Ladbrokes Poker Million VI, the richest shootout tournament in Europe, has proven to be one of the most entertaining poker events seen on TV in Europe. The good news is, the best is yet to come! The tournament which has run for the past three months comes to a close today, Friday 21st December.Some of the biggest names in poker including Jon 'Skalie' Kalmer (who made the Main Event final table at this year's WSOP), Phil Laak, Roland De Wolfe, Willie Tann, Liz Lieu, World Heads-up champ Jeff 'Jaffacake' Kimber, Patrik Antonius, John Duthie and Roy 'The Boy' Brindley, duly attended their heats at the Sky Studios over the past twelve weeks to compete for their place in the final of Poker Million VI trophy and a bumper first prize payout of $1,000,000.
Laddies, boasting that the $25,000 buy-in makes PMVI the most expensive tournament in Europe, has juiced the pot considerably adding a generous $500,000 to the prize pool, which means the final table alone is worth over $2 million.
1st = $1,000,000
2nd = $500,000
3rd = $250,000
4th = $175,000
5th = $125,000
6th = $100,000
The first of the two semi finals shown on Sky Sports 2 on Tuesday saw Marty Smyth (right) (3/1 to win) comfortably secure his place in the final line-up. He will be taking his 254,000 chips to the final table as will Julian Gardener (7/2) with 225,000 chips and Liam 'The Gentleman' Flood (7/1) with his 121,000 chips. After the game, Marty Smyth commented: "The final table is not going to be easy, but I have a decent amount of chips to start me off."
The three winning players saw off the efforts of Laddies online qualifier Ray Vyze, reigning champ Raj Modha (who was the first to go when his pocket Kings were beaten by Julian Gardener's A-6) and Neil Channing. The players that have made it through to the final table are now guaranteed a minimum payout of $100,000.
In the other semi final, it was Howard Lederer, Ian Cox and Joe Beevers who came out smiling. Although Howard Lederer will be the most famous name of the bunch, Beevers and Cox are in super hot form, The Elegance fresh off his victory in the recent GBPT Final in Bristol.To celebrate the final of what has been a brilliant tournament, Ladbrokespoker.com is throwing the poker party of the year at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Over 450 guests including the friends and family of the finalists will be treated to a champagne reception and three course dinner whilst watching the live action from the final table. If you did not get your invitation in the post to attend the Poker Million party, make sure you tune in or set up your Sky + box to record the final on Sky Sports 2 from 8pm and see the crowning of the new King of Poker Million.