The World Poker Tour (WPT) has released more details about its recent tournament collaboration with Partypoker Live in a bid to enhance the two brand’s kudos on the global stage.
As part of the WPT’s ongoing diversity drive, the organization has finalized its tournament plans for 2019. Announced on October 23, next year’s WPT/Partypoker Live joint schedule will get underway on January 18 inside Casino Sochi, Russia.
Running through until January 27, the festival what started at the Playground Poker Club, Montreal Canada, this year and feature WPT500, WPTDeepStacks and Main Tour events.
From Russia with Love
After the new year in Russia, the WPT bandwagon will roll into Barcelona on March 9 before stopping in the UK (April), the Czech Republic (August) and Canada (October).
As well as announcing its schedule for 2019, the WPT has said it will work with Partypoker to give players more entry options. Online, satellites will take place in the lead up to all WPT events and start from $0.01.
The other innovation players can take advantage of during the forthcoming run of tournaments will be Partypoker Live dollars. Although this won’t be an option at all events, the WPT has confirmed the virtual currency will be accepted for selection tournaments in 2019.
For those with active credits, the WPT will accept Partypoker Live Dollars as payment for tournament buy-ins, flights and accommodation.
World Poker Tour Going Global
The decision to align its selection of festivals with Partypoker Live is part of the WPT’s mission to appeal to more players. Since going launching in 2017, Partypoker Live has managed to build up a loyal fanbase across Europe and North America.
Tapping into this demographic will allow the WPT to offer larger prizepools and, in turn, move into new regions. Moreover, this collaboration will compliment other recent innovations designed to grow the WPT brand around the world.
Following on from a move into Japan last year, the WPT formed a partnership with blockchain betting site FansUnite in October 2018. Latching onto the cryptocurrency revolution that’s sweeping across the gaming industry, the WPT will now share resources with the sports betting start-up.
By partnering with FansUnite, the WPT is hoping to gain a footing both in the crypto space as well as the sports betting industry. Between this and its work with Partypoker Live, the company is looking to bring more novices into the game and, in turn, increase its appeal for those already following the tournament trail.