"There are many, many talented players in the European poker community and I think it caught some of the world's best known poker players by surprise.

"It's safe to say the pros haven't forgotten about last year and the young guns should expect a tougher fight in 2008."

Below you can compare the experiences of two players who made last year's final table. The first is Annette's account of the closing stages followed by James Keys who will be back this year courtesy of a Betfair Threedom Pass which entitled Team Betfair final tablists to get bought into the event for the next three years.

Annette Obrestad WSOPE Final table analysis
James Keys WSOPE Final table analysis

• Poker
• WSOP Europe