2005 William Hill Grand Prix winner Phil Laak will be back to defend his Gods Of Poker crown on Friday 20th October in Heat E of the William Hill GP II. The tenacious American, who last year defeated 55 of the World’s best poker players to land the £150,000 ($285,000) first prize, heads a quality field of poker players the likes of which have rarely been televised in a European tournament.
Like last year Laak will have to defeat 55 other players, to retain his crown, but with sponsors William Hill upping their prize pool contribution to a whopping £164,000 ($320,000) there is the added incentive of a £25,000 ($47,500) increase in the winner’s prize to £175,000 ($332,500).
David Hood, Director of Public Relations for William Hill, added: "We could be looking at the finest line-up ever assembled for a televised tournament this side of the pond and are delighted to be contributing to the prize pool once again. The inaugural William Hill Grand Prix was a huge success but 2006 promises to be even more heavenly and we are confident that the GP II will take televised poker to new heights."
The Seven Heats of the £500,000 ($950,000) William Hill GP II will commence on Monday October 16th and run for seven days concurrently, with the winner of each table earning a seat on the final table on Tuesday October 24th. The seven runners up from each table have one last chance to qualify by playing each other on Monday October 23rd the winner of which will take the 8th and last seat on the final table. Due to popular demand, and TV ratings that eclipsed any previous UK Poker tournament, Sky Sports have again signed up to cover the tournament which is due to air in January 2007.