Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa not only met but exceeded its lofty expectations as it kicked off the Borgata Poker Open tournament series in record-shattering fashion, with 4,482 participants entering into the $2 million guarantee deepstack event. The immense turnout is the largest attendance in the history of East Coast poker, while generating $2.2 million in prize money
Many familiar faces, including Olivier Busquet, were in attendance for the event. Busquet began his poker career online and is known as one of the most dominant players online and in live tournaments.
“I typically play in higher buy-in events, however the tournaments at Borgata are unparalleled with the combination of accessible buy-in and large field size,” said Busquet, who made his mark at Borgata when he overcame a 20-1 chip disadvantage to win the 2009 Borgata Poker Open Championship. “I plan on playing in the Heads Up and WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship events because I have a good history, feel comfortable and really enjoy being at Borgata.”
Over the past 10 years, the opening event of the Borgata Poker Open has evolved and developed into a must-play for any professional or amateur looking to make a name for themselves, as evidence in the sustained years of record-breaking entries (3,705 in September 2012, 3,871 in January 2013 and 4,482 this month).
“Continuing to set attendance records for our poker program is an absolutely incredible feat and a true testament to the structure, service, and overall poker product offered here at Borgata,” senior VP of operations Joe Lupo said. “We are thrilled to see more loyal players than ever flocking to the preeminent destination on the East Coast.”
The Borgata Poker Open continues over the next 16 days, culminating with the $3 million guaranteed World Poker Tour Borgata Poker Open Championship, scheduled for Sept. 15-20. The $3,500 event is part of the WPT Season XII and will be filmed from Day 1 through the final table and televised on Fox Sports Net.
On-site registration will be available daily from 8 a.m. through midnight for each event. To view the event schedule or more information, visit theborgata.com and follow all of the action on the Borgata Poker blog at borgatapokerblog.com or on Twitter @BorgataPoker.
