Despite the fact that poker has positively mushroomed in popularity over the past few years, the industry as a whole remains quite fragmented. This stems largely from the fact that the poker community is comprised of independent players from all over the world who lack affiliation with any official headquarters or unifying organization. At least until now, that is. Further cementing poker's status as a sport, the World Federation of Poker (WFP) plans to bring together all poker players and systematize the way that the game is played worldwide.

Guaranteed to boost its success, the fledgling not-for-profit WFP has enlisted the help of some of the world's top poker pros. The advisory panel includes such big names as Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Greg Raymer, Marcel “The Flying Dutchman" Luske, Robert Williamson III, Clonie Gowan, and Thomas Bihl. In addition to offering invaluable advice, the pros will also help to promote the federation among the general public.

Headlining the WFP's launch is a new poker event, dubbed the World Cup of Poker, which will divide the player pool into four strata of skill: amateurs, seniors, students, and professionals. Coordinators expect players to come from as many as 40 countries and plan to hold events in locations as far away and exotic as Taiwan, Austria, and Macau.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Thursday, 16 February 2006