Our first tournament in April was a great success, with 55 participants which was a mix of expatriates, Dominicans, and even some tourists. A girl friend of mine from The Bahamas, who had never played in a tournament or for real money before (but had some internet experience) got 14th place. I got 3rd place myself even though I just started playing TX Holdem No Limit games last November. So anybody can win but most importantly its great fun.
We have a very experienced professional tournament director who is involved with the World Series of Poker who keeps play fair and organized (not an easy task!) plus we have a great surveillance team that will catch any cheating or 'team play' as can be found often in Dominican poker rooms. We have refused play to known cheaters will continue to do so. Our poker table at the casino has a good reputation of running a fair and clean game, even though some people have accused me of rigging the shuffle machine after I beat them (LOL).
The last tournament lasted over two days and there were some complaints about having to find and pay for hotel rooms so we decided to make this a one day event. Registration will start at 11 am and play starts at noon. It will be capped at 100 players, first come first serve. My guess is that the final table will start some time in the mid to late evening and it migh not finish until midnight or 2 am, but who knows, its tournament play and anything can happen.
I am trying to get a sponsoring jewellery company to make a bracelet for the winner of this tournament. So besides 40% of the entry fees (RD 380,000 minimum), the winner will receive an engraved bracelet. The other 60% of the entry fees will be divided among the other 9 top finishers including 20% for 2nd place and 10% for 3rd place.
Besides tickets to the fabulous Bravissimo show at Ocean World Casino and admissions to the Ocean World Adventure Park, all participants will receive gifts from sponsors for all participants, bottles of rum, T-shirts, hats, beer coolies, bottle openers, etc.
If you have any questions, you can put them here in the forum or direct them, including advanced registration to
grobinson@ocean-world.info
You can get a view of the casino at
Caribbean Gaming Destination, Ocean World Casino - Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic