Kiwi's blitz international field: Fifteen players head down to the New Zealand Poker Tour Queenstown – SKYCITY Alpine Adventure

The SKYCITY Auckland Poker room was bustling over the weekend as poker players from all over the world played it out in Day 1 and Day 2 of the Auckland leg of the New Zealand Poker Tour (NZPT) Queenstown – SKYCITY Alpine Adventure. The NZPT Queenstown – SKYCITY Alpine Adventure will be held at the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino from Wednesday 21 July until Sunday 25 July. Based on full participation of 200 players, the expected total prize pool will be $450,000.00 NZD*.

Sunday saw the remaining 15 players in the Auckland leg of the Tour qualifying to head down to the scenic south and play off against players who make it through to Day 3 at SKYCITY Queenstown.

The Auckland leg started on Saturday 17 July with a mixed field of 38 international and domestic players from nine countries including representatives from Australia, Singapore, Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

Of the 38 on Day 1, 13 players had won their way through to the main event by playing in SKYCITY’s satellite tournaments with some players winning a main event ticket from as little as $30.00 NZD.

At the end of Day 1, 24 players had made it through to Day 2. Home-grown talent was outshining the international field in Auckland with 58% of Day 2 players coming from New Zealand. Late on Sunday afternoon the final 15 players had kept their cool to qualify to head down to snowy Queenstown to join the Queenstown based players in an exciting Day 3 on Saturday 24 July. Of the remaining 15 players, 73% are New Zealand players sending the majority of international players home. Of the remaining 15 players, three came from Rotorua and have long been high performers at SKYCITY poker tournaments.

Entries are still open for SKYCITY Queenstown Day 1a and Day 1b which is taking place on Wednesday 20 July and Thursday 21 July at SKYCITY Queenstown Casino.

For full terms and conditions, more information including entry forms, structures and prize payouts see www.skycity.co.nz/poker.

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino is Queenstown’s premier entertainment destination located in the heart of central Queenstown offering fun and excitement seven days a week. With eight gaming tables, 86 gaming machines, free live entertainment and great value local cuisine at Wild Thyme Bar and Restaurant, SKYCITY Queenstown is the place to be. SKYCITY Queenstown Casino is part of the SKYCITY Entertainment Group, comprising properties across Australasia in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Adelaide and Darwin.

* The actual prize pool will depend on the actual number of participants.