Uk-Poker.co.uk

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is arguably the world’s biggest and most prestigious festival of poker, as it easily eclipses many UK poker tournaments and even the European Poker Tour (EPT). Held annually in Las Vegas, the WSOP is a Mecca for poker professionals from all over the world. In fact, the series attracts an abundance of amateurs and spectators in addition to the seasoned elite.

Such is the wide appeal of the WSOP, thousands of UK online poker players have been competing for seats at WSOP events in satellites on websites such as Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. British players have an added incentive to make it to Las Vegas this year as the Brits are performing brilliantly in Nevada’s most populous city.

Over the weekend, veteran WSOP player, 38-year-old Richard Ashby of London, took down event number 21 to earn Britain’s third WSOP bracelet of the year. Claiming his first ever bracelet, Ashby already had eight WSOP cash finishes to his name, so his success at this year’s series ought not to surprise those who follow the game closely. Having won $140,467 in the $1,500 buy-in Seven Card Stud tournament, Ashby has now taken his WSOP career earnings to a respectable $219,748.

Ashby had to defeat a field of 408 players to claim victory in event 21, which produced Britain’s 3rd bracelet winner after Praz Bansi and James Dempsey prospered in earlier events. In true patriotic style, British onlookers were out in force to help Ashby over the finish line – even Bansi and Dempsey were present to cheer on their countryman.

Speaking after his bracelet success, Ashby said: “Yeah I feel good, but it hasn’t sunk in yet so I’m sort of pretty shocked because I’ve been trying so long to win a tournament out here, maybe four or five years. I’m really pleased”.