WSOP Academy announces 2007 Main Event Primer

8 May 2007

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (PRESS RELEASE) - The World Series of Poker Academy, poker's premiere series of instructional camps where participants learn first- hand from the world's greatest poker players, announced today details for its first-ever Main Event Primer. The comprehensive, three-day poker school and experience held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., starts July 3 and ends July 5 – on the eve of the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event.

On hand to prepare participants for poker's most prestigious competition, which last year awarded more than $82.5 million in prize money, will be an unprecedented team of world class instructors, including past Main Event Champions Phil Hellmuth, Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem, multiple WSOP-bracelet winners Mark Seif and Scott Fischman, poker tells expert Joe Navarro, noted poker pro and instructor Alex Outhred and many, many more.

With the primary focus on giving participants everything they need to go far in the Main Event, the Academy's pro instructors will conduct in-depth seminars, live hand analysis and interactive workshops with the academy's participants, while covering all aspects of No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament strategy, from playing position and calculating pot odds to the importance of aggression and changing gears.

"There is simply no better way to prepare for poker's biggest tournament than to learn first-hand from the players who've been there and won it all," said Jeff Goldenberg of Post Oak Productions, the company that produces the WSOP Academy. "Our Main Event Primer is the jewel of the WSOP Academy season and will give players the confidence and skills they need to take on the massive field at the Main Event and succeed."

More than just delivering the best in poker instruction, the Main Event Primer will also offer a total-immersion poker experience that gives participants the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out, party and play poker with many of the biggest names in the game.

At the end of the first day of the Main Event Primer, participants will receive VIP treatment at an exclusive Opening Night Party at PURE nightclub in Caesars Palace. The second day of the academy will be capped with a private tournament where participants will battle it out for a $10,000 seat to the WSOP Main Event and other prizes. On the final day, another $10,000 seat to the Main Event will be given away in a shootout tournament where every player has an "Ask a Pro" card that they can use anytime to ask for advice in a critical situation.

Finally, on the closing night, a special banquet will be held that will include the final table of the first tournament, taking place on stage under the lights and cameras for all to watch.

"Where else could you have lunch with Phil Hellmuth, party with the top poker players in the world at PURE, have your play analyzed by Greg Raymer, and have Joe Navarro dissect a tell you're giving away at the table?" said Goldenberg. "And if you don't already have a seat to the Main Event, our two tournaments will allow you to put into action what you've learned and perhaps extend your stay in Vegas a little longer as you compete in the most prestigious poker tournament in the world."

The cost of the WSOP Academy Main Event Primer is $2,199. Space is limited, and the event is expected sell out well in advance.

Additional details for the Main Event Primer and all other Academy events are available at www.wsopacademy.com.