15 March 2006
Kiwi Funnyman Set To Take On World’s Best Poker Players
One of New Zealand’s most famous comedians is set to take on more than a hundred of the world’s best poker players in
the New Zealand Poker Champs next month.
Mike King has entered the competition being held at Christchurch Casino over 7 and 8 April 2006.
The New Zealand Poker Champs is the crème de la crème of kiwi poker competitions, with the biggest prize pool.
The winner will take away the lion’s share of $200,000.
Mike King has been playing poker among friends for the past 15 to 20 years and says it was the chance to become the
official New Zealand champ, which attracted him to the competition.
“It’s the bragging rights I’m after – not really the money,” he says.
Christchurch Casino’s Marketing Manager Simon Carter says the Casino is delighted Mike King has entered.
“He will definitely bring some entertainment to the champs – from what I hear Mike’s one of the most entertaining poker
players to watch.”
Mike King agrees.
“I pity anyone who sits at my table – whether I’m winning or losing I am constantly ribbing the other players – riding
them like a horse,” he says.
As to his chances, Mike King says they are reasonable.
“I’m not a poker genius but I can certainly clean up any average player. But then luck does come into poker and a
complete novice can clean-up a professional with the right flop of the cards,” he says.
“Poker’s about 3% luck and 97% skill – I’m hoping luck will not come into it and the New Zealand title will be mine – ha
ha,” he concluded.
Background on New Zealand Poker Champs
The New Zealand Poker Champs are being held at Christchurch Casino from 1 – 8 April 2006.
The week will begin with a “$20,000 Celebrity Poker Challenge for Charity” where some of New Zealand’s most famous faces
will battle around a poker table. The winning celebrity will donate their $20,000 winnings to their selected charity.
The following day the Canterbury Championships will be held with the South Island Champs following on Wednesday, 5
April. The New Zealand Poker Championships will be held over Friday 7 and Saturday 8 April 2006.
ENDS