The white sands, clear ocean, enough sun to give you an ozone glow and a horizon that has you completely surrounded. It can only be the Bahamas. But for this week, and this week only, the shores of Paradise Island are part of Europe, that distinctly cooler continent several thousand miles away. Why? Because that makes it the next stop on the European Poker Tour - the Poker Stars Caribbean Adventure is underway!


The venue for the PCA – Atlantis Resort Casino on Paradise Island

It’s the biggest PokerStars event beyond the Monte Carlo Grand Final with a field from around the world converging on a small island off the coast of Florida. 1,136 players began but only one is destined to become champion on Thursday. Last year the glory and sunshine fell brightly on Ryan Daut. The New Jersey man won $1,535,255 defeating Isaac Haxton heads-up, marking the end of a tournament filled with thrills.


2007 PCA winner Ryan Daut

It may seem like a long way from your living room, but have you ever wondered what it might be like to play in a tournament like the PCA? Well you can get some idea by playing in one of the many tournaments on PokerStars.net where you’ll find everything from a single table sit and go to a multi table tournament with hundreds of other players involved.


Wall-to-wall tables at the EPT in the Bahamas

To anyone not familiar with tournament play, one of the most popular and exciting forms of poker, the idea is simple...

Each player pays an amount from their play money bankroll to enter and in turn begins with anything from 1,500 to 3,000 tournament chips. As play goes on the blinds go up, making the need to win more chips essential because once your chips are gone that’s it - you’re out! But on the other hand if you’re the last player standing then just maybe you’ll get a fraction of the feeling that the PCA winner will feel later this week.

I can’t promise you a beach, sunshine or lapping surf, but why not give it a try from the comfort of home?