PokerNews CUP Australia 2008

Team News - Thank you, Team PokerNews!

2008-10-27T01:18:58Z

PokerNews would like to thank all of Team PokerNews who flew across the world to attend our flagship event. It was great getting to know everyone personally, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

The PokerNews Team is already hard at work on our next PokerNews Cup - join us as it travels to Europe in March 2009.

Here's a sneak peek...

Until then, stay tuned to PokerNews and best of luck at the felt!
-The PokerNews Team-

Team News - Partying all night!

2008-10-22T23:26:04Z

Poker isn't the only thing Team PokerNews is good at... We also know how to have a good time and that includes partying until the wee hours of the morning!

Check out what went down at this year's PokerNews Cup Australia Player Party here, plus all the photos available here.

Liked what you see? Remember, TV.PokerNews has all the greatest and most exclusive videos from tournaments big and small giving you clips you certainly will not see elsewhere!

Team News - Congratulations 2008 PNC Australia Champion - Nali Kaselias!

2008-10-21T05:17:19Z

Nali "Iraqi Nick" Kaselias last night took home the title and a juicy $250,000 in prize money for outlasting a field of 410 players and four long days of poker.

Let Nali tell you personally how he felt when winning this event - watch the video here.

A very special congratulations also goes out to Kenneth Damm, who had a stellar week taking down the private freeroll for online qualifiers AND the Tony G Celebrity Bounty Event.

To watch all the exclusive videos direct from the floor of the Crown Poker Room - visit TV.PokerNews today.

Team News - A guided tour, wine tasting & lunch - What more can you ask for?

2008-10-21T03:56:15Z

Part of being Team PokerNews means you get perks other players don't...

Our Deluxe Package winners boarded a private bus to Australia's renowned animal sanctuary to take a private tour of rare Australian wildlife in their native habitat. This was followed by wine tasting and a scrumptious lunch.

Check out the video of what went down here - And don't forget, visit TV.PokerNews to watch more great videos from the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia, plus clips from other major poker events across the world.

This is only a taste of what a Team PokerNews Package can offer you - keep checking our Freerolls page for many other ways you can join these guys for the time of your life at the biggest events on the international poker calendar!

Team News - Luxury Curise down the Yarra...

2008-10-17T05:37:32Z

As a Team PokerNews Member, you get more perks than usual.

Watch as the Deluxe Team PokerNews Package winners embarked on a private cruise down Melbourne's main water feature - the Yarra River - whilst dining on a scrumptious buffet and unlimited premium drinks.

Players got the chance to live the high life, enjoying the warm sunshine on the deck, and indulging on some great conversation with members hailing from all corners of the globe.

Click here to watch the video.

Team News - TV.PokerNews out in full force!

2008-10-15T23:52:52Z

Our experienced TV.PokerNews film crew are out in full force catching all the action at the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia. Catch our very gorgeous TV Host, Ms. Gloria Balding, as she interviews the biggest and loudest players to grace the felt this week.

Simply go to TV.PokerNews.com/Videos, click on the Tournaments tab, and check out all the videos filed under '2008 PokerNews Cup'. You can be sure we'll be updating that regularly, so keep checking back.

Team News - Welcome, Team PokerNews!

2008-10-14T08:11:59Z

Most of Team PokerNews have jetsetted their way down to Melbourne and met up with PokerNews staff today. They have checked in comfortably at the sleek and modern Crown Promenade Hotel, with most enjoying uninterrupted views of the Melbourne city skyline from their rooms. What a week they have in store for them - we couldn't be more excited.

Don't forget to keep checking Live Reporting for who, what and where at the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia.

Team Member - Raivi Pettai

2008-10-10T05:21:57Z

Welcome Raivi Pettai to Team PokerNews! Raivi hails from the city of Lagedi, Estonia and has been playing poker for the past one and a half years. The student began playing poker “because my friends did it.” Currently he enjoys playing poker both live and online and dabbles equally in tournaments and ring games. His favourite variant of poker is by far No Limit Texas Holdem. Winning a $5,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package is Raivi’s biggest poker success and he was understandably happy. “I haven’t felt anything like this… this is happiness,” says Raivi. He proceeded to celebrate by having a few drinks with his friends. The Estonian has many hobbies including fishing and sports. This will be his first experience at a major poker tournament and his first visit to Australia. Good luck to Raivi and the rest of Team PokerNews!

Team Member - Augusto da Silva

2008-10-08T02:38:19Z

Augusto da Silva has proven that he has the will and determination to succeed. In only his first few months of playing poker, he has won himself packages that have allowed him to fly across the world to play in various poker tournaments. Additionally, this $7,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package win will bring his total Team PokerNews appearances to three – the first two being the 2007 PokerNews Cup Australia and the 2008 Aussie Millions. The full time Engineer started playing poker because he always had a love for card games. “A friend of mine made me understand that in order to start playing poker, there was no need for any initial investment… that from scratch we could earn a decent amount of money,” says Augusto. “I loved that idea and thus, started playing.” Currently, Augusto’s favourite poker variant is No Limit Texas Holdem. He prefers to play multi-table tournaments and sit-n-gos. How does he feel about this recent package win? “I felt very proud to be able to represent Team PokerNews again,” explains Augusto. “I started running and yelling all over my house and called all my friends to spread the good news.” Augusto finished in the money at the 2007 PNC Australia, and we are expecting an even bigger result this year. He is definitely another Team PokerNews Member you want to look out for at the felt – and you’ll only be able to catch all that action on PokerNews.com, so stay tuned…

Team News - Airport Shuttle

2008-10-08T02:38:19Z

Hi Team,

I know most, if not all, have already booked your flights and are ready to party Down Under with us - I can't wait!

For those wanting a cheaper travel option from the airport to Crown Promenade Hotel, we recommend using the Skybus Shuttle.

Tickets are AUD16 one way and can be purchased at the Skybus counter when you arrive, or even better, simply purchase & print them online so you have it with you for easy boarding.

The shuttle will take you from the airport into the city centre (approximately 20 minute journey), and you can then request for a free shuttle to Crown Promenade Hotel.

For further details, please visit www.skybus.com.au

Any questions, feel free to email me.

See you soon!
-Trish-

Team Member - Jussi Vuoristo

2008-10-03T00:46:59Z

We are lucky to have a diverse range of members grace our Team this year. We welcome the first and only Research Scientist (in the field of Molecular Genetics) to our Team PokerNews – PokerNews Cup Australia (PNC) 2008. Jussi Vuoristo has been playing poker for 39 years. “It is a nice way to spend time with family and friends,” says Jussi. These days, he mostly plays poker online with a preference for No Limit Texas Holdem. Jussi has won many freerolls which have awarded him access to some of the world’s biggest poker tournaments. How did he feel about winning this $7,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Freeroll? “Excited and surprised… Not again!” comments Jussi. The Finn celebrated with a glass of decent Cognac and a cigar. His long list of major tournament appearances include the 2006 Caribbean Poker Classic in St Kitts, 2007 PNC Australia, 2007 South African Poker Open and the 2008 PokerNews Cup Austria. This will be his third visit to Australia. To follow all the action at the most coveted tournament Down Under, stay tuned to PokerNews.

Team Member - Luke Abolins

2008-10-02T02:37:06Z

Luke Abolins’ player profile is one we know so well. A true professional, Luke has represented our Team at every single PokerNews Cup event, as well as participating in the 2008 Aussie Millions and a string of other major poker tournaments. Additionally, Luke was crowned ‘PokerProForAYear’ when he took home the year long championship giving him sponsorship to the biggest events on the poker calendar. Most recently, Luke Final-Tabled the Gala Casinos British Poker Tour earning the respect of many local and international players.
The full time poker player began playing a mere three years ago. He mostly plays online with a preference for No Limit Texas Holdem Multi and Single-table tournaments. He felt “over the moon” when he won this $7,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package and celebrated with “a pint of shandy… heavy on the lemonade.” In between the tables, the Englishman enjoys football and music. If you’ve been following Team PokerNews closely, you’ll know to watch out for Luke the next time he hits the felt at the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia.

Team Member - Peter Krikkay

2008-10-02T00:54:38Z

Peter Krikkay has been playing poker for the past two years. “I saw it on television and decided to try it out,” says Peter. Currently, Peter only plays poker online. You will mostly find Peter playing in No Limit Texas Holdem Multi-table Tournaments and H.O.R.S.E. The student admits that winning this $5,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Freeroll is his biggest poker success. “I was both happy and shocked,” explains Peter. “I celebrated my win with my girlfriend.” Additionally, the Budapest resident can be found playing tennis, soccer and chess. This will be his first live major tournament and his first visit to Australia. We look forward to welcoming Peter and the rest of Team PokerNews at the coveted 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia!

Team News - Important Information Released

2008-10-02T00:54:38Z

To all qualified Team PokerNews Members,

First of all - congratulations on making it to the Team. We are lucky to have you.

Secondly, I have just sent each of you an email containing important details regarding the upcoming PNC Australia. This includes instructions on where to meet us when you arrive, our contact details whilst in Australia, Main Event entry procedure, and more.

If you haven't already checked your emails, please do so and take the time to familiarise yourselves with the details there.

Remember, if you have any questions - visit our FAQ page and email me anytime.

See you soon!
Trish

Team Member - Tony Pruvot

2008-09-30T06:00:24Z

Welcome back Tony Pruvot to Team PokerNews. Tony represented our Team at the 2008 Aussie Millions in January and is back for an even bigger finish at the upcoming PokerNews Cup Australia. He started playing poker three years ago simply because he liked playing cards. The Frenchman plays poker both live and online, spending more time on ring games as compared to tournament style play. Winning a $12,500 Team PokerNews Package to the Aussie Millions was Tony’s biggest poker success. How did he feel about this new $5,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package win? “I was focused on winning… By winning this, I proved to myself that I can now take my poker to the next level,” says Tony. Away from the tables, he enjoys sports and martial arts. “I’m very happy to be joining Team PokerNews again,” explains Tony. To find out about Tony’s second poker experience in the land Down Under, stay tuned to PokerNews.com and TV.PokerNews.com.

Team Member - Robert Przygoda

2008-09-25T02:14:42Z

Congratulations Robert Przygoda from Dortmund, Germany for becoming one of the final few members of Team PokerNews – PokerNews Cup Australia 2008. Robert’s passion for poker started three years ago. "Poker connects people... There is also that element of strategy, psychology and luck," explains Robert. Now the Industrial Engineering student plays poker live, but admits to spending more time playing online. His favourite poker variants include No Limit Texas Holdem and Seven Card Stud. He enjoys tournament style play and ring games. Poker has brought Robert many successes including decent earnings from both live and online tournaments. How did he feel about this $5,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package Win? "I couldn’t believe it as I was also shortstacked at the Final Table," comments Robert. "I’m really excited and happy because I absolutely wanted to win this package." The German proceeded to celebrate with friends over a home game. Outside the poker scene, Robert enjoys soccer, tennis and books. This will be his first experience at a major poker tournament and his first visit to Australia. Good luck to Robert and the rest of Team PokerNews!

Team Member - Richard Scott

2008-09-24T16:54:38Z

Englishman, Richard Scott started dabbling in poker five years ago. “I enjoyed watching it on television and I enjoy the buzz of winning,” says Richard. Now he plays poker both live and online and equally enjoys both No Limit Texas Holdem and H.O.R.S.E. He spends most of his time playing tournaments but has recently started trying his luck at ring games. Richard has enjoyed the benefits of online poker, winning a $14,000 2008 Aussie Millions Package earlier this year allowing him to travel to Melbourne for an unforgettable experience. How did he feel about winning a $7,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package? “Over the moon – delighted to be going back to Melbourne,” explains Richard. The General Manager celebrated with a few beers before going back to bed. Away from the poker circuit, Richard is a sports fanatic and enjoys watching a variety of games. We look forward to watching Richard battle it out at the felt of the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia – good luck to all of Team PokerNews!

Team News - Lucky Last!

2008-09-24T16:54:38Z

Our absolute LAST freeroll to the PokerNews Cup Australia will take place this Saturday, September 27 @ Hollywood Poker. No jokes, this is our absolute last freeroll to an event you do not want to miss.

Check out our great list of Team PokerNews Members who have worked hard to qualify this year and will be receiving a huge payoff in the form of a great holiday in one of Australia's most vibrant cities. Oh, and did I fail to mention they'll also be partying with the stars at the Official PNC Australia Player Party?

We want you to be the lucky last member to complete our Team. For further information on the upcoming event, visit www.PokerNewsCup.com and FAQ.

See you in three weeks!
-Trish-

Team Member - Vitalijs Abarass

2008-09-23T01:38:21Z

Vitalijs Abarass has been playing poker for two and a half years. “It’s a different game and you can really have a good time,” says Vitalijs. Currently, the student plays poker both live and online. His favourite poker variant is No Limit Texas Holdem with a preference for sit-n-gos and cash games. He considers winning this $5,600 PokerNews Cup Australia Freeroll his biggest poker success. “I was very happy when I won… Although it was very late at night, I still couldn’t get to sleep after,” explains Vitalijs. He proceeded to celebrate in a nightclub with his friends. This will be his first live major tournament and his first visit to Australia. "I have always wanted to travel and the time is now," says Jakob. How will Jakob fare at the most talked about event Down Under? Stay tuned to PokerNews.com and TV.PokerNews.com.

Team Member - Jakob Boh

2008-09-23T01:31:26Z

Jakob Boh has only been playing poker for nine months and he can already boast a $7,000 PokerNews Cup Australia Package win to his name. The student of Medicine started playing poker simply “for fun” and currently only plays online. He plays No Limit Texas Holdem with a preference for tournament style play. His biggest poker success was winning $8,000 in a recent online freeroll. How did he feel about this current package win? “I was surprised as I did not expect it,” says Jakob. He proceeded to celebrate with his roommate. In between studying and playing poker, the Slovenian also enjoys tennis, cycling, and politics. This will be his first live major tournament and his first visit to Australia. Let’s hope Jakob’s time at the felt of the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia will be a memorable one. Good luck to all of Team PokerNews!

Team Blog - A warm welcome to all Team PokerNews Members!

2008-09-23T01:31:26Z

Congratulations and welcome to all Team PokerNews Members!

We are extremely excited about the upcoming PokerNews Cup Australia. Those that attended the inaugural PNC last year will attest to what a fabulous time they had. We've tweaked, modified, revised and transformed this year's PNC to ensure it will be even bigger and better than the last... because at PokerNews, the only way is up!

It will truly be an honour to be welcoming you all personally at our flagship event. Until then, feel free to update us (and the rest of our ever-expanding community) on what's been happening on your side of the world. We'd love to hear from you.

Take care and I'm sure I'll be seeing you all very soon.

Peace, love, adventure...
Trish