Punta Cana Poker Classic Gets Underway – Day 1 2013

Playing poker has never been hotter—literally. The temperature in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is 86 F, but it feels like 109 F with the humidex. And is if that weren't warm enough, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the hottest place to be from now through November 17th as the Punta Cana Poker Classic Main Event has the entire country gripped.

Day 1A kicked off today at 2:00pm local time (1:00pm ET), with Day 1B scheduled on Wednesday at 2:00pm ET local time. Yesterday, the Punta Cana Poker Classic held a No Limit Hold'em Super Satellite for $200+50, which awarded one Main Event seat. Mladen Ivanor of Bulgaria finished in first place. A number of countries were well represented in the Super Satellite including the United States, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Columbia, and Russia, plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico—an indication of how international the Punta Cana Poker Classic has become.

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Entering its fourth year, the Punta Cana Poker Classic tournament takes place at the Vegas-style Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Dominican Republic, and runs until November 17th with a guaranteed prize pool of $500,000.

While the tournament costs $1,500+150 to get into, many players secured a package at sponsor sites AmericasCardroom.eu and BetCRIS.com. Both online poker sites awarded $4,100, all-inclusive packages through online qualifiers.

The Punta Cana Poker Classic has become one of the most popular Caribbean tournaments since launching four years ago, and not just because of the half-million-dollar guarantee. Players who won a package through a sponsor site were awarded with a bracelet that gives them access to unlimited food and beverages 24/7. Hotel rooms are well stocked with beer and liquor, room service is available whenever poker players crave it, and over a dozen restaurants and delis are ready to cater to package winners.

The weeklong poker event also includes a number of other tournaments, including a High Roller's event and a Second Chance tournament for players who bust out early.