Master Classics of Poker back for 15th year

The Master Classics of Poker (MCOP), one of Europe's largest international poker tournaments, is back for its 15th year Nov. 3 - 11 at the Holland Casino in Amsterdam. This year the casino is adding at least €63,900 extra to the prize pool.

Last year saw several professional poker players sitting down in the main event, known as the Lido Poker Tournament, to try to win a slice of the €2.4 million prize pool. Some stars already planning to play in the event are Marcel Luske, Rob Hollink, Noah Boeken, David Colclough, and Isabelle Mercier.

Online pre-registration for the MPOC has ended, but tickets are still available now through Nov. 11 at the Holland Casino poker cash desk. There are seven events ranging in price from €120 to the €5,000 buy-in for the main event. The majority of the events, including the main event starting Nov. 8, are Texas Hold'em events, but there is also one Pot-Limit Omaha event.

Last year, the winner of the Lido Poker Tournament was Thomas Aleksander Middleton, a Norwegian, who took home €528,000. The highest ranking pro was Luske who came in fourth place.

This year the top nine finalists in the main event will not only win their slice of the prize pool, they will receive entry into the 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event.