Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure

Paradise at the PCA

Even poker players can suffer post-Christmas blues. That’s why every January, PokerStars offers you an exotic, Caribbean Adventure.

Held at the Atlantis Resort and Casino, amidst the idyllic Bahamas backdrop, the PCA is one of the most prestigious fixtures on the tournament calendar. Coupled with the Aussie Millions, it makes January one of the most exciting months for aspiring tournament players.

Located just off Florida on Paradise Island, the Atlantis Resort includes a giant water park, an exclusive pristine beach and lavish, $25k per night room suites. Since its 1997 opening, it has featured heavily in popular culture.

It was the setting for spy thriller Duplicity, and its Ocean Club featured in 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. It’s even been subject to Justin Bieber fever, providing the setting for his music video ‘Never let you go’.

PokerStars sponsors the PCA

The PCA has come along way since its 2004 edition, when charismatic Dane Gus Hansen scooped the $455k first prize on a cruise ship. Due to its unique location (think the Monte Carlo of North America), it has been difficult to find a permanent home for the PCA.

At first it was part of the WPT, before moving to the EPT circuit in 2008, and finally the NAPT in 2010. Despite starting off as a single tournament, the PCA now incorporates multiple events, including a highroller championship.

The 2010 series also featured $5k PLO championship, a $1.1k ladies event, and a more obscure, $550 badugi/2-7 tournament. Because of its history of illustrious winners, and numerous online satellites running to the main event, you can expect a diverse field of seasoned live pros and internet whizz kids.

Sporting stylish shades and bleached blonde hair, Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier certainly looked like he was having fun in the sun back in 2008. For former Starcraft pro Elky, it was a prosperous Caribbean adventure, as he bulldozed through the field to clinch the $2 million first prize.

The following year, aided by a set over set ‘cooler’ hand against Humberto Brenes, Elky made PCA history by winning the $25k highroller event. By twice ousting large fields, Elky showed that MTT structures can be mastered. In 2010, online grinder Harrison Gimbel became the youngest PCA champion in history, at the tender age of 19.

He claimed $2.2 million for his efforts, after besting a final table that included veteran pro Barry Shulman. 2010 saw a record field of 1,529, including stellar names such as Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan.

With the 2011 edition a little over 3 months away, satellites are in full swing over at PokerStars. If you fancy a shot at poker stardom, or just a luxurious holiday, then enter the ‘steps’ from as little as 5FPP.

You may be lucky to have Daniel Negreanu eulogise over your play on the live TV stream. Alternatively, you can purchase a main event seat (or bumper package, which includes hotel, flights and food), directly from your PokerStars account. For Platinum Star and Supernova members, you can gain entry through FPPs and tournament dollars.

So for sun, sea and the chance to win big bucks, embark on your own PokerStars Caribbean adventure. You can follow all the promotions and the latest news on http://www.pokerstarscaribbeanadventure.com/news/.

PokerStars offers satellite tournaments to the Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure event. You can qualify for the PCA with the FPP Mega Path satellites. It’s the best way to put your Frequent Player Points (FPPS) to optimal use, and turn them into the adventure of a lifetime in The Bahamas!

If you have not yet registered, use pokerstars marketing code PSP8181 when you sign up for a 100% bonus up to $600 applicable to your first three deposits.