Poker News

The biggest live series in European poker gets underway in Tallinn tomorrow - and some huge names have descended on Estonia for the action.  

Season 7 of the European Poker Tour begins at the luxurious Swissôtel in the heart of the city and will run until Monday.

It is the first time the  EPT has been to a Baltic state, but that hasn't stopped some of the game's biggest stars from flying in for the €4,250 main event.

Among those expecting a wild ride is Fatima Moreira de Melo, the stunning blonde Dutch Olympic gold medalist.

The 32-year-old, who also has a singing career, is an ambassador for Pokerstars and is sure to be a welcome distraction on the tables.

She will be joined by a host of pros including Vanessa Selbst, Ville Wahlbeck,  Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, Dario Minieri, Arnaud Mattern, Joep van den Bijgaart, Katja Thater, Matthias de Meulder, Michael Keiner, Luca Pagano and Alex Kravchenko.

EPT Berlin champion Kevin MacPhee, EPT Snowfest victor Allan Baekke and American online legend Shaun Deeb will also be heading to the home of Silgusoust (Baltic sprats and bacon covered with sour cream sauce).

British pro and former Eastenders actor Michael Greco, EPT San Remo finalist Michael Piper and Canadian Sorel Mizzi complete the star-studded line-up.  

Norwegian Vegard Nygaard is playing after winning his seat in the Monte Carlo Nordic Pro promotion, while Jari Mahonen, Matias Knaapinen, Vallo Maidla and Kaspars Renga all won their seats at live satellites held during the second Baltic Poker Festival - held in the same venue - in June.

At least 120 players qualified for the event through online satellites.

This year’s nine-month EPT has a 13-stop schedule including tournaments in Vilamoura, London, Barcelona, Deauville, Berlin, and San Remo on the Italian Riviera.

* For more information about the European Poker Tour go to http://www.ept.com