Shane Warne features at the WPT Main Event
Legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne hit the Gold Coast to play in the World Poker Tour Australia Main Event, recently completed at The Star casino.
The Victorian spin wizard had an exceptional tournament, finishing in 12th position out of a field of 658 players for a return of $22,785 in prizemoney.
With a total prize pool of A$1,480,500, the tournament was won by Hari Verma, who collected an impressive A$274,247 for his successful four days at the table.
From Melbourne, Australia, the win represents Varma’s biggest win in his career to date and is his ninth poker winning for the year. He has featured collected prize money in events across both Australia and the United States this year, which have included a 3rd place and 5th place finish amongst them.
Speaking to My GC ahead of the tournament, the former legspinner said “strategy and tactics was a huge part of my [cricket] game.
“Poker is a great social game, it’s a great game of skill and for me, poker is a great synergy with my cricket because it is also all about strategy and tactics.
Warne is no stranger to the poker table and has a very respectable recording in the professional stakes, having collected over USD$137,000 in winnings in his career prior to commencement of the WPT Gold Coast event.
2018 a good year for the spin king
Last year in particular was a very successful one for Warne, having notched up two top 10 finishes at the lucrative Aussie Millions event at Crown Casino, Melbourne.
He finished in 4th position in the $2,250 + $250 No Limit Holdem pocketing A$41,225 and the following win came in 6th position in the $1,025 + $125 No Limit Holdem – Shot Clock Teams, returning a further A$2,834.
Warne also told the GC he has previously finished in 2nd place multiple times, including featuring in a high-rollers heads up battle.
He has also participated at the World Series of Poker 12 times.
The World Poker Tour Gold Coast event will is WPTs first event held in Australia.
The Star Gold Coast chief operating officer Jessica Mellor said The Star was committed to bringing global events to Queensland.
“Securing Australia’s inaugural WPT event is a fantastic coup for not only our city, but for the state and the nation, and is a huge testament to our commitment to continually elevating our offering and cementing our reputation as an ever- evolving entertainment mecca,” she said.
The event celebrates the unveiling of casino’s new dedicated poker space, which features 12 permanent poker tables and nine tournament tables with the latest technology.
The Star Gold Coast senior manager product optimisation for Queensland, Martin Coughlan said the WPT Gold Coast event had doubled the previous number for a poker event in Queensland.
“There’s been great support for us, the number has basically doubled the previous record for a poker tournament in Queensland, it’s great,” Mr Coughlan said.
“People are loving the fact that there is poker at this level on the Gold Coast and it has created a lot of excitement, everyone is asking when the next one is on.
The WPT are considered one of the premier names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile.
It has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 18th season, which airs on FSN in the United States.
The presence of the WPT in the Gold Coast reaffirms Australia’s position as a highly desired poker destination.
