Poker players spend considerable amounts of time searching for value, either during a game or when reviewing likely tournament field sizes, constantly gauging their chances of emerging victorious. So whenever an established pro declares that poker enthusiasts can enjoy a ‘legitimate advantage’ by playing in a particular event, a positive reaction is guaranteed.

From the end of July 2009, Littlewoods Poker is offering players the opportunity to compete in the first English Poker Open (EPO), scheduled to take place in September at Nottingham’s famed Dusk Till Dawn club. The eagerly anticipated event boasts a guaranteed $1 million prize pool. Exclusive EPO Seats

In contrast to poker networks promoting the tournament however, Littlewoods Poker has reserved exclusive, non-network, EPO seats, the right to which will be contested solely by their own players.

“It’s a way of rewarding our players’ loyalty,” says Bruce Martin, Littlewoods’ head of poker operations.