CARNIVALE OF POKER SET TO RETURN TO RIO LAS VEGAS
Announcing the 2013 Carnivale of Poker

Popular Tournament Series Set to Return to Rio at 2013 WSOP

Las Vegas, NV (May 16, 2013) – There was a time when the Carnivale of Poker was one of the most popular and prestigious tournaments in Las Vegas.  From 1998-2000 the Carnivale of Poker attracted huge crowds to the Rio and Harrah's in Las Vegas.  Now, the Carnivale of Poker is making a much-anticipated comeback as a side attraction on the world's biggest poker stage.

This summer, along with poker's crown jewel, which is the World Series of Poker, another big attraction awaits those coming to Las Vegas.  The Carnivale of Poker will be held at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino from June 3rd through July 14th (2013).

These dates coincide with the WSOP, which is being held at the Rio during the same time.  In fact, nothing will change in relation to the WSOP and its traditional offering of gold bracelets, millions in prize money, and the fame and glory that's unmatched anywhere else.  What's new and different this year is the additional tournament options and opportunities for poker players.

“We're very excited to bring the Carnivale of Poker back to the Rio once again,” said Jack Effel – WSOP Tournament Director and Vice President of Poker Operations for Caesars Interactive Entertainment.  “It's a part of the Rio's rich history and those who participated in the original event series will remember it fondly.  We can't think of a bigger and better stage to bring it back than here with the WSOP.”

The renewed and revamped Carnivale of Poker will include 21 total events.  Buy-ins will start as low as $365, making this series similar to what takes place on the WSOP Circuit – although there are nearly twice as many events.  Most tournaments will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, starting at 11 am at the Rio.

To celebrate this year's return of the Carnivale of Poker, the Rio will be giving away an additional $100,000 in prize money to be distributed among the top ten performers throughout the 21 combined events which are part of the tournament series.  The top ten players who earn a piece of the bonus will be determined through a cumulative points system.  These points will be awarded and accumulated based on a player’s finish in each event.

There's more.  Each of the 21 event winners will also receive a commemorative Carnivale of Poker gold medallion which are custom made for this historic tournament series.  The championship winner receives a special medallion with some diamonds added for good measure.

The festival will be topped off by a $1,675 buy-in Carnivale of Poker Main Event, which takes place Thursday, July 11th.  This tournament will feature two starting flights – similar to the way WSOP Circuit Main Events are conducted.   The series also features one $5,000 buy-in Open Face Chinese poker tournament which begins Saturday, July 13th.

A full explanation of the 2013 Carnival of Poker points system can be found at WSOP.com along with the full schedule for the series.

The Carnivale of Poker was originally held at the Rio and Harrah's from 1998-2000 and attracted many of the world’s top pros – including Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Mike Sexton, and others.  Now, 13 years later, tournament organizers have brought back the prestigious tournament series to compliment the higher buy-in gold bracelet events of the World Series of Poker.

There will be something for everyone this summer in Las Vegas.  Gold bracelets, gold and diamond medallions, lots of prize money, and, best of all – the great experience of being a part of the excitement.

Welcome back, Carnivale of Poker!