Poker Stars Announces Russian Poker Tour

If you are a fan of poker television shows, you would have to be in a cave not to have noticed over the past two years the influx of talented Russian poker players coming onto the scene.   Their play has been impressive to say the least, most are mathematicians who are calculating and have instilled fear into their opponents.
 
In 2007, bracelet winner Alex Kravchenko made it to an impressive fourth place in the World Series of Poker though he couldn’t outrun Jerry Yang’s pocket eights.  This year it was Ivan Demidov’s turn to put his aggressive skills on display while finishing in second place at the World Series of Poker. 
 
The poker community should expect to see even more talented Russian players on the scene.  Poker Stars has announced that it is sponsoring the Russian Poker Tour (RPT) with events kicking off in early 2009.  The first Russian Poker Tour event is set for January 25 in St. Petersburg for the buy in price of $5,000.  The second event is set for February 22 in Moscow with the price to play going up to $10,000 for the buy in.  Krachenko and Demidov are planning to attend both events.
 
The Russian Poker Tour is not the first that Poker Stars has been associated with.  It is in good company with the European Poker Tour, Asia Pacific Poker Tour and the Latin American Poker Tour.
 
Poker Stars is already ahead of the game and is running satellites for the St. Petersburg event.  Players can get in on the action for as little as $2.22 or 111 Frequent Player Points (FPPs).  These satellites will be offered until December 30, 2008.  The lucky winners will win a prize package valued at $8,000 and will include the tournament buy in, accommodations and some money for expenses.