The World Series Of Backgammon (WSOB) will launch its new online platform at WorldSeriesOfBackgammon.com next Friday offering registered players heads-up cash action alongside qualifying tournaments for live tour events.
The WSOB will inaugurate its third season of events on Tuesday at the Palm Beach Casino in Cannes and is expecting competitors from around the world.
This six-day event will be followed by a tournament in Prague from September 16 to 20 and one for London from October 20 to 26. The English capital will then host the grand finale from the Loose Cannon Poker Club later in the year with players competing for up to €320,000.
The WSOB brand is now licensed exclusively to On A Roll Limited. Its Managing Director, Andy Bell, was the originator of concept three years ago and revealed that the brand’s online platform opens up big time tournaments to players with any size of bankroll.
“We have come a long way to be where we are at the start of this exciting tour,” said Bell.
“Building on a number of valuable new partnerships, the new online platform will be home to potentially thousands of backgammon players who look for regular match and tournament play. The mix of online and live events alongside the television deals we have in place with the likes of Eurosport and ESPN International make this a tantalising combination.”
Players will accrue points by winning matches at one of the three land-based events, which contribute to their overall standing. Those holding the most points at the end of the trio will be invited to participate in the semi-finals, which will take place online. Competitors that make it through these will then be rewarded with a seat to the finals valued at €10,000. Players can also win seats online exclusively at WorldSeriesOfBackgammon.com while watching live coverage of key matches.
“This site is what I’ve been waiting for,” said John Hurst, winner of last year’s UK Masters backgammon event.
“The gaming platform and the news and information that can be found on the site make this a really exciting launch.”
“The new format has the potential to allow a player to qualify online for as little as three Euro and go on to win the entire series and a massive prize pool,” said Bell.
“With all this, I truly believe that backgammon is coming of age.”