The Annual Arizona State Poker Championship Returns to Talking Stick Resort For the 8th Year

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Jul 16, 2012, 01:32 ET

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz., July 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Players from across the country are perfecting their poker faces as they prepare for the return of the Arizona State Poker Championship to Talking Stick Resort. An annual fixture on the resort's poker schedule, the five-day tournament takes place Aug. 10-14, and is expected to draw more than 1,000 players of various skill levels, all competing for a share of the $1 million jackpot.

"The Arizona State Poker Championship is a big source of pride for us. It's our biggest event and continues to grow each year," said Kent Odekirk, director of poker at Talking Stick Resort. "This year we have expanded the championship to run five days and have taken the final table into our showroom to allow for a larger viewing audience. We are always looking for ways to enhance it and make it a better experience for guests."

The No Limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament will begin on Friday, Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. This year marks the third time in its eight-year history that the prize pool has hit $1 million, which ensures the top 100 players walk away with a minimum of $2,250. First place winner will take home a grand total of $208,300, a championship ring and trophy. Second and third place winners will take home $127,500 and $85,000 respectively, as well as trophies to commemorate their win.

To enter the state championship, players can pay a $1,000 buy-in, with an additional $70 entry fee, or they can "win a seat" by participating in Talking Stick Resort's daily satellite tournaments or Sunday qualifier tournaments. Entries are unlimited, and the buy-in provides each player with $15,000 worth of tournament chips. Players eliminated on days one or two will be allowed a re-buy in order to continue play.

Over the course to the championship, a designated number of participants will play on days one, two and three. Those days of play will determine the semi-finalists, who will play on day four until 10 players remain. Day five, Aug. 14 marks the final table where the final 10 will play until a champion is crowned. For the first time since the inception of the championship, the final table will be played in the resort's showroom and broadcasted throughout the property.

In the week prior to the championship, Talking Stick Resort will host State Championship Warm Up Tournaments. Before the action, players will have the opportunity to perfect their strategies by participating in daily games. These tournaments will be held in the ARENA at 11:15 a.m. from Aug. 6-9.

Earlier this year, Arizona's largest poker room transformed into the ARENA Poker Room and was updated with new arena-style screens with sports tickers and the capabilities to host satellite tournaments and relay live poker games. The large screens hang high above the room's 47 poker tables and provide a high-quality picture that can be seen from any angle, giving guests a better gaming experience.

For more information about the Arizona State Poker Championship and other tournaments, visit the ARENA Poker Room, www.TalkingStickResort.com or call (480) 850-7734.

SOURCE Talking Stick Resort