This is the first year for the SkyCity Festival of Poker and the promoters are aiming big with the goal of offering a million dollar prize pool. With the number and caliber of the poker professionals that plan to attend the event, they should be able to reach their goals. WSOP top names like Chris Moneymaker and Joe Hachem have already committed to being there.

The massive popularity of poker worldwide has taken its time reaching New Zealand. With the likes of international poker stars Greg Raymer and Chris Moneymaker here to inspire players in a local tournament of this scale the possibilities in New Zealand are endless – we’re just at the very beginning of our own poker craze.”

Dean made it clear in his statement that SkyCity intends for the Festival of Poker to be continued annually and to be a real attraction for top players, stating “We are committed to making SKYCITY the home of New Zealand poker. We want the SKYCITY Festival of Poker to become an annual fixture on the world poker circuit and an absolute must for all top poker players.”

The tournament will be held in Auckland from October 4th through the 12th. There will be a number of single table games as well as multi-table events. The highlight of the festival will be the three day Main Event.