Auckland to host first World Poker Tour New Zealand

SKYCITY Auckland is dealing up the biggest poker tournament in recent years, holding the inaugural World Poker Tour New Zealand (WPT NZ) from 25 May – 4 June.

The WPT NZ will span 11 days, featuring nine tournaments including The Main Event which runs from June 1 – 4.

SKYCITY Auckland Senior Gaming Operations Manager, Martin Coughlan, is excited to give Kiwi poker players another opportunity to play poker at a professional level. 

“New Zealand has some exceptional poker talent, and SKYCITY is committed to delivering the best opportunities for local players to test and develop their skills, and we couldn’t think of a better way of doing that than to deliver the World Poker Tour New Zealand tournament,” says Coughlan. 

There will be plenty of opportunity for Kiwi poker players to get involved, with 40 qualifying satellite events held from 16 March to 2 June. The qualifying satellites offer locals the opportunity to win a seat to the WPT NZ Main Event and Opening Event (Auckland Poker Championship), with some satellites offering buy-ins at just $60.

The Main Event, which expects to attract more than 300 players, will have a final table of just nine players and will be live streamed.

The tournament has already secured professional poker player Joe Hachem, WPT champion, 2005 WSOP winner, and one of the top tournament money winners of all time. The WPT NZ will be also be hosted by WPT anchor and Irish-Australian actress and poker player Lynn Gilmartin, who will be competing in the event.

SKYCITY Auckland will build a dedicated WPT NZ Poker Arena on the Main Casino Floor, increasing the number of poker tables to 25.

The WPT NZ series champion will be the player with the most points in each of the first six tournaments including the Main Event and will be awarded a $4,000 package including automatic entry into the WPT NZ Main Event 2019 along with accommodation at SKYCITY Hotel.

Key dates and highlights:

• WPT NZ qualifying satellite events, from 16 March – 2 June
• WPT NZ, 25 May – 4 June
• WPT NZ Player Party, 2 June
• WPT NZ Main Event, 1 – 4 June

Full tournament schedule, registration details and full terms and conditions for the 2018 World Poker Tour NZ can be viewed at:

https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/casino/skycity-poker/wpt-new-zealand-2018/

Online registration is available for all tournaments.

All WPT NZ tournaments are exclusive to SKYCITY Premier Rewards members. You must be 20 years or over to enter the Casino. Game responsibly.