888poker's live offering looks to improve further, with the poker brand aiming to strengthen and build partnerships in new regulated markets in the coming years.
In an exclusive interview with 888poker Head of Business Development Doron Ziony, he explained the success of the company's recent festival in Barcelona, how players responded to the return of live events, and what the future holds in his new position.
7 (Incredible) 888poker Client Features You Should Check Out NOW!
Return of 888poker LIVE Events
With 888poker holding events in Bucharest and London in 2021, they were able to keep live poker alive in places where COVID restrictions had been eased. However, with the last of the global travel restrictions being lifted, field sizes have steadily been growing in events around the world.
"Players that couldn't travel are now returning to play," said Ziony. "They can now meet up with their friends at live events. On top of that, in the last couple of years new players have discovered poker in its online form, so now this new generation is eager to extend their poker experience to the live scene as well."
Ziony says that 888poker were eager for players to return and experience the incredible live atmosphere at 888poker LIVE events.
"Poker players have waited for this moment for a long time," he told PokerNews. "As part of our strategy and values, our events offer accessible buy-ins and structures for players in all levels, so we were able to attract both pro and recreational players to the live poker scene.
"Poker players have waited for this moment for a long time"
"It was easy to catch their excitement from the opportunity to socialize and compete against other players face to face again, as in the end this is the essence of poker."
Win the ULTIMATE Las Vegas Package for Just One Cent on 888poker
The Success of Barcelona
888poker LIVE Barcelona wrapped up late last month, with Sandro Hauser (pictured) taking down the €1,100 Main Event for €56,800.
Ziony says that Barcelona is one of the best poker destinations in Europe, offering a vast array of activities off the felt, with an amazing schedule of buy-ins to suit all players.
"The weather, the location of Casino Barcelona, the variety of hotels available, the amazing food and even the option to combine their poker activity with watching the F1 Barcelona circuit or an FC Barcelona football match are something you can only find in selected destinations."
Former Irish Open Champion Ian Simpson Flattered to Join 888poker
Players at the event were able to rub shoulders with members of the 888poker Stream and Ambassador team, as well as special guests like Dan 'Jungleman' Cates, Maria Ho and Melika Razavi. Ziony said that it was great to incorporate them into the event as much as possible.
"We had a chance to run special activities with them on our live stream and produce great live and future content to share with our community that couldn’t join us on ground."
"People are looking to travel and combine other activities such as poker as part of their vacation"
The return of live poker wasn't just for the biggest of poker stars, it was also for those who first discovered poker during the pandemic. Ziony said that he spoke with several players who said that this was the first event they had ever played live.
"Now with restrictions taken off, people are looking to travel and combine other activities such as poker as part of their vacation, so we are aiming to continue hosting our events in top destinations and even extend to new ones in the near future."
The next stop on the 888poker LIVE tour is in Bucharest from June 20-26. The festival features a €230 buy-in Opening Event and an €888 Main Event. Click here for more details!
New Role, Same Priorities
As a former Head of Live Events, Ziony still works closely with 888poker partners and live events. However, he says his new focus will be on strengthening 888poker's foothold in new markets.
"Our goal at 888poker is to strengthen our partnerships and build new ones in new regulated markets to ensure our growth. This is something that will require a lot of my attention in the coming months and years, and I’m excited about the plans 888poker have for the future."
Will Shillibier is based in the United Kingdom. He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German, and then studied for a NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism at Sportsbeat in Manchester. He previously worked as a freelance live reporter, and video presenter for the World Poker Tour.
Register to leave a comment
