It is easily the biggest poker event to take place on the European continent - The 2008 European Poker Tour - better known as the EPT series.  Some of the biggest and best online poker rooms have launched satellites for their customers to attend the Grand Final in Monte Carlo this coming April 12 thru 18. 

Chili Poker is offering a €10,600 Euro buy-in to the NLH main event, part of a $20,000 package that includes a 6-night stay in beautiful Monte Carlo.

The European Poker Tour (EPT) began in 2004 as part of the worldwide explosion in Texas Hold 'em popularity. It is a series of televised poker tournaments similar to those in the World Poker Tour (WPT).

In seasons 1-3, the most significant difference between the competing poker tours was the buy-in and its effect on the prize pool, with the EPT featuring buy-ins about half the size of the WPT. This changed in season 4 when the buy-in for most EPT events was increased to €8,000. (Due to increased popularity and lack of space in participating casinos).[1] At 2007 exchange rates, this is approximately equal to the US$10,000 which is the buy-in for most WPT events.

Furthermore, the final table is made up of 8 players, as opposed to the 6 player final tables popularised by the WPT.

The EPT is sponsored by PokerStars and taped by Sunset + Vine for television broadcast across Europe.

The tour was created by John Duthie, winner of the inaugural Poker Million tournament. Duthie commentates for the show, alongside Colin Murray. The show was first hosted by Caroline Flack, then joined by Natalie Pinkham. Season 4 of the show is hosted by Kara Scott.

Of course there are other reasons why one should follow the 2008 European Poker Tour and ultimately its Grand Final. 

The below video of Italian poker pro Cristiano Blanco interviewing Peter Jepsen's girlfriend Frida Johansson, who you may know better as the European Poker Tour's back-rubbin' hottie, is Exhibit # 3,237,829 of why you shouldn't trust your girl around an Italian dude, according to WickedChopsPoker

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Ace King, Gambling911.com

Originally published April 9, 2008 11:04 am EST