British Columbia hosts first ever Johnny Chan Poker Classic

Press Release from: The River Rock Casino Resort

Do you have what it takes to compete with the poker master? British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is proud to present the inaugural Johnny Chan Poker Classic, May 6-13, 2007. With an estimated 2,300 players and $2.8 million prize pool, the Johnny Chan Poker Classic promises to be the largest poker tournament held to date in British Columbia.

Featuring two-time World Series of Poker Champion Johnny Chan, the tournament consists of five events with the main event offering a top prize of $312,500 based on a sellout. Celebrity poker players Brad “Yukon” Booth and Gavin Smith will also compete in the tournament. “British Columbia is one of my favourite destinations and poker is my favourite game. I’m thrilled to combine the two and host the Johnny Chan Poker Classic in British Columbia,” explained Chan, who was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002.

Held at River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, tournament events include No Limit Texas Hold’Em, Short Handed No Limit Texas Hold’Em, Pot Limit Hold’Em, and Pot Limit Omaha. For each event, buy-in fees range from $500 to $2,500, and the top 10 per cent of players will finish in the money.

“Johnny Chan is one of the best poker players in the world, and we’re pleased that he chose to team up with British Columbia Lottery Corporation to host this inaugural tournament,” said Brian Lynch, Vice-President of Casino Gaming. “The Johnny Chan Poker Classic is a chance of a lifetime for poker fans who want to test their skills against this poker legend.” Satellite games, which allow players to win their entry to tournament events, are currently available through participating casinos.

Players can register for the tournament by phone 1-604-247-8983 or in person at River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Road, Richmond.