Keeping the momentum in high gear, the WORLD POKER
TOUR(TM) (WPT) launched its sensational Season IV at The Mirage with
another record-setting tournament. More than 317 players turned out
for the $3,074,900 event, which will boast a first prize of
$1,128,278.
Drawing an international field of leading poker luminaries along with talented newcomers, The Mirage Poker Showdown, follows on the heels of the WPT World Championship in April at Bellagio. The event capped the WPT's blockbuster $70 million third season. The WPT has awarded more than $100 million cumulatively through its first three years.
The prize purse and attendance numbers for The Mirage Poker Showdown continue the WPT's tradition of breaking records at each stop on its global tour of thrilling high stakes poker tournaments, filmed for airing on The Travel Channel. The Mirage event is the first of 16 on the 2005-06 calendar which visits exotic locales such as Paris, Aruba and the Bahamas.
Given that "Anyone can play; Anyone can win" on the World Poker Tour, it is expected that Season IV's champions will be a mix of famous names and new faces. Among the popular players who have topped the win column are the venerable Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Erick Lindgren, Gus Hansen, Phil Laak, Michael Mizrachi, Antonio Esfandiari, David Ulliott, Barry Greenstein, Howard Lederer and Layne Flack. To date, the WPT has created 24 new poker millionaires, with many more likely to join the ranks during Season IV.
"The launch of our fourth season is especially gratifying," said Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WPTE). "We've clearly outlived the skeptics who said that the WPT was just a fad. The game continues to grow in popularity both at the professional and home game level, thanks to our success. As a professional sports league, we are maturing and expanding, providing great entertainment for our fans and a steadily increasing amount of prize money for our players. In Season IV, we look forward to a year of new horizons, robust growth and plenty of exciting surprises at the poker table."
The WPT is the league that launched the poker phenomenon when it first aired on the Travel Channel on March 30, 2003, and it continues to lead the way in developing poker as a major international sport. The WPT is the only major sports league whose goal is to make everyone a better player while also setting the gold standard in entertainment. Viewers and aspiring tour players can log on to www.worldpokertour.com for ways to improve their game. The highest rated show ever on The Travel Channel, the WPT is now seen in 67 countries worldwide. WORLD POKER TOUR(R) airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Travel Channel.
All WPT tournaments (with the exception of the pro/celebrity WPT Invitational) are open to pros and amateurs alike who ante up each tournament's buy-in or play in satellite tournaments for a chance to win an entry. Players can sign up for satellites offered by the casinos and online poker rooms that host WPT tournaments. Anyone age 21 or older wishing to play in WPT tournaments should contact the participating casino to obtain information on the buy-in fee and registration deadlines. Satellite information can be found at www.worldpokertour.com.
The Season IV Tour dates are as follows: World Poker Tour Season IV Tournament Schedule -0- Hosting Casino / Tournament Name Location Date ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- The Mirage Poker Showdown The Mirage May 23-25, 2005 Final Table May 26, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Grand Prix de Paris Aviation Club de July 25 - 29, 2005 France, Paris, France Final Table July 29, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Legends of Poker The Bicycle Casino, August 27 - 31, 2005 Los Angeles, CA Final Table August 31, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Borgata Poker Open The Borgata, Atlantic September 19 - 22, City, NJ 2005 Final Table September 22, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- UltimateBet's Aruba Poker UltimateBet.com, September 26 - October Classic Aruba 3, 2005 Final Table October 1, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Doyle Brunson North Bellagio October 18-21, 2005 American Poker Las Vegas, Nevada Final Table October Championship 21, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Finals Foxwoods Resort November 13 - 16, 2005 Casino, Final Table November Mashantucket, CT 18, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Bellagio Five Diamond Bellagio December 13 - 16, 2005 World Poker Classic Las Vegas, NV Final Table December 16, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- PokerStars.com Caribbean PokerStars.com, January 4- 11, 2006 Adventure Atlantis, Paradise Final Table January Island, Bahamas 10, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Open Gold Strike January 22 - 26, 2006 Casino/Horseshoe Final Table January Casino, Tunica, MS 26, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- L.A. Poker Classic Commerce Casino, Los February 17 - 21, 2006 Angeles, CA Final Table February 21, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- WPT Invitational Commerce Casino, February 22 - 23, 2006 Commerce, CA Final Table February 23, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Bay 101 Shooting Star Bay 101, San Jose, CA February 27 - March 3, 2006 Final Table March 3, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- PartyPoker Million PartyPoker.com, March 12 - 19, 2006 Mexico Cruise Final Table March 17, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Challenge Reno Hilton, Reno, NV March 27 - 31, 2006 Final Table March 31, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- WPT World Championship Bellagio April 18 - 24, 2006 Las Vegas, NV Final Table April 24, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
About WPT Enterprises, Inc.
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour(R), a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that airs on the Travel Channel in the United States and more than 67 markets globally. WPT Enterprises currently licenses its brand to companies in the business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing, electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casino games, and giftware. For show information, tools for improving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on to www.worldpokertour.com. The company is also engaged in the sale of corporate sponsorships. WPT Enterprises, Inc. is a majority owned subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:LACO). Photos and media information can be found online at: www.worldpokertour.com.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by WPT Enterprises, Inc.) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to the expansion of WPT's brand licensing, the development of new television and film projects, the development of WPT corporate sponsors and other business development activities, as well as statements regarding other capital spending, financing sources and the effects of competition. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of WPT. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, WPT's significant dependence on the Travel Channel as a source of revenue; the potential that our television programming will fail to maintain a sufficient audience; the risk that competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence might develop television programming that would directly compete with WPT's television programming; the risk that WPT may not be able to protect its entertainment concepts, current and future brands and other intellectual property rights; risks associated with future expansion into new or complementary businesses; the termination or impairment of WPT's relationships with key licensing and strategic partners; and WPT's dependence on its senior management team.
For more information, review WPT's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Editors Note: 300 dpi downloadable images available at www.media.worldpokertour.com (WPTEG)
Drawing an international field of leading poker luminaries along with talented newcomers, The Mirage Poker Showdown, follows on the heels of the WPT World Championship in April at Bellagio. The event capped the WPT's blockbuster $70 million third season. The WPT has awarded more than $100 million cumulatively through its first three years.
The prize purse and attendance numbers for The Mirage Poker Showdown continue the WPT's tradition of breaking records at each stop on its global tour of thrilling high stakes poker tournaments, filmed for airing on The Travel Channel. The Mirage event is the first of 16 on the 2005-06 calendar which visits exotic locales such as Paris, Aruba and the Bahamas.
Given that "Anyone can play; Anyone can win" on the World Poker Tour, it is expected that Season IV's champions will be a mix of famous names and new faces. Among the popular players who have topped the win column are the venerable Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Erick Lindgren, Gus Hansen, Phil Laak, Michael Mizrachi, Antonio Esfandiari, David Ulliott, Barry Greenstein, Howard Lederer and Layne Flack. To date, the WPT has created 24 new poker millionaires, with many more likely to join the ranks during Season IV.
"The launch of our fourth season is especially gratifying," said Steve Lipscomb, Founder and CEO of WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WPTE). "We've clearly outlived the skeptics who said that the WPT was just a fad. The game continues to grow in popularity both at the professional and home game level, thanks to our success. As a professional sports league, we are maturing and expanding, providing great entertainment for our fans and a steadily increasing amount of prize money for our players. In Season IV, we look forward to a year of new horizons, robust growth and plenty of exciting surprises at the poker table."
The WPT is the league that launched the poker phenomenon when it first aired on the Travel Channel on March 30, 2003, and it continues to lead the way in developing poker as a major international sport. The WPT is the only major sports league whose goal is to make everyone a better player while also setting the gold standard in entertainment. Viewers and aspiring tour players can log on to www.worldpokertour.com for ways to improve their game. The highest rated show ever on The Travel Channel, the WPT is now seen in 67 countries worldwide. WORLD POKER TOUR(R) airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Travel Channel.
All WPT tournaments (with the exception of the pro/celebrity WPT Invitational) are open to pros and amateurs alike who ante up each tournament's buy-in or play in satellite tournaments for a chance to win an entry. Players can sign up for satellites offered by the casinos and online poker rooms that host WPT tournaments. Anyone age 21 or older wishing to play in WPT tournaments should contact the participating casino to obtain information on the buy-in fee and registration deadlines. Satellite information can be found at www.worldpokertour.com.
The Season IV Tour dates are as follows: World Poker Tour Season IV Tournament Schedule -0- Hosting Casino / Tournament Name Location Date ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- The Mirage Poker Showdown The Mirage May 23-25, 2005 Final Table May 26, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Grand Prix de Paris Aviation Club de July 25 - 29, 2005 France, Paris, France Final Table July 29, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Legends of Poker The Bicycle Casino, August 27 - 31, 2005 Los Angeles, CA Final Table August 31, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Borgata Poker Open The Borgata, Atlantic September 19 - 22, City, NJ 2005 Final Table September 22, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- UltimateBet's Aruba Poker UltimateBet.com, September 26 - October Classic Aruba 3, 2005 Final Table October 1, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Doyle Brunson North Bellagio October 18-21, 2005 American Poker Las Vegas, Nevada Final Table October Championship 21, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Finals Foxwoods Resort November 13 - 16, 2005 Casino, Final Table November Mashantucket, CT 18, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Bellagio Five Diamond Bellagio December 13 - 16, 2005 World Poker Classic Las Vegas, NV Final Table December 16, 2005 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- PokerStars.com Caribbean PokerStars.com, January 4- 11, 2006 Adventure Atlantis, Paradise Final Table January Island, Bahamas 10, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Open Gold Strike January 22 - 26, 2006 Casino/Horseshoe Final Table January Casino, Tunica, MS 26, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- L.A. Poker Classic Commerce Casino, Los February 17 - 21, 2006 Angeles, CA Final Table February 21, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- WPT Invitational Commerce Casino, February 22 - 23, 2006 Commerce, CA Final Table February 23, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- Bay 101 Shooting Star Bay 101, San Jose, CA February 27 - March 3, 2006 Final Table March 3, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- PartyPoker Million PartyPoker.com, March 12 - 19, 2006 Mexico Cruise Final Table March 17, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- World Poker Challenge Reno Hilton, Reno, NV March 27 - 31, 2006 Final Table March 31, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- WPT World Championship Bellagio April 18 - 24, 2006 Las Vegas, NV Final Table April 24, 2006 ------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
About WPT Enterprises, Inc.
WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes. WPTE is the creator of the World Poker Tour(R), a television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments that airs on the Travel Channel in the United States and more than 67 markets globally. WPT Enterprises currently licenses its brand to companies in the business of poker equipment and instruction, apparel, publishing, electronic and wireless entertainment, DVD/home entertainment, casino games, and giftware. For show information, tools for improving poker play, and other WPT news, fans may log on to www.worldpokertour.com. The company is also engaged in the sale of corporate sponsorships. WPT Enterprises, Inc. is a majority owned subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:LACO). Photos and media information can be found online at: www.worldpokertour.com.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by WPT Enterprises, Inc.) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to the expansion of WPT's brand licensing, the development of new television and film projects, the development of WPT corporate sponsors and other business development activities, as well as statements regarding other capital spending, financing sources and the effects of competition. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of WPT. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, WPT's significant dependence on the Travel Channel as a source of revenue; the potential that our television programming will fail to maintain a sufficient audience; the risk that competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence might develop television programming that would directly compete with WPT's television programming; the risk that WPT may not be able to protect its entertainment concepts, current and future brands and other intellectual property rights; risks associated with future expansion into new or complementary businesses; the termination or impairment of WPT's relationships with key licensing and strategic partners; and WPT's dependence on its senior management team.
For more information, review WPT's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Editors Note: 300 dpi downloadable images available at www.media.worldpokertour.com (WPTEG)
© 2005 Business Wire
