EPT: Was Prague A Lesson Learned?

[snoopy1239]

This weekend's EPT in Prague attracted a field of 555. Considering that this is double the numbers seen in Dublin, is this is a sign that the smaller 5k entry fee is the way forward. I mean, if I recall correctly, it even created a bigger prizepool, so it's not as if the money up for grabs is diminished by the smaller buy-in.

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Anybody else share similar thoughts. Do you believe we have seen the end of the 8k buy0in for the EPT or is this something they will stick to?

For those that didn't catch the updates, here's a quick summary of how it all unfolded:

http://www.blondepoker.com/index.php?q=node/14309

[77dave]

How did the JUICE change Snoopy from the 8K down to the 5K

Which tourny generated the most total juice for the EPT out of Prague and Dublin

[snoopy1239]

How did the JUICE change Snoopy from the 8K down to the 5K

Which tourny generated the most total juice for the EPT out of Prague and Dublin

Prague. The juice was 300 Euros for both events, so they made double in the Czech Republic.

[77dave]

Im not sure about the EPT's as i have never been to one.

I do think however that Jon Raab priced the GUKPT perfectly.

[JaffaCake]

How did the JUICE change Snoopy from the 8K down to the 5K

Which tourny generated the most total juice for the EPT out of Prague and Dublin

Prague. The juice was 300 Euros for both events, so they made double in the Czech Republic.

And as they didn't so much as provide a free coke never mind any grub for players then they filled their boots! It's difficult to compare the two as they are at different times of year with different alternatives on for players, and also Prague is a fantastic city, one of the best in Europe, and is full of all the attractions a young scandi could want away from the table. I could live with never going back to Dortmund for example, uninspiring industrial city with a casino miles away from anywhere, including our hotel....I've been to Prague many times before and will go back to play the ept if it's there every yr whatever the entry.

Great updates btw snoops

[NoflopsHomer]

I briefly spoke to John Duthie after the event and he said that the plan was that most events would be €5k but that significantly smaller venues would have an €8k buy-in.

[action man]

they should make some E8k and others E4k/5k take ya pick

[Royal Flush]

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Exactly how it should be! The elite of Europe that everyone works towards, not another tour with 700 runners each time and 10 new winners every year

[NoflopsHomer]

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Exactly how it should be! The elite of Europe that everyone works towards, not another tour with 700 runners each time and 10 new winners every year

And why would the elite want to just be in a tournament with other elite players and not a load of poor local players and internet qualifiers?

[snoopy1239]

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Exactly how it should be! The elite of Europe that everyone works towards, not another tour with 700 runners each time and 10 new winners every year

High buy-ins don't mean that all the best players play, it means the wealthiest do.

[Ironside]

if we make it a freeroll then its truely open for all

personally i agree with flushy there needs to be a progression

start off with the home games then the small casino comps then a local festival or monthly comp then onto the gbpt and the gukpt then the ept followed by the wpt


work your way up the ladder instead of jumping in with both feet at the top

[Royal Flush]

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Exactly how it should be! The elite of Europe that everyone works towards, not another tour with 700 runners each time and 10 new winners every year

High buy-ins don't mean that all the best players play, it means the wealthiest do.

I think you will agree that they get a lot of the best players in them, you reduce the buyin the very best will be put off.

Surely this is something for the EPT big wigs to consider if they want to continue to establish the EPT as the focal point of Europe. Personally, I fear if they continue to up the stakes, then it is in danger as becoming an elitist event with less amateurs, qualifiers and UK players, which would be a shame as poker is meant to be accessible to all.

Exactly how it should be! The elite of Europe that everyone works towards, not another tour with 700 runners each time and 10 new winners every year

And why would the elite want to just be in a tournament with other elite players and not a load of poor local players and internet qualifiers?

Ego

[ripple11]

Well for the enthusiastic amateur in the UK(with associated limited funds) the EPT/Pokerstars bandwagon is slowly losing me with these bigger buy- ins, and also because of the newer more attractive competition.
Its easier to qualify for the GUKPT....which offers the thrill of a big tournament, great structure and rewards, as well as the obvious convenience of being" local".