Match Poker Online has taken a leaf from the book of global soccer and is hosting an ‘Online World Cup’ this winter. The poker wagering app will try to replicate the ‘thrill of international competition’ by having eligible players represent their home nation.
Eligibility criteria for the World Cup must be met by November 27. These criteria include: having an International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP) rating of 1,200 or above and being in the top 15% of the Ivory, Sapphire or Emerald tiers of the IFMP ratings.
There were 385 eligible players as of October 5, all of whom have been notified of their qualification via email. Other players still have weeks to meet the qualification standards.
Match Poker Online Head of Customer Relations Jake Colman commented: “From the start, we’ve wanted to be much more than an app, we’ve wanted to be a sport – albeit one that is played via an app.
“Being a sport necessarily involves holding championship events, world cups, and other big events to determine the best players in the sport of poker. So this is the first time we are offering the pinnacle of our sport.”
The competition will feature playoffs and finals exclusive to players on the same rating tier. Tournament play will include the app’s new ‘Triple Battle’ format, a mode that sees players compete against each other in one battle royale each hour for three consecutive hours. Playoffs take place from December 3-4 (although US players can compete from the 2nd-3rd).
The top 36 players then advance into the finals, which will play out from December 10-11 for most players, although US players can compete from December 9-10.
There is a variation in prize winnings, depending on tier rankings. Those in Ruby, the highest tier, can win a first-place prize of $625, while those in Emerald, the lowest tier, stand to gain $100 from winning first place.
