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JOHANNESBURG, March 06 – One lucky person has become R2-million richer after competing in South Africa’s largest and most exciting poker series which kicked off Times Square Casino in Menlyn.
In partnership with MonsterJam Poker Tour, the SunBet Poker Tour (SPT) series recently kicked off at Time Square Casino in Menlyn, Pretoria.
Sunbet General Manager Nitesh Matai said: “The SunBet Poker Tour is a collaboration with the Monster Jam Poker Tour. It has become a stand-out event series on the gaming calendar in South Africa.”
CAPTION: Ed Pastoll (right) - Main Event winner of the Guaranteed R2million first place with Tournament Director David Ralph (left)
At a cocktail event to mark the launch of the tour, which is aimed at further popularising the game and elevating South African poker to an international standard, announced that the SPT will have stops at Sun City, Sibaya in Durban, the Boardwalk in Gqeberha and GrandWest in Cape Town.
“Taking the series to these five iconic casinos positions the tour as a premium offering on par with global poker events and we look forward to welcoming players of every level to come and compete and test their skills in a stunning game setting,” Matai said.
CAPTION (left); Joe Stegers of Tanzania, Winner of the Big Shot 1 day High Roller Event
CAPTION (right); Alvin Pillay - High Roller winner
Times Square General Manager Ruben Gooranah said: “We are thrilled to have been able to host the first of the Sunbet Poker Tour events. It was a resounding success and showcased top-class poker players. Times Square congratulates all the winners and wishes all the participants well for the remainder of the poker series tour.”
“We have all had to learn how to navigate our way through the pandemic and we are pleased to be able to now host these in-person events that will take place in controlled and safe environments with all the necessary health and safety protocols will be followed,” Matai added.
CAPTION: Yue Xu, winner of Super High Roller with Tournament Director David Ralph
It was further announced that the organisers will be setting up satellite poker rooms across the country to allow people from all over South Africa the opportunity to qualify for these high-profile events through free-rolls and satellite tournaments.
Poker originated in France in the 17th century and has grown into one of the most popular games in the world, played by well over 100 million people and featuring several different versions. Poker can be played in an in-person setting or online which has shown tremendous growth in recent years, particularly as the pandemic saw restrictions on public gatherings.
TIME SQUARE
Sun International's R5-billion Time Square development in Menlyn, Pretoria comprises of a casino, hotel, conference centre, a multi-purpose arena and a wide choice of bars and restaurants and entertainment facilities.
It represents the Group's biggest development in the hospitality, gaming and leisure industry since the construction of GrandWest Casino in Cape Town, in 2000. It is the biggest such entertainment venue in Gauteng.
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