There was a time when the uk and Ireland Poker Tour played the role of the understudy. It was new, exciting, stuffed with energy, but always within the shadow of its older, bigger, more glamourous European cousin, the person who had extra money and boasted about spending spring at the Riviera.

But after patiently filling in while the EPT was on repose, the UKIPT is finally recognised because the main feature it truly is. Not an understudy the UKIPT is its own main attraction, and we're excited to mention it returns for a sixth season next month.

What's more, you'll win your way through to the Season opener in London, with a West End run from April 5 to ten at London's Hippodrome Casino.

If you have not played on the Hippodrome Casino before you soon realise why it's an award winning casino, and one of the crucial UK's favourite poker venues. It combines performance and hospitality with five bars, London's favourite steakhouse restaurant, live music and cabaret theatre, in addition to a two tier smoking terrace and 3 floors of gaming. That's just within the Hippodrome Casino. Outside there's even more.

Join us at UKIPT London by qualifying on PokerStars Click here to open an account.

London is considered one of Europe's premier poker destinations. In many ways it's perfect. While it offers even probably the most eclectic of interests the easiest distractions during downtime, it will, like a fair friend, assist you to celebrate your high points, and luxury you to your low points.

Not that Rapinder Cheema would find out about the low points. He won the primary Event last time around, collecting £78,825 sooner than a field of greater than 700 players. That's a high point in anyone's book. The most productive of British are expected to play, including Team Pro Jake Cody.

His success came mostly Event, which this year has the similar £700 + £70 buy-in. In fact you'll earn that seat for as low as £1.10 in any collection of online satellites now running on PokerStars. And when you prefer your satellites to have chairs and actual chips, there'll be a £100 + £100 live qualifier on the Hippodrome Casino on Tuesday 5 April and Wednesday 6 April.

It's not only the primary Event that captures attention and imagination. There is a £2,000 + £200 High Roller at the schedule in addition to the £300 + £30 London Cup which this season will feature the familiar voices of Joe Stapleton and James Hartigan (together with their faces), who're registered to play.

You can find the entire key details about the London festival at the UKIPT Homepage, with information about events and satellites. Everything else you will discover out whilst you get there.

We'll see you in London.

Stephen Bartley is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: UKIPT]