5th Annual World Tavern Poker Open Held in Las Vegas

Every sport has its own leagues that compete all over the United States. Poker is no exception considering all the action and excitement that comes from playing the game. Bars have come up with the concept of free poker leagues that not only promotes the game and players, but brings in business for the bars as well.

These multi-level tournaments are generally three hours long with two freeroll games played a night. Player's skills in these leagues can range from novice to highly skilled. Frustration tends to appear when novices need time to have rules explained to them or when the highly skilled player is not accustomed to playing in the leagues game structure. Another hindrance is that the Tournament Directors Association (TDA) guidelines are not followed so many common accepted rules are not followed.

Once such bar, World Tavern, the grandest of all poker leagues has 100,000 plus players competing all across the country. The poker league season runs during each of the seasons, fall, winter, spring and summer and champions are given their titles at the end of each season. Regional championships ensue after that with the winners playing in land-based casinos from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. In addition to their poker leagues, they host The World Tavern Poker Open two times a year.

The 5th Annual World Tavern Poker Open had 600 plus players representing 25 states at the Binion's Gambling Hall in Las Vegas. Success was abounding at this event and Greg Raymer, World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion graced players with his presence. Seats for the WSOP were being played for in three types of championship events and cash was being played for in the Bogdog Bounty Hunter Tournament, Pro Player Speed Poker Tournament and the Tag Team Poker Championship.

According to Mike Matsinger, founder of the event, "We take poker to a whole new level at these events. Poker tournaments themselves aren't always that exciting, but we add a whole new element with music, unique tournament formats and incredible parties."