$1 Mil Buy-in Royal Poker Challenge High Stakes Tournament Looks Like a Fake

An advertised high stakes poker tournament, the $1 million buy-in winner take all $50 million Royal Poker Challenge, might not be real. 

The casino where the event is supposed to take place has never heard of this tournament.

The Star Casino in Sydney tells CardPlayer.com they were unaware of the Royal Poker Challenge taking place at their establishment on March 30.

According to a press release issued by the apparent organizers, “48 players have already enrolled — a majority of these are wealth business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry titans from Asia who indulge in high stakes poker for entertainment.” The alleged tournament added that it “is also seeking professional poker players to join its participation ranks.”

The Royal Poker Challenge claims to be funded by the Rainbow Company Group, which it says "has interests in real estate, manufacturing, and entertainment in Australia. The group's business philosophy is grounded upon philanthropic principles".

The Tournament Director is one David Chen, according to the release.

Chen is quoted as part of the press release: “Poker is a true game that cuts across all class and income barriers. It tests skills, nerves and courage in a way that’s incomparable to other card games. There is no higher drama and examination of character and personality than a high stakes poker game. With the splashing 50 million dollar prize, in the remarkable city of Sydney, this should be an historical event indeed.”

The tournament website features very limited information. 

“Royal Poker Challenge is exclusively an invitation only event.  Should you wish to be considered for an invite, please contact us.  We are selective about media requests as to safequard the privacy of our invited quests.”

For a tournament that is slated to come up in a matter of two months, the domain name was only created last month and is due to expire by year’s end.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com