The History of Poker Tournaments in Singapore

Just as construction of Singapore's very first casino, the Marina Bay Sands, went into full throttle, Singapore kicked off its first international poker tournament in November 2006. The 5-day US $ 2 million “No Limit Texas Hold’Em?poker tournament, the biggest ever in Asia, was organized by UK gaming company Betsair, and supported by the Tourism Board of Singapore.

Singapore is truly becoming a challenger to other entertainment centers around the globe. The Singapore government awarded casino licenses for two casino resorts, among the world's most expensive, including the $3.2 billion Marina Bay project.

The poker tournament attracted over 313 players from all over the world. The tournament had been positioned as a sport for the first time in Singapore, and only chips were exchanged on tables.

Players paid US $ 400 each to partake in the historic opening rounds. At least 30% of them were from Singapore. Those who paid US $5,000 were able to play in the main event, which took place at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel.

Cash games were not allowed and it was a real drawback for some players. Also, participants in the event had to wait up to an hour in a long line to pick up their IDs required to enter the poker room. In addition,  there were only two starting tables, breaking into one as players were eliminated from the game. There was additional confusion; some players had not been allowed to register for the event because of the October 28 deadline organizers had set, while others were able to register on the spot at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel. All other games were small, with a US $150 and US $300 buy-in, and as a result of this many players locked themselves into their hotel rooms, playing online poker to earn whatever they could to pay their hotel bills and other expenses incurred.

Neil Yong and Josh Ang were the only two Singaporean players who made it into the US $ 5,000 main event.

One of the best poker players in the world, Tony G, found himself battling it out with local Josh Ang in the final. Tony G hit a pair on the flop to beat local hero Josh Ang. Tony surprised everyone by first handing over the Merlion's winner's trophy to Josh Ang so that it stays in Singapore, and then by giving away 50% of the prize money to Australian and Asian charities. A wonderful ending to Singapore's first ever poker tournament!

 

 

 

 

For more information on Singapore or Asian Poker tournaments, please visit the following websites:
www.asian-poker-tour.com
www.capital-events.com
www.pokerkaki.com
www.cardscartel.com
www.royalflushasia.com
www.pokermalaysia.com
www.asianpokernews.com
www.panasiapokertour.com
www.bluegatepoker.com