WSOP International Advisory Council Formed

Filed in archive Tournament News on May 30, 2007

As the 2007 World Series of Poker begins in a few days, poker players from all over the world will come to the Rio in Las Vegas for a chance at take some American currency back across the ocean.

Since the UIEGA was enforced, the online version of poker across the pond has continued to grow back into its size prior to sites like Prima Poker and juggernaut Party Poker jumping on a Concord for a speedy exit from the US market. These newer players will eventually want a crack at the biggest prizes at the biggest poker tourney in the world starting this month but with little or no experience in the United States there may be some culture shock when those players are not flings another seven-deuce offsuit back into the muck.

Enter the newly formed International Players Advisory Council headed up by Wendeen Eolis and features a certain aussie who has proven his 2006 WSOP Main Event win was no fluke, Joe Hachem.

Here's the Harrah's press release concerning the newly formed assistance to those coming to the US for a shot at a WSOP bracelet:

LAS VEGAS - May 29, 2007 - Eight top poker professionals have agreed to join a new International Players Advisory Council that will consult with World Series of Poker management on ways to enhance the player experience for registrants who come from outside North America.

Among the players who have accepted inaugural terms on the committee are former World Series of Poker Main Event champion Joe Hachem, along with Andrew Black, Ben Roberts, Donnacha O'Dea, Gus Hansen, Isabelle Mercier, Marcel Luske and Willie Tann.

Internationally recognized poker player and business executive Wendeen Eolis has agreed to serve as the chairwoman of the new council. Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, is the executive chairman.

"More and more players are coming from outside the United States, while at the same time we are expanding our reach with new international events," said Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the World Series of Poker. "This council will help us better address the unique needs of our global players."

"Our goal is to have a clear communications process and give everyone new perspectives to consider," Pollack said.

"IPAC members welcome the opportunity to act as a meaningful sounding Board for the WSOP team," said Eolis. "We look forward to this access on behalf of players from around the globe. "

The 2007 World Series of Poker Presented by Milwaukee's Best Light will begin June 1 at the Rio® All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. More information on the tournament is available at www.worldseriesofpoker.com.