ESPN2 begins WSOPE coverage on Sunday

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The World Series of Poker Europe Presented by Betfair in three short years has quickly become one of the most prestigious poker tournaments held annually. And for the second straight year, ESPN2 will provide comprehensive coverage from the famed Empire Casino in London, England.

After successful Main Event coverage in 2009, the telecast plans for 2010 include an additional 2 episodes dedicated to the Caesars Cup event.

Pride, bragging rights and the inaugural Caesars Cup are all up for grabs when the World Series of Poker Europe airs on ESPN2 beginning Sunday, Jan. 31, at 11 p.m. ET with back-to-back episodes. Comprised of the biggest names in the game including Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Phil Hellmuth, Gus Hansen, Annette Obrestad, Peter Eastgate and Patrik Antonius, this Ryder-Cup style event features Team Europe vs. Team Americas in a series of single and team matches.

WSOPE Main Event action airs beginning Sunday, February 7, at 10 p.m. ET with all the above names and more as poker's elite battle it out for the coveted WSOPE Main Event bracelet and the nearly $1.3 million first-place prize. A bellwether final table ensues, with 6 former WSOP gold bracelet winners plus two members of the 2009 November Nine vying for the championship, with some of the most incredible hands ever captured on television. The fantastic finish pits two of the games biggest names concluding the event in dramatic fashion, at 5 a.m. after three-hours of heads up action.

Lon McEachern and Norman Chad return to call the action from The Casino at The Empire in Leicester Square. They will be joined on each WSOP Europe telecast by tableside reporter and professional poker player Kara Scott. The complete ESPN2 schedule appears below. All times are Eastern.

Sun 1/31 11:00 PM
Mon 2/1 12:00 AM
Sun 2/7 10:00 PM
Sun 2/7 11:00 PM
Mon 2/8 12:00 AM
Sun 2/14 11:00 PM
Mon 2/15 12:00 AM
Mon 2/15 1:00 AM
Sun 2/28 9:00 PM
Sun 2/28 10:00 PM

The 3rd Annual WSOPE was held from September 17 – October 1, 2009.