The largest no limit poker event in Newcastle’s history took place this weekend, and despite players complaining of World Series of Poker burnout the field still reached an impressive 205 players. They were all competing for the top prize of over £75,000 and a seat at this year Grand Final in London worth £3,000.
The tour which is being televised on Channel Four in early September attracted its usual mixture of poker professionals, Blue Square online qualifiers and some well known local Newcastle players. However, it was Mazhar Nawab from Sheffield who eventually triumphed and walked away winner.
The final table included the GUKPT’s first female poker player of the tour in Christine Ward from Middlesbrough who finished a commendable fourth place. After a marathon 11 hours of play it was Mazhar Nawab who walked away with the top prize. Mazhar who has only been playing poker for 18 months will be able to relive his historic triumph later on in the year when it is shown on Channel Four.
1 Mazhar Nawab £66,000 & £10,000 added by Bluesq.com & £3,000 Grand Final seat
2 Darren Fuller £34,850
3 Rick Trigg £24,600
4 Christine Ward £18,450
5 Jonathon Butters £14,350
6 Tony Horn £11,275
7 Adam Wilkinson £ 8,200
8 Simon Zach £ 6,150
9 David McGlen £5,125
Jonathan Raab, Tour organiser, commented
“The Newcastle leg of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour had everything: great atmosphere, good food, a stunning casino setting and high quality poker. The eventual winner Mazhar Nawab, in his second consecutive GUKPT final table, played long and hard to secure his victory. We look forward to seeing him at the next event in Luton where he will attempt to become the first person to win back to back GUKPT titles.”
The GUKPT next venue will be the newly re-furbished Luton G Casino next month.