SOURCE: iGaming Business

(London, England) — The Asian Poker Tour has announced its 2008 calendar with four events set to capture the imagination of the poker world and to make the Tour bigger and better than ever.

The Tour will kick off in the Philippines from May 27 to June 1.

It will be followed by similar events in Macau, Asia's gambling capital, South Korea, and Singapore, which will be the last leg of the Tour. Venues and dates for the last three events will be announced shortly.

Each tournament will offer a US$1 million guaranteed prize pool, which is sure to attract poker players from all over the world.

There will also be internet qualifiers which will ensure that online players can rub shoulders with some of the world's leading poker pros at each live tournament.

The opening APT leg in Manila will be a poker tournament of world class standards – more than 400 players will battle it out during six days of thrilling poker for a share of the guaranteed $1 million prize pool.

The buy-in is $2,500 – but there's the chance of winning one of the online satellites, which includes an all-expenses paid trip as well as the buy-in.

You can also expect similar fare at the other three events – huge prize pools will be up for grabs as well as fantastic tournament packages for online qualifiers.

Poker has been growing in popularity in Asia for years and the APT announcements will make it an even bigger phenomenon.

For all the latest news on the APT, including online satellite details, visit the APT website at asianpt.com for regular updates.

AsianLogic CEO Chris Parker said: "The Asian Poker Tour (APT) will definitely be a top-class brand."

"This is such an exciting time for poker players in Asia and we feel that with our expertise and skills, we can make the APT a bigger and better series of events each year."

"From the four events that will take place this year, the APT plans to expand to a total of six events in 2009. We are continually working to set up some of the world's most exciting and prestigious poker tournaments."

Online gaming company ESL-Asia, a subsidiary of AsianLogic, has taken over the APT and will organize all the online and land-based tournaments, as well as brand management.

ESL-Asia will also oversee the APT's plans to launch their own online poker rooms in the months ahead, where internet players can improve their skills and win money.