Duplicate Poker Nations Cup Begins This Week

The inaugural Duplicate Poker Nations Cup is scheduled to get underway tomorrow in London.
The International Poker Federation (IPF) organised event will see the best pros in the world from 12 countries competing for international bragging rights over their national rivals. As IPF President Anthony Holden explains:
“The Nations Cup will be a genuine celebration of all that is best in intellectual sports. Some of the world’s best players playing for pride and the honour of representing their countries in an intense competition with the added spice of international rivalry.”
However, giving the event a truly authentic place in poker historyis the fact that the element of luck will be kept to a minimum. This will be achieved by organising it so that players are dealt the exact same cards in the same positions on neighbouring tables, ensuring that the eventual outcome is dependent on the skill of each player. 
Elaborating further on the original concept, Anthony Holden said:
“Poker is played by millions around the world and Duplicate Poker is the game in its purest form. Players compete against each other based on skill, without any fluctuation in chance. I believe that it’s the best way to highlight poker as a game of strategic skill and as a Mind Sport. The Nations Cup will be a genuine celebration of all that is best in intellectual sports with the added spice of international rivalry.”
The two day Nations’ Cup event will include teams from countries such as US, UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Holland and Denmark.
Participating in the event will be such top pros as Barry Greenstein, Antonio Esfandiari, Vanessa Selbst Sam Trickett, Liv Boeree, Sam Holden, Andy Black, Padraig Parkinson, Eoghan O’Dea, Marcel Luske, David Benyamine, Fabrice Soullier, Tony G, Gus Hansen and Sebastian Ruthenberg.
Following the conclusion of the competition, the IFP World Championship will then ensue at London’s County Hall starting the 19th November. The $500,000 invitational freeroll will see 130 of the world’s top tournament pros vying for a chance to claim the $250,000 first place prize.