Harrah’s New Orleans Hosts World Series of Poker Circuit  

Winter Bayou Poker Challenge championship event begins with several notable poker stars 

New Orleans, LA (December 3, 2007) – The most prestigious poker tournament series in the world has arrived in New Orleans.  For the fourth consecutive year, Harrah’s New Orleans, located in the heart of the famous French Quarter, plays host to the south’s premier poker extravaganza.  The 2007 Winter Bayou Poker Challenge, which started last week, has attracted players from all over the country.  The first nine events have already paid out over one million dollars in prize money.

The $5,000 buy-in championship event began today and runs through December 5th.  The three-day finale attracted 160 players.  The top 18 finishers will each collect prize money.  The winner will receive a top payout of $247,860, plus a seat valued at $10,000 into the 2008 World Series of Poker championship, to be played in Las Vegas.   

This year’s Winter Bayou Poker Challenge attracted several notable poker stars, including at least three former WSOP gold bracelet winners -- Josh Arieh, Brandon Cantu, and Dan Schmiech.  In addition, the last two Harrah’s New Orleans poker champions – Walter Chambers and Louie Esposito – entered the main event.  The runner-up from the first-ever WSOP Europe championship also participated as John Tabatabai, a British poker player based in London made the overseas trip to the Crescent City.

“This is my first trip ever to New Orleans,” said Tabatabai.  “I had never been to the (American) south before and I always wanted to come here.  There is so much culture here and fun things to do in New Orleans.  The poker action is incredible here, too.  I’ve never seen such great poker action.”

The championship finale table will be played on Wednesday, starting at 2 pm CST.  Seating to watch the final table is free and open to the public.  Coverage of the championship will be provided by Bluff Media will be carried over the Internet at the official WSOP website:  www.worldseriesofpoker.com

For Information on Harrah’s New Orleans, please contact: 

Rachel Douglas

504-533-6074

[email protected]

For Information on the Winter Bayou Poker Challenge and WSOP Circuits, please contact:

Nolan Dalla

702-358-4642

[email protected]