HELP SET A WORLD RECORD

19 December 2008

Pokerstars plans a really big tourney on December 28

 

There's a world record attempt in the offing at the Internet's biggest poker website, Poker Stars.com, and it's about to take place soon.

PokerStars has announced that it intends to set a new official Guinness Book of World Records level by seating 35 000 players at 3 500 tables in a single online tournament. Given the vast player base - which includes United States fans of the game - and the technical facilities at its disposal, this is an achievement entirely within the website's capability. Checking the site late Sunday ET showed over 80 000 players present.

The special tourney is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET on December 28, 2008, and it can be found under the "Tournament" and "Special" tabs once the software has been downloaded. The tournament will be capped at 35 000 players, setting a maximum for the record, carries a $10+1 entry fee, and will offer a $500 000 guaranteed purse... with lots of scope for overlay for the event.

“This is an official attempt at the Guinness world record for World’s Largest Poker Tournament!" the poker lobby advises visitors. "Each blind level will run for 10 minutes, making play in the tournament similar to a turbo. Tables will be 10 handed and the official prizes will be announced after the registration period closes. Players are permitted to sign up until two minutes before the tournament begins, which is at 15:30 ET on Sunday, December 28th."

The current attempt will update an earlier record set by PokerStars in August 2007 in which 20 000 players turned out for a guaranteed $100 000 cash tourney.