The World Series of Poker Europe is returning to its first home at the Casino at the Empire.
Last year the WSOPE was spread between three different casinos, but this year the Empire Casino, which is located in Leicester Square, will be the exclusive home of the biggest poker series in England.
"We are eagerly anticipating the World Series of Poker Europe this year," said Ty Stewart, World Series of Poker Director of Marketing. "We have enhanced the schedule to provide more variety and game play, greatly broadened the worldwide television exposure and have brought the event under one roof to better the player experience for this prestigious and premiere event."
There will be four events in the 2008 WSOPE including a new £1,500 No-Limit Hold'em in addition to H.O.R.S.E., Pot-Limit Omaha and the championship No-Limit Hold'em event.
Numerous high-profile poker players have already committed to playing in England, including Chris Ferguson, Erick Lindgren, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harman and Poker Brat Phil Hellmuth.
"Harrah's has obviously [made] a lot of improvements to the event," said Hellmuth. "I would like to make history by becoming the first American to win a bracelet in Europe."
In addition to the well-known professional players, some of the November Nine will be playing in their first tournament since the WSOP Main Event. Ivan Demidov, Peter Eastgate and David "Chino" Rheem will all be looking to add a little cash to their poker resume before the big rumble in November. You can learn more about Demidov, Eastgate and Rheem respectively by reading our exclusive PL.com interviews with them here, here and here.
The Casino at the Empire is one of the premier casinos in London and is home to highly acclaimed restaurants, bars and lounges as well as high-stakes poker action.
This year will mark the first time the poker series will be filmed by ESPN and broadcast in North America, so poker fans on this side of the Atlantic will have a chance to see just how they play cards in jolly olde England.
Last year Annette Obrestad outlasted 622 entrants to win a record $2,013,102, which is the most a woman has won in a single tournament.
PokerListings.com will be rolling into London on Sept. 19 to provide live coverage of the 2008 event, so be sure to check our home page for WSOPE and learn about ways to possibly qualify for the big dance in Europe.
Here's the complete schedule for the 2008 WSOPE:
Sept. 19: Event 1 £1,500 No-Limit Hold'em (three-day event with two Day 1's)
Sept. 22: Event 2 £2,500 H.O.R.S.E. (three-day event)
Sept. 24: Event 3 £5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha (three-day event)
Sept. 27: Event 4 £10,000 World Championship No-Limit Hold'em (five-day event with two Day 1's)