The WPT World Championship got underway on Wednesday and, to add to what’s an already an impressive schedule, Gus Hansen will be anteing up alongside Phil Ivey.
The dynamic Dane is one of the original high stakes superstars and took part in almost big game back in the day. He was also a firm fixture on the World Poker Tour (WPT), and it’s where he’ll make his return to the spotlight.
Gus Hasen is the second big-name poker player to confirm his place in this year’s WPT Premier Meet-Up Game (MUG). Taking place today, December 1, the MUG is a chance for anyone at the WPT World Championship to play against a host of stars, including Hansen.
Cash game greats enjoy WPT World Championship festivities
WPT Ambassadors Andrew Neeme and Brad Owen have made their meet-up games a regular feature of the tour’s biggest stops and, following on from last year’s successful event, they’re back. This time, the Wynn Poker Room will play host to the MUG and a selection of $1/$3 and $2/$5 No Limit Hold’em cash games.
Neeme and Owen will be onsite at 9 am to see the start of the game, and they’ll be joined by some of poker’s elite. Gus Hansen will be stepping down a few rungs on the cash game ladder to join his long-time friend and sparring partner, Phil Ivey.
They’ll be joined by Todd Brunson, WPT Global Ambassador Ethan “Rampage” Yau, Jamie Kerstetter, and Ashley Sleeth. Also joining the cash game social will be WPT team members, including Matt Savage, Tony Dunst, Vince Van Patten, and Lynn Gilmartin.
Great Dane Gus Hansen adds sparkle to WPT in Vegas
Speaking on the game, WPT CEO Adam Pliska said the presence of Hansen is a tribute to the reputation of the World Championship festival and a boon for the event itself.
“Gus is one of the original superstars of the World Poker Tour and holds a special place in WPT lore as the first ever WPT Champion. We are honored to have him as a part of the opening activity of the WPT World Championship festival,” Pliska said in a statement released on November 30.
Seating for the WPT World Championship Premier Meet-Up Game is on a first-come, first-served basis. As well as the chance to play alongside Gus Hansen and Phil Ivey, everyone in attendance has a shot at winning one of five WPT Prime Championship seats and a WPT World Championship seat.
Last year’s WPT World Championship was a resounding success on every level. The MUG contributed to that and, based on the line-up for this year’s game, it looks set to be another glittering end to the year at the Wynn Las Vegas.
