Could we soon be seeing poker in the Olympics? Now it’s actually a possibility as the popular pastime has gained “observer status” for the Olympics. That’s just one of the key pieces of news we’ve been monitoring this week.
GAISF Taking Closer Look At Poker For Olympics
There have long been rumors surrounding poker joining the Olympics but now there appears to be some serious traction to the previous speculation. Poker, along with pole dancing, is being discussed for the future in the Olympics. This is the first time that the Global Association of International Sports Federations, an international sporting body, has recognized poker, giving it “observer status.”
Not surprisingly, there are many people who are not on board with it as they feel the Olympics are for sports that involve athleticism. Debate has already begun about whether competition would involve individuals or teams. Right now, the goal is to get it approved and then work out the details later.
Also in the mix for future Olympic consideration are kettlebell training, arm wrestling, dodgeball, foosball and foot golf.
Juanda Wins Triton Super High Roller Series
John Juanda, well-known in the poker world as he has won five bracelets from the World Series Of Poker, has won the Triton Super High Roller Series Main Event, claiming $2.8 million in winnings. Juanda was No. 1 on the money list for Indonesian poker players and has added to that with this big win in Macau.
Juanda won over $2.8 million for beating Fedor Holz in a heads-up battle that lasted around 4.5 hours. This is the biggest cash prize that Juanda has ever won, which is saying something for his illustrious career. Holz managed to take home $2.1 million for his work while Kalhe Burns won $1.3 million, Adrian Mateos was fourth with $890,084 and Dietrich Fast rounded out the top five with $590,016. However, the star of the day was Juanda, who went into the Poker Hall Of Fame in 2015. It was his first victory since he won a European Poker Tour event in Barcelona in August 2015, taking home over $1.1 million. Juanda has now won over $23.6 million in his career. His highest finish at the WSOP Main Event came in 2005, when he came in 31st.
WPT Uruguay Tournament Buy-Ins Announced
The World Poker Tour is getting ready to start up again and the first event comes from Uruguay on Halloween. There are 11 buy-in tournaments here that range from $220 to $5,000, and the crown jewel is the main event that has a buy-in of $1,500. It will take place at Enjoy Punta del Este, which is a beautiful resort on the southeast coast of Uruguay. The festivities are being put on by Brasil Poker Live. This will be televised, so be sure to check your local listing to catch all of the action.
The final table will take place on November 5 and it will be shown during Season XVI of the World Poker Tour, which airs on Fox regional stations. There is also the $5,000 High Roller event, which is bound to get intense.