The world’s largest and most prestigious poker tournament series is returning again to the Crescent City. For the sixth consecutive year Harrah’s New Orleans, the south’s premier gaming and resort destination, will be hosting a World Series of Poker Circuit stop which is the 2009 Bayou Poker Challenge. This year’s 13-day tournament series takes place from May 8-20, 2009.

The World Series of Poker is the world’s richest sporting event. Last year, the WSOP competition in Las Vegas alone awarded nearly $170 million in prize money to winners – more than Wimbledon, the Masters, and the Kentucky Derby combined. Five years ago, the WSOP hit the road for the first time in history. Poker tournaments were offered at multiple Harrah’s properties spread throughout the United States. Harrah’s New Orleans was one of the first casinos ever to host a WSOP-related event held outside of Las Vegas. Turnout has been heavy all five years, which has made New Orleans one of the Circuits’ most popular destinations.

This year’s action-packed schedule includes 20 major daily tournaments, plus 10 more nightly tournaments – bringing the combined Bayou Poker Challenge menu to 30 total tournaments. This makes the upcoming Bayou series one of the busiest poker destinations of the season. In addition, the Harrah’s Poker Room will offer multiple satellites and around-the-clock cash-game action.

Harrah’s Casino and Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the famous French Quarter. Within walking distance of numerous local attractions, the resort is the perfect destination for poker fans wanting to combine the excitement of tournament poker with world-class cuisine and great entertainment. In years past, WSOP Circuit tournaments in New Orleans have attracted thousands of poker players with all levels of experience, from recreational competitors to world champions. Former WSOP champions Doyle Brunson, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Chris Moneymaker, Dan Harrington, Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, and Joe Hachem have attended in recent years. Harrah’s New Orleans has also been visited by other poker greats, including Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Berry Greenstein, Phil Gordon, and many other superstars.

This year’s poker tournament schedule includes one of the most extensive offerings of No-Limit Hold’em held anywhere. Most days include two or three No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, which is sure to appeal to those who like to play poker both day and night. Five Pot-Limit Omaha events will also be offered – making this is most extensive Pot-Limit Omaha offering in the country. New Orleans has been a proud home to Pot-Limit enthusiasts for decades and Harrah’s inclusion of this alternative form of poker on the upcoming schedule shows their eagerness to promote a game indigenous to the Gulf Coast region. Pot-Limit Hold’em and Omaha High-Low are also on the schedule. In addition, there will be a ladies-only poker tournament held on Sunday, May 17th. Tournament buy-ins are as low as $200. The Bayou Poker Challenge championship event will be played on the final three days of the series (May 18-20) and will cost $5,150 to enter. Super-satellites for the championship event costing as little as $225 will be held daily.

Players planning on coming to New Orleans for the Main Event should plan to arrive a few days early, as two $1,000 buy-in events (No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha) will be taking place on March 14th and 16th.

“Harrah’s New Orleans is proud to be an annual fixture on the World Series of Poker Circuit,” said Jim Hoskins, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Harrah’s New Orleans. “For those out there reading this, now is the perfect time to come to New Orleans. There are many terrific deals, and our great city combines just about anything you could ask for – whether it’s fun, food, or entertainment. Who knows, someone out there might show up, win our poker championship and become rich and famous. It’s happened before here at Harrah’s New Orleans.”

This year’s tournament director is Steve Frezer, one of poker’s most respected and experienced gaming officials. The Harrah’s New Orleans Director of Table Games is Tosha Skipper, who will be working with her staff to coordinate and guarantee the success of the south’s premier poker event.

Poker players will also be provided with discount hotel accommodations for as low as $85 per night at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The hotel is located directly across the street from the casino. Players may call 1-800-HILTONS. When booking, players should inform the reservations agent they are with the poker tournament and request -- CODE: WSP. Reservations can also be made through: www.harrahsneworleans.com

For more information about Harrah’s New Orleans, please call 504-533-6000 or visit: www.harrahsneworleans.com. For more information about the World Series of Poker and upcoming WSOP Circuits and results, please visit: www.worldseriesofpoker.com

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by Nolan Dalla