For the first time in history, World Series of Poker releases its very own championship cup, the Caesar’s Cup, and the Europeans have first dibs on it. With an amazing 4:1 lead, team Europe sweeps the floor with Team America, earning not only the brand new cup, but also the bragging rights, until the next tournament.
Caesar’s Cup
Inspired mainly by golf’s Ryder Cup, the Caesar’s Cup is the newest addition to the traditions of the world of poker. In this competition, the best of Europe are pitted against the best of America in team-based poker matches. There are several matches in all, held at various schedules during a single day. Since the inaugural Caesar’s Cup was held in London, then it is expected that the next one will be held in the United States. From there, the competition will alternate between Europe and America and will be held annually.
Team Europe does their Continent Proud
The roster of competitors for the Caesar’s Cup was certainly star-studded as the biggest names in Poker from both continents set out to take home the win.
First was Team Europe, captained by poker prodigy Annette Obrestad, with members Patrik Antonius, Ilari ‘Zigmund’ Sahamies, online qualifier John Harvey, Bertrand “Elky” Grospellier, Dario Minieri, Gus Hansen, and Peter Eastgate.
On the other side was Team America, captained by Daniel Nagreanu, with members Phil Ivey, Huck Seed, Phil Hellmuth, Jennifer Harman, legend Doyle Brunson, Barry Greenstein, and John Juanda.
First to battle were the two Fins, Antonius and Sahamies against America’s Phil Ivey and Huck Seed. The Europeans won this match, earning themselves the first win and an early lead. Then, after a long period of contemplation, American Captain Daniel Nagreanu took the field along with “The Mouth” Hellmuth to battle “ElkY” Grospellier and John Harvey. Both born from the virtual poker world, the European contenders proved to be too much for the Americans, decisively winning the fight. Then, it was a girl vs. girl battle, with Jennifer Harman facing off with Annette Obrestad. Accompanying them were Doyle Brunson and Dario Minieri, respectively. True to his reputation as the godfather of poker, Doyle along with Harman, managed to win this round, earning Team America their first – and only – win. Next up was a battle between Gus Hansen and Peter Eastgate vs. John Juanda and Barry Greenstein. Again, the Europeans managed to take the round, earning their team a comfortable 3:1 lead.
Finally, up next was the “Heads-up” game, pitting WSOP 1996 champion Huck Seed against Europe’s Team Captain and WSOPE 2007 champion, Annette Obrestad. It was an exciting battle. But Team Europe, despite their comfortable lead, did not let up. Annette Obrestad won. And with a very impressive 4:1 win, Team Europe became the official winners of the First Ever Caesar’s Cup.
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