PokerStars Launches Asia Pacific Poker Tour

Online poker room, PokerStars, announced today the launch of the first land-based Asia Pacific poker tour, aptly named the PokerStars Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT).  The inaugural event will be at the five-star Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila in the Philippines, August 23-26.   

"One of the most exciting aspects of being a poker player is the incredible travel opportunities it offers," said Sarne Lightman, co-founder of the PokerStars APPT. "Every year PokerStars sends thousands of poker players to compete in events across Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean. The launch of the PokerStars APPT brings a whole new dimension to poker in Asia and marks poker's emergence into a truly global sport." 

Two more events have already been determined: the second event of the tour at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel and Casino in Seoul, South Korea (September 27-30) and the Grand Final, which will take place in December at the Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia.  Buy-in for the Grand Final is $5,000.  At least three more tour stops will be announced at a future date. 

Danny McDonagh, tournament director of the Aussie Millions, has been tabbed to run the PokerStars APPT events.   

One unique feature of the PokerStars APPT is that in addition to poker, PokerStars APPT is working with local tourism boards to develop excursions and tourist experiences for the players.  Jeffrey Haas, President and co-founder of the PokerStars APPT, had this to say: 

“The APPT tournaments will be the first major events of their kind in Korea and the Philippines, and we believe players from all over the world will come to take part. This in turn will help stimulate tremendous local economic benefit -- because one of our key aims is to ensure players, their friends and families enjoy the local sights and experiences. To this end, we are working closely with local tourism boards to provide all our visitors with some amazing opportunities to enjoy these beautiful destinations.” 

PokerStars will be holding satellites for the APPT starting in July.