Crown Casino Tourney-$80 million payout

Hi all,

I just wanted to see what the reaction has been to the Crown Casino Tournament announced a couple days ago.

6 man table, by invitation only, $13.3 million to enter with a winner takes all $80 million payout. Apparently Joe Hachem has been invited but haven't heard anything about the other players. The tournament is to go ahead June/July 06 and Fox have the broadcast rights.

You guys heard of it and if so what do you think? Who should be invited?

The deal I heard announced by Fox Sports Net was with Mansionpoker.net which isn't even open until 2006. I had not heard about what the buy in would be, only that there would be a $75 Million prize *pool*. Plus the only person I heard that was invited so far was Phil Ivey.

I don't see how Hachem could enter for $13.3 Mil since he only won $7.5 Mil and has to pay taxes on that. Even with his deals with PokerStars, I can't imagine that they would give him $6 Mil more for a buy in, but maybe they would.

Personally, as much as I enjoy watching the pros, who wants to watch the rich get richer? Unless there is a somewhat easy way for a regular Joe to get in on these tournies, I don't know if I will be that interested in watching.

You're right. Ivey is in, Hachem is being approached by Crown and "apparently" 3 other Top 8 pro's have put their hand up.

I wouldn't be surprised if the backing money comes from a wide collection of investors/contributors. Hachem is Australian so I'm sure they will find a way to get him in.

It is a bit elitist I agree but interesting nonetheless.

i would think Negraneau would be in it, he has that thing in vegas where that casino will back him for any amount against all challengers