Bounties Confirmed & Luke-In Good

Brace yourselves for a roller coaster as none other than Luke '__FullFlush1__' Schwartz has been confirmed for this week's Black Belt London Live II as the final bounties are announced.

A superstar of the virtual felt, Luke burst onto the scene a few years back when he emerged from nowhere to take on, and beat, some of the greatest online players around. Armed with a sharp tongue and fearless playing style, Luke gained a cult following, first as an enigma, and then as a bonafide TV star with memorable performances in the Premier League and Poker Million.

After maintaining somewhat of a low profile for the last several months - perhaps, in part, due to the birth of his son - Luke appears to have returned his attentions to the tournament circuit, making welcome appearances at EPTs and the London GUKPT. Now, this April, he's returning to the Vic with his eyes firmly set on lifting the London Live II trophy.

Joining Luke as a bounty on Day 1B will be reigning London Live Champion Paul Pham - the Frenchman-living-in-London returning to defend his title - as well as Academy host Alex Rousso, the Hendon Mob's Ross Boatman, and recent Aussie Millions runner-up James Keys. Meanwhile, we'll also be playing host to another two bracelet winners in James Dempsey and JP Kelly, both of whom will be representing the poker haven that is Brighton.

Making up the remaining bounties on Day 1A will be UKIPT Brighton Champion Jamie Burland and community member Trevor 'TeeDeeEye1' Ingman. Playing in one his first live tournaments to date, Trevor qualified for the London Live after winning League VIII, not only dominating throughout, but going in style by taking down the eighth and final leg. Now, he joins some of poker's hottest talents with a price tag of up to $250 and a big, red target inscribed on his forehead.

The Black Belt London Live II is shaping up to be a star-studded event with more celebrities than an issue of Heat Magazine. There are WPT winners, WSOP heroes, reigning Champions, poker legends and even a World Heads-Up Champion, and they'll all be at the Vic this week to experience one of the most fun-filled events of the year. Good luck to everyone involved; to steal a catchphrase from Sir Sexton: "May all your cards be live and your pots be monsters."

Those bounties in full:

Day 1A (Friday)...

Adam Stoneham
Jake Cody
Jamie Burland
JP Kelly
Marty Smyth
Mike Ellis
Neil Channing
Nik Persaud
Richard Ashby
Trevor Ingman

Day 1B (Saturday)...

Alex Rousso
Ross Boatman
James Dempsey
James Mitchell
Jerome Bradpiece
James Keys
Luke Schwartz
Paul Pham
Sam Razavi
Surinder Sunar

Prizes…

Yellow Belt = $20
Orange Belt = $100
Purple Belt + = $250

JP Kelly 33/1 to Win London Live II

With the Black Belt London Live II just one day away, Boylespoker.com have decided to run a London Live book for all entrants with double-bracelet winner JP Kelly one of three favourites to take down the $20,000 first prize. Joining him at 33/1 are WPT and EPT champion Jake Cody, and former GUKPT finalist and online titan Thomas MacDonald.

Snapping at their heels like an alligator with toothache is Hit Squadder Karl Mahrenholz (50/1), as well as Black Belt Poker Head Honcho Neil Channing and recent Aussie Millions runner-up James Keys, both of whom are priced at 40/1. Black Belt Poker co-founder and 2010 World Heads-Up Champion Nik Persaud, meanwhile, is being offered 50/1, whilst Black Belt Richard Ashby is perhaps a snip at 80/1.

The aforementioned aren't the only Black Belt Poker sponsored pros playing this hotly anticipated event, however, as Brown Belts Adam Stoneham and Jerome Bradpiece will also have their eyes on the title, as well as Blue Belts Jamie Burland, Kevin Williams and Owen Robinson, to name just three. Some of last year's finalists will also be present, including the likes of Warren Wooldridge, Dean Aldred and Black Belt Poker featured blogger Hugo Martin.

The London Live is Black Belt Poker’s second foray into the live tournament scene, with an incredible 414 players ambushing the Grosvenor Victoria Casino this Friday and Saturday. As well as 20 bounties on various players such as reigning Irish Open Champion James Mitchell and Black Belt and Aussie Millions finalist Sam Razavi, Black Belt Poker are also adding up to 20% onto all prizes, meaning that you could potentially walk away with an additional $4,000 on top of first prize!

As well as a friendly atmosphere, this will be a highly fun event with lots of added value, and now’s your chance to get in on the action by placing a bet on either yourself, or a player you believe to be worth a punt. If you fancy a flutter, then simply visit Boylesports.com to place your bet and we look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Black Belt London Live.

Click here to place your bet.

London Live II: High Rollers Event

With 20 bounties carving target signs onto their forehead, the Black Belt London Live II is going to be a high profile event with more familiar faces than an entire series of Celebrity Squares. Richard Ashby, Surinder Sunar and Irish Open Champion James Mitchell are just three big names already confirmed, with another eight to be announced later in the week.

To cater for the star-power - and to offer casualties of the London Live a second bite of the financial cherry - we'll be holding a High-Roller's event at 2pm on Sunday, April 3. The tournament will be a one-day No Limit Hold'em Freezeout with a buy in of £1,000.

Many players will be unable to commit in case they make it through to Day 2 of the London Live, but a number of high-rollers have already registered their interest, including Neil Channing, David Docherty and Jake Cody, who recently won the High-Rollers event at the Nottingham UKIPT for £34,200.

Unlike the London Live, players can buy in via the Vic cashier desk with registration ending 15 minutes before kick-off.

The clock is ticking and with just four days remaining, there are only 59 seats remaining for the London Live II. If you want to be a part of the most hotly anticipated poker event of the year and battle it out for a guaranteed $100,000 prize pool, then buy in now to avoid missing out. To secure your seat, simply start the Black Belt Poker cardroom client and locate the tournament in Scheduled > London Live > BB London Live Day 1A.

As always, we recognise that not everyone boasts the bankroll of a former WPT and EPT winner, and so are giving you the chance to qualify into the London Live for a single buck. Tonight, at 8pm, we're guaranteeing two seats in a $1+01 Mega Satellite Freezeout. We're also capping the field, meaning that there will be a guaranteed overlay. The tournament is now available in Scheduled > London Live > Megasatellite. Only 60 players are registered at the moment, so this w're practically giving the seats way!

New to Black Belt Poker? Download the poker client now and check out our Belt-Up Rewards Scheme.

The Dojo Goes Live

You may be busy filling out your census, but we've got a few questions of our own: Have you secured your seat at the London Live II? Are you nervous about playing brick and mortar? Do you have limited experience at playing a deep stack? If you find yourself ticking the 'yes' box, then we might well have the remedy.

On the eve of the Black Belt London Live II, the Enlightenment Dojo Sessions will be going live for the very first time with Sensei Kevin Williams and Jamie Burland sharing their wisdom pearls across the green baize of the Grosvenor Victoria Casino in London.

Starting at 8.30pm on Thursday, March 31, the 'Great Big Live London Live Dojo' will help you shake off the shackles of the online environment, covering an array of topics such a live tells, etiquette, and common pitfalls, as well as giving you an opportunity to get used to sitting at the table, handling the chips and playing in the world famous Vic cardroom.

I'm surprised David Dickinson isn't eying this one up, because at just 300 Spending Points, this truly is a bargain. What's more, we're offering a one-time deal to book now, pay later to those with insufficient Spending Points, meaning that you will be allowed to pay after the Session, on April 1, when all the Belt transfers have taken place.

If you already have the Spending Points available, then you can secure your seat now by purchasing a token from the Black Belt Poker Store. Otherwise, drop us a line at enlightenment@blackbeltpoker.com to register your interest. But be quick, as space is limited.

Kevin and Jamie are two of Black Belt Poker's finest Sensei, and the perfect pairing to introduce you to live poker. Kevin has become a regular poker mentor, speaking at Boot Camps, Academies and even Poker in the Park, whilst Jamie last year became a UKIPT Champion when he took down the Brighton leg for £65,400. Since February of this year, they have spearheaded the Dojo Sessions, which have been regularly sold out thanks to their efforts and expertise.

So, whether this is your first live tournament, your first deep-stacked event, or you just fancy kicking off your London Live with a meet-up with fellow Black Belters, then come on down and give yourself the best possible chance of flourishing in the weekend's poker festivities.

Day 1B of London Live - Sold Out!

With just shy of a week remaining till kick-off, Day 1B of the Black Belt London Live II officially sold out earlier this afternoon, meaning that players will now have to register for Day 1A if they wish to participate in the most explosive event since the Big Bang.

As expected, we're witnessing a sudden rush as players look to secure their trip to the Grosvenor Victoria this April. Unless you want to miss the chance to play in the most plus EV event of the year, then you must buy in now to avoid disappointment. To secure your seat, simply locate the tournament in the cardroom under Scheduled > London Live > BBP London Live II Day 1A and select 'register' or, alternatively, purchase a token in the Store using your Spending Points.

The London Live will take place from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 3 with players fighting it out over a $100,000 prize pool and $20,000 first prize, both of which are guaranteed. In total, there will be an incredible 20 bounties playing the London Live including Richard Ashby, Jake Cody and reigning Irish Open Champion James Mitchell.

With six days remaining, it's not too late to increase your Belt Level and take advantage of the sumptuous added value on offer. Play the event as an Orange Belt and you'll receive $100 for each bounty and 10% added to all prizes, but play as Purple, and you'll earn $250 per bounty and an amazing 20% added!

With 20,000 starting stacks, 45 minute blinds and a modest $250+25 buy-in, the London Live provides players with a fun-filled, yet competitive tournament for an affordable price. What's more, we've been holding weekly satellites and this Monday we're guaranteeing two more seats in our $1 Mega Satellite, meaning that, once again, you have the chance to qualify for just a single buck.

So, don't be a fool for April 1, make sure you tie up your seat now to avoid being left behind and we look forward to seeing you next week.

Mega Money Monday Madness

We've always suspected that BBP's head honchos weren't playing with a full deck, but next week they'll be going stark-raving mad by giving away money in a one-off London Live mega satellite.

On Monday, March 28 at 8pm, Black Belt Poker will be hosting a $1 mega freezeout with not one, but two guaranteed seats into the Black Belt London Live II. The event will hold a maximum of 500 runners, meaning that on the unlikely chance that the tournament does fill up, there will still be a guaranteed overlay.

If you want to jump aboard the bandwagon and take a trip to Valuetown, then securing your seat is a doddle. Simply download the poker client, locate the tournament in Scheduled > London Live > London Live Megasatellite and click 'register'.

Even if you fall short in the mega satellite, then you'll still receive another bite of the cherry as we're staging a $1 Donkament rebuy an hour later at 9pm, giving you yet another chance to qualify for the most anticipated event on the poker calendar for a single buck. One seat will be guaranteed with the winner moving on to the $40+4 super satellite the following day.

With bounties, inflated prizes, and a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool, the London Live promises to be one of the best value events of the year, and a great opportunity for players of all types to play a fun-filled, competitive, deep-stacked event at an affordable price. With the likes of Richard Ashby, Jake Cody, and reigning Irish Open Champion James Mitchell already confirmed, the London Live is sure to be a high profile event.

Day 1B is close to selling out, so if you wish to play Saturday's starting day, then you must purchase your seat now. If you would like to buy in directly, then simply locate the event in the cardroom lobby. Alternatively, you can buy a token from the Black Belt Poker Store using any Spending Points you may have accrued. Either way, don't miss out!

Richard Ashby liked his old poker site, but when he saw the value on Black Belt Poker, he bought the company! Well, the value just got better and for just $1, players will truly be getting plenty of bang for their buck.

League IX - Backin' Black

April is proving to be a slobberknocker of a month with both the Black Belt London Live II and the latest Academy hitting Grosvenor Victoria shores. Now, in equally exciting news, the worldwide famous Black Belt Poker League has returned with not only a debuting 'X' in the roman numeracy, but also a fantastic new prize that offers you the chance to back our Black Belts in the biggest live event of the year: the World Series of Poker Main Event.

Following the dominating display of Trevor 'TeeDeeEye1' Ingman in last season's League, and Tom 'werrrrd' Drew the League prior, we've decided to spread the wealth by offering not one, not two, but three top-performing players a bite at the Vegas cherry, meaning that even if one player is pulling away from the pack in the later Legs, there will still be another two juicy prizes up for grabs!

1st 1.5% Black Belt Backing
2nd 1% Black Belt Backing
3rd 0.5% Black Belt Backing
4th 750 Belt Points
5th 600 Belt Points
6th 500 Belt Points
7th 400 Belt Points
8th 300 Belt Points
9th 200 Belt Points
10th 100 Belt Points

Black Belts Neil Channing, Richard Ashby and Sam Razavi will be giving away 1% each of their action with the League Champion being given first dibs, followed by the runner-up, and then finally third. Winners must use increments of 0.5%, with a maximum of 1% for each individual Black Belt. For example, the Champion can take 0.5% of each player or 1% of one and 0.5% of another.

Once again, the League will be an eight-week affair commencing on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 and concluding on Tuesday, May 31, 2011. As always, anyone who makes the top 10 will also receive a free DeucesCracked token which will be credited to their account upon completion of the League.

Points for each leg will be awarded in reverse order, so that in a 50-runner event, 50th would earn 1 point, and 1st 50 points. The top 10 finishers per leg receive the following additional points:

1st 25 Points
2nd 18 Points
3rd 15 Points
4th 12 Points
5th 10 Points
6th 08 Points
7th 06 Points
8th 04 Points
9th 02 Points
10th 01 Point

This a great opportunity to not only play a fun, yet competetive series of low-level freezeouts, but also experience the thrill of the WSOP Main Event vicariously through our Black Belts. With reigning Champion, Jonathan Duhamel, earning just shy of nine million dollars, you could potentially turn a small acorn of an investment into a huge, whopping, money-does-grow-on-them-afterall oak tree!

The League is open to all and you can join at any point, although simply making a deposit will promote you from White Belt to Yellow. Participating is easy: simply download the poker client, make a depsoit and locate the tournament in Scheduled > Black Belt Tournaments > Black Belt League VIII.

Previous Winners:

League I: Adam Saunders
League II: Mark Brassington
League III: David Meunier
League IV: Andy Brisland
League V: Trevor Myers
League VI: Mark Ranson
League VII: Tom Drew
League VIII:Trevor Ingman

BBP Academy: Giving You a Heads-Up

There is undoubtedly a strong correlation between the education of the poker audience and the level of interest in heads-up play, and with the dust of the poker boom settling and players exploring the intricacies poker has to offer, heads-up has inevitably emerged as perhaps the purest form of the game.

Next month, we shall be recognising the importance of heads-up play and analysing its finer points in our latest Academy, simply titled Heads-Up. On Saturday, April 9, Brighton's Sam Razavi joins online pro Nik Persaud and poker theorist Alex Rousso to present and discuss a variety of heads-up related topics such as adjustment, ranges, and value-betting.

Making his Academy debut, former thespian Sam Razavi is a heads-up specialist who has been playing professionally for the last several years, making a tidy profit at the $1/2 and $2/4 No Limit Hold'em tables. As one of two winners in Grading III, Sam earned a £10,000 Aussie Millions package, where he finished sixth in the Main Event for a whopping A$225,000, a figure which subsequently elevated him to Black Belt in the Belt-Up Rewards System.

As has become customary at the Black Belt Poker Academies, speakers will be open to questions, as well as inviting attendees to put their newly acquired skills into practice in three workshops. At 7.45pm, there will be an optional entry into a £50+6 tournament with a last-longer exclusive to Academy attendees. The winner of the last-longer will receive free entry into a future Academy of their choosing.

1pm Introduction (Alex Rousso)
1.15pm Style Assessment & Adjustment (Sam Razavi)
1.45pm Workshop #1
2.30pm Break
2.45pm Range Assessment (Nik Persaud)
3.15pm Workshop #2
4pm Hand Analysis
4.30pm Break
4.45pm Theory of Poker: Value-Betting vs. Bluff Induction (Sam Razavi)
5.15pm Workshop #3
5.45pm Play Analysis: Nik vs. Sam
6.30pm Q&A
7pm Seminar Ends

The Academy is capped at 30 and costs £150 per ticket. If you would like to attend, then simply send a cheque to Black Belt Poker Limited, The Rotunda, 42/3 Gloucester Crescent, London, NW1 7DL or transfer the money via the Black Belt Poker cardroom. For more information on cardroom transfers, please contact info@blackbeltpoker.com.

Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket with Spending Points earned through playing on the site. An Academy ticket is now available in the Black Belt Poker Store for 4,500 Spending Points. Simply log in to the community and select 'Store' in the top right hand menu.

The Black Belt Poker Academies are highly acclaimed and frequently receive positive reviews from attendees. If you would like to hear from some of the game's hottest talents, then don't be a fool this April, secure your seat now!

Top Gear; TeeDeeEye Wins League VIII!

For some, winning simply isn't enough, as was the case for Trevor 'TeeDeeEye1' Ingman who, last Tuesday, became the League VIII Champion in emphatic style when he took down the eighth and final leg. Much like Arsenal's impeccable showing in 2003-04 or Usain Bolt's blink-or-you'll-miss-it display in Berlin, Trevor secured his place on winners' row with the panache of a World Champion and cool, calm composure of Fonzarelli as he defeated a field of 83 - including runner-up and inaugural League Champion Adam 'JHobbit1' Saunders - to capture League gold.

Heading into the final leg, TeeDeeEye1 was already 63 points ahead of the pack with Mike 'sceaga2' Shaw his nearest competitor in second. Despite consecutive Leg victories, the hat-trick, as well as relying on his foe slipping on an early banana skin, was inevitably too much to ask, allowing TeeDeeEye1 to coast onto the final table with his name already etched into Black Belt Poker history.

If ever there were a reason to partake in the Tuesday night shenanigans, then this was it, as the three stooges - Black Belts Richard Ashby, Neil Channing and Aussie Millions finalist Sam Razavi - all put their necks on the line with a $50 bounty lurking precariously above their heads. Exiting in 24th, 44th and 60th places respectively, those booties were lapped up in relatively rapid fashion.

Although TeeDeeEye1 was the only player to have repeated his final table appearance from the week prior, there were still familiar names present in the shape of Papa 'Bambury' Wooldridge, who finished second a few weeks ago, and Rob 'SirNutFlopper' Weston, who won a trip to Vegas in last year's Quad Aces promotion. Third place went to Chris 'CroadYuk' Roadknight.

1st TeeDeeEye1 -- $127.52
2nd JHobbit1 -- $85.00
3rd CroadYuk -- $53.12
4th Bambury -- $40.37
5th Mrdroodle -- $31.87
6th Wally19 -- $25.50
7th bagpussrocks -- $21.25
8th SirNutFlopper -- $17.00
9th newrhino -- $12.75
10th Elysiumjay -- $10.62

As a result of his onslaught, TeeDeeEye1 completed the most dominating win in League history with 653 points, an incredible 135 points ahead of Andy 'Mrdroodle' Erksine who pipped sceaga2 at the runners-up post by just two points.

In all, four Orange Belts and five Yellow Belts finished in the top 10 - all of whom who will take home a DecuesCracked token a piece, as well as shower of Belt Points - including Leg 5 winner Paul 'hiddenacesBBP' Hollick who snuck into 10th at the death. Simon 'ourkidsid' Herrick was the unfortunate bubble, whilst Gavin 'TFMonty007 Hall, David 'bh0yw0nder' Docherty and League VI and VII Champions Tom 'Werrrrd' Drew and Mark '99Ranny' Ranson helped make up the teens.

1st TeeDeeEye1 -- London Live seat & DC token (653 points)
2nd Mrdroodle -- 1,000 Belt Points & DC token (518 points)
3rd sceaga2 -- 850 Belt Points & DC token (516 points)
4th DididavidBEL09 -- 750 Belt Points & DC token (500 points)
5th JimmyTheBhoy -- 600 Belt Points & DC token (489 points)
6th FlopTheNuts77 -- 500 Belt Points & DC token (462 points)
7th habbad -- 400 Belt Points & DC token (455 points)
8th JHobbit1 -- 300 Belt Points & DC token (448 points)
9th cikarang5 -- 200 Belt Points & DC token (446 points)
10th hiddenacesBBP -- 100 Belt Points & DC token (430 points)

The League may be done and dusted for another season, but with the London Live II right round the corner, it was of no surprise to see 29 hopefuls battling it out for one of four seats in the evening's super satellite. CroadYuk made up for his near miss in the League, whilst chrisstf, checkraisehtenut and iwillbustulol snapped up the remaining spots.

1st CroadYuk -- London Live seat
2nd chrisstf -- London Live seat
3rd checkraisethenut -- London Live seat
4th iwillbustulol -- London Live seat
5th KODDZILLA -- $30.00
6th RykanShadow -- $18.00
7th lalook -- $12.00

186 players participated in League VIII, but when the dust settled and the smoke cleared, there was room on the podium for just one man: Trevor Ingman. He'll be one of a 400-strong army heading to the Grosvenor Victoria this April for the Black Belt London Live II, battling it out for a guaranteed $100,000 prize pool and $20,000 first prize. If you would like to join him, then buy in now via the online cardroom in Scheduled > London Live > BBP London Live Day 1A/B.

League I: Adam Saunders
League II: Mark Brassington
League III: David Meunier
League IV: Andy Brisland
League V: Trevor Myers
League VI: Mark Ranson
League VII: Tom Drew
League VIII: Trevor Ingman

League VIII: London Live II
Werrrrd on the Streak; Leg 1 Dominance
TeeDeeEye1 Steers to Victory in Leg 2
I Should Koko; P.D. Takes Leg 3
Better Laight Than Never
An Ace Up His Sleeve
Leg 6: A Shaw Thing
League Leg 7: Shaw-ly Not

Leg 6: A Shaw Thing

It's that time of the week again where we bask in the glory of others and praise those whose rags flopped full houses and aces remained in tact; those we applaud, yet envy; and those who leap-frogged above us in the League and snapped up London Live seats that we so dearly desired. What gits, huh? Well, nearing the top of your someone-to-be-jealous-of list this week is likely Mike 'sceaga2' Shaw, as, last Super Tuesday, the former Grader overcame a 59-strong field to take down Leg 6 of League VIII.

On this occasion, the final table was rife with new faces with none of last week's finalists repeating the feat. As former League Champions David 'DididavidBEL09' Meunier and Adam 'JHobbit' Saunders lapped up seventh and fourth respectively, the title of close-but-not-cigar was left in the hands of Papa 'Bambury' Wooldridge, who was pipped at the post by the aforementioned sceaga2. $64.90 was his consolation, although $94.41 and a first League win was the ultimate goal.

Sceaga2 not only tasted League victory for the third time after taking down an impressive two Legs in the previous League, but he also wined and dined in one of Valuetown's finest restaurants having entered the tournament via a Black Belt Poker token, as did Purple Belt Gareth 'PKRLocke' Alder who finished in third.

1st sceaga2 -- $94.41
2nd Bambury -- $64.90
3rd PKRLocke -- $39.82
4th JHobbit -- $29.50
5th lionrampant27 -- $22.12
6th insider66666 -- $17.70
7th DididavidBEL09 -- $14.75
8th stevegw -- $11.80

Although Blue Belts Gavin 'TFMonty007' Hall, Jamie 'StilettoMafiosa' Burland, Simon 'AlwaysMissing' Mairs and Black Belt Richard 'CHUFTY11' Ashby were present and correct, none of them were able to make a dent in the League Standings, and in particular the top spot where Trevor 'TeeDeeEye1' Ingman pulled out another solid performance (18th) to extend his lead to 76. Meanwhile, sceaga2 climbs to fourth and DididavidBEL09 jumps into third, whilst the last two Champs - Mark '99Ranny' Ranson and Tom 'Werrrrd' Drew are lying await in the teens.

1st TeeDeeEye1 -- 481 points
2nd Mrdroodle -- 405 points
3rd DididavidBEL09 -- 398 points
4th sceaga2 -- 396 points
5th habbad -- 392 points
6th FlopTheNuts77 -- 382 points
7th ch1paccrual -- 377 points
8th JimmyTheBhoy -- 375 points
9th bh0yw0nder -- 366 points
10th tristiano -- 352 points

With Ingman cementing his commanding lead and virtually securing his London Live prize with just two Legs to go, many have been forced to focus on the proceeding satellites for a trip to the Vic, the $40+4 freezeout 30 minutes later providing the quickest and easiest route. With the intriguingly named 'thumbscrews' feeling the splash of the bubble, and the next three departures leaving with a monetary cushion, the two guaranteed seats went to unknown entity H4lfSug4r and known entity Giovanni 'Partagasd4new' Pennetta, the latter of whom went deep in the inaugural event.

1st Partagasd4new -- London Live seat
2nd H4lfSug4r -- London Live seat
3rd JHobbit1 -- $105.00
4th Touagorimou -- $63.00
5th ch1paccrual -- $42.00

If $44 is too steep, then players also have the opportunity to qualify for a single buck through our weekly $1 Donkament Satellite. Moving one rung closer to the London Live this week was Kim 'insider66666' Vernon.

1st insider66666 -- super satellite seat
2nd adygolf -- $17.00
3rd Mrdroodle -- $10.20
4th betyama -- $6.80

I won't lie; with the League's conclusion on the horizon, stopping TeeDeeEye1 is akin to halting a heard of elephants with a pea-shooter - which, for those scratching their heads, is a somewhat taxing task. But fear not, all is not lost, as points and prizes are still available for a top 10 finish, and our weekly London Live Satellites will continue until the starting whistle sounds. So, don't be shy, join us next week for another night of fun, frolics, and watching TeeDeeEye1 pull even further away. How can you resist?

If playing the Black Belt London Live II for $1 tickles your fancy, then getting started couldn't be easier. Simply download the poker client, open an account, and get registered for next week's event. See you there!

League VIII: London Live II
Werrrrd on the Streak; Leg 1 Dominance
TeeDeeEye1 Steers to Victory in Leg 2
I Should Koko; P.D. Takes Leg 3
Better Laight Than Never
An Ace Up His Sleeve

Paint It Black

The party poppers are on standby, the finger buffet is ready to go, and the entertainment has been ordered - it's party time at Black Belt Poker as we celebrate the first ever player to scale through the Belt-Up Rewards System and reach Black Belt: Sam 'KODDZILLA' Razavi.

As of today, Sam joins 2008 Irish Open Champion Neil Channing and bracelet-winner Richard 'Chufty' Ashby as one of three Black Belts. A heads-up cash specialist, Sam is a former thespian from Brighton who turned to poker when the boom was at its most explosive, lured away from a life of acting to tackle the virtual felt full-time. Several years on, and Sam is one of the faces of Black Belt Poker, the first self-made Black Belt, and the welcome recipient of $10,000 per month in live tournament backing.

Sam's rise to the top was a speedy and eventful one. Having opened up an account at the tail end of September, he worked his way to Blue Belt within just five weeks, before being tempted by Grading III and the allure of an Aussie Millions seat. Several weeks later, and Sam was on his way to Melbourne, with a Brown Belt around his waist and a £10,000 package in his pocket.

Although Lady Luck was absent early doors, Sam sliced and diced his way through a 721-thick field in the Main Event to come sixth for a mouth-watering A$225,000, competing on a final table that included James Keys, Chris Moorman, and high stakes pro Patrik Antonius. As a result, Sam earned circa 675,000 in Winning Points, which was enough to promote him to Black Belt for a minimum of five months with over $50,000 in guaranteed sponsorship.

Sam is now one of our featured bloggers and has marked the occasion with a fresh blog entry, delivered with his usual colourful tone and smattering of sardonic wit. Titled 'Year of the Monkey', Sam regales us with prop-betting tales from one of his many stops on the globe-trotting tour, as well as outlining - via analogies from the local aquarium - the various player-types he's stumbled upon along the way. As always, you'll find yourself delving deep into a surreal and potentially dangerous, but highly entertaining mind.

Everyone here at Black Belt Poker would like to congratulate Sam on his success and wish him all the best at the felt as the fist ever player to reach Black Belt via the Belt-Up Rewards System. Let the celebrations commence!

Community Interview: Sam Razavi
Hit for Sixth; Sam Wins A$225,000
Grading III Results
Blog - Prologue
Blog - The English Gentleman
Blog - Back from the Dead
Blog - A Sensible Game
Blog - Anything Is Possible
Blog - Year of the Monkey