Borgata Poker Open Breaks Attendance Records

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 16, 2006 -- Energy levels rose among players and guests at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa early Friday morning as the hotel welcomed players of the World Poker Tour (WPT). The biggest names in the game battled for a $1.5 million first place prize and a $25,000 seat at the World Poker Tour Championship.

The highly-regarded tournament recorded the largest turnout of players in the history of Atlantic City poker with 540 players anteing-up $10,000 for a shot at the biggest prize pool in Borgata Poker Open history. Players traveled to Atlantic City from all over the world to compete in the WPT Main Event at Borgata Poker Open.

Spectators were treated to some intriguing tables as a number of top pros matched up the first round of this four-day event. Legends John Jwanda and reigning WPT Player of the Year, Gavin Smith traded stories and tried to take each other's chips at one table, while actress and poker queen Jennifer Tilly sat with poker greats Barry Greenstein, David Williams and John Phan at another table.

Players like, Phil "the Unabomber" Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, David "the Dragon" Pham, Kathy Liebert, and current leader in CardPlayer magazine's player of the year race, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi mixed with other seasoned veterans to try and score a Borgata Poker Open championship, WPT title, and an enormous first-place payday.

Actress and avid poker player, Shannon Elizabeth survived the first day of competition advancing to the second day on Saturday. Play will only get more dramatic as the pressure of playing top-level poker rises. Day two looks to be even more intense than day one as chip leaders try to continue winning and short stacks begin to risk everything in the hope of getting back into the game.

Fans are invited to watch the World Poker Tour live at Borgata throughout the next several days, with the final table taking place on Tuesday, September 19th at 5:00 p.m.

News Added: 19 September, 2006

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