2024 PokerStars UKIPT Nottingham: A Premier Poker Extravaganza
The highly anticipated PokerStars UK & Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) returns to its beloved venue, Dusk Till Dawn, from November 8-18, 2024. This year’s festival promises to deliver thrilling action, highlighted by a £1 million guaranteed Nottingham Main Event among an exciting slate of tournaments. The atmosphere is set, the cards are ready to fly, and players from all walks of poker life are gearing up for an unforgettable experience.
A Journey Through UKIPT Nottingham
Since making its debut back in 2010, the UKIPT Nottingham leg has established itself as a cornerstone of the tour’s calendar. Notably, it weathered a five-year hiatus between 2016-2021, yet it has rebounded impressively, hosting some of the tour’s biggest events. The Nottingham Main Event has a track record of bestowing memorable titles and substantial prizes, making it a must-visit for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.
The festival kicks off with the £230 NLHE Warm Up event on November 8, featuring four starting flights. The champion of this event will be crowned on November 10, setting the stage for the high-octane energy that will follow.
£1 Million Guaranteed UKIPT Nottingham Main Event
The Main Event Format and Prize Pool
In a grand statement of both ambition and confidence, PokerStars and Dusk Till Dawn have set a £1 million guarantee on the £1,100 buy-in UKIPT Nottingham Main Event. Players will have the chance to participate in four flights, each allowing one re-entry per day. This structure not only enhances the competition but also increases the chances for players to build formidable stacks heading into the later stages of the tournament.
PokerNews’ live reporting team will be present to deliver real-time updates as the action unfolds, capturing everything from the first hand dealt on November 10 to the finals on November 18. Last year’s Main Event generated an impressive £1,177,920 prize pool, showing that Nottingham can attract a significant number of entries; a story worthy of any poker enthusiast.
Vincent Meli took home the title during the grand finale of the previous year, defeating Patrice Brandt in a heads-up battle that was as thrilling as it was strategic. Meli secured £159,325 while Brandt walked away with £168,425 after the two reached a deal.
A Rich History of Champions
The narrative of success continues when we look at the previous Main Event champions, each leaving a unique mark on Nottingham. Here’s a glance at past winners:
| Date | Buy-in | Entrants | Prize Pool | Champion | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2010 | £560 | 650 | £325,000 | Andrew Couldridge | £80,000 |
| Feb 2011 | £560 | 1,058 | £529,000 | Gareth Walker | £97,700 |
| Apr 2012 | £770 | 1,625 | £1,137,500 | Robert Baguley | £210,400 |
| Nov 2013 | £1,100 | 458 | £500,000 | Ben Mayhew | £72,840* |
| May 2014 | £1,100 | 1,223 | £1,223,000 | Duncan McLellan | £202,372 |
| Apr 2015 | £1,100 | 1,026 | £1,000,000 | Sam Mitten-Laurence | £182,000 |
| Jul 2022 | £1,100 | 582 | £582,000 | Adam Maxwell | £98,150 |
| Nov 2023 | £1,100 | 1,227 | £1,177,920 | Vincent Meli | £159,325** |
- Event was a special edition 6-Max tournament
** Event served as the UKIPT Grand Final
Star Players and High Roller Action
£3,200 Luxon Pay Super High Roller
Among the highlights of the Nottingham festival is the prestigious £3,200 Luxon Pay Super High Roller. With the largest buy-in of the series, this two-day event is anticipated to draw some of the biggest names in the poker world—a spectacle that no serious poker fan should miss. Additionally, the champion will receive a $4,000 package to the Mediterranean Poker Party, elevating the stakes significantly.
Scotland’s own David Docherty triumphed in this high-stakes event last year, maneuvering through a competitive field and securing a £46,180 top prize.
The Comprehensive Schedule
One of the most enticing aspects of the UKIPT Nottingham festival is its comprehensive schedule. Here’s a snapshot of the events taking place:
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 8 Nov | 12:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE UKIPT Warm Up Flight A |
| 5:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE UKIPT Warm Up Flight B | |
| 5:00 p.m. | £60 Qualifier to UKIPT Main Event | |
| Sat 9 Nov | 12:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE UKIPT Warm Up Flight C |
| 5:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE UKIPT Warm Up Flight D | |
| 5:00 p.m. | £60 Qualifier to UKIPT Main Event | |
| Sun 10 Nov | 12:00 p.m. | UKIPT Warm Up Final Day |
| 12:00 p.m. | £1,100 NLHE UKIPT Main Event Flight A | |
| 1:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE Deepstack | |
| 5:00 p.m. | £60 Qualifier to UKIPT Main Event | |
| … | … | … |
| Mon 18 Nov | 12:00 p.m. | UKIPT Main Event Final Day |
| 12:00 p.m. | UKIPT Cup Final Day | |
| 1:00 p.m. | £1,100 NLHE Mystery Bounty | |
| 1:00 p.m. | £220 8-Game | |
| 1:00 p.m. | £230 NLHE Bounty | |
| 4:00 p.m. | £120 NLHE Closer |
Join the Action: Satellites and Power Path Passes
For those looking to join in on the action, Dusk Till Dawn is hosting several £60 and £90 satellites for the Main Event. Furthermore, take advantage of online satellites on PokerStars. The scheduled £109 mega satellite on October 27 will guarantee ten £1,500 packages, providing a solid opportunity to jump into the Main Event.
For a unique experience, consider pursuing the Power Path option. Securing a Silver Pass rewards players with £1,100 for the Main Event and entry into the £330 UKIPT Cup, along with additional perks that enhance the poker festival experience.
Stay in the Loop
Are you ready to ensure that you never miss a PokerStars tournament again? Utilize the PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar to discover upcoming and in-play tournaments at various online poker rooms, including PokerStars. With user-friendly filters, you can quickly identify the perfect events suited to your preferences without breaking a sweat.
The 2024 PokerStars UKIPT Nottingham is poised to be an engaging spectacle of skill, strategy, and community. Whether you’re participating or cheering from the sidelines, the UKIPT Nottingham festival is not to be missed. Pull up a chair, embrace the excitement, and witness history unfold at Dusk Till Dawn!
