FullTiltPoker.com Poker Million IX kicks off next week

The FullTiltPoker.com Poker Million IX will kick off next week with the first three 8 handed heats set to run in London from July 26th to 28th. The first opening heats takes place at the Sky Sports studios in London and will feature a field comprised by some of the best professional poker players in the world. The list of players confirmed for the initial round include Full Tilt pros Howard Lederer, Ross Boatman, Gavin Smith, Chris Ferguson, Stuart Rutter, Patrik Antonius, Neil Channing, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, poker sensation Annette Obrestad, Erik Seidel, Barny Boatman, and Roberto Romanello.

Winners of each of the three heats will move to December’s final table, where they will battle it up for the $500,000 first prize. All runners up from the the three heats will meet in a special heat set to take place on October 12th, 2010. In addition, an online qualifier will also get a seat into the final table courtesy of Full Tilt Poker. Online poker players can buy into a Poker Million Direct Qualifier for $600 + $40 or satellite their way to the final for as little as $24 + $2.

“The change in format for this year’s FullTiltPoker.com Million IX is great news for poker. You only have to read the forums and the poker media to understand what the viewers want to see and that is the World’s best players battling it out in a format that promotes skill and allows them to showcase every facet of their talent. The line up is will be the event’s strongest yet and this news helps secure Poker Million as one of the World’s leading poker tournaments.” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sports.