Tournament of Champions

August 24, 2004

Bodog.com Sportsbook, Casino and Poker™ has released odds on the ESPN Tournament of Champions.

The Tournament of Champions will take place on September 1, 2004 at the Rio in Las Vegas, Nevada, and air on ESPN September 21, 2004.

“When an organization as reputable as ESPN launches their own tournament, you know that this is no longer just a fad - it is becoming mainstream interest,” said Rob Gillespie, former book manager and respected industry author. “They have invited 10 of the best poker players in the world to participate in this event, so some egos will be taking a hit at this table.”

After being awarded the Player of the Year honors at this year’s World Series of Poker, Daniel Negreanu has gone on to win another tournament, and become ranked as the early odds on favorite to win the ESPN Tournament of Champions. Negreanu is listed at 4/1 odds. Noticeably absent from a number of tournaments this season, Phil Ivey is back on the circuit, and listed right behind Negreanu at 5/1 odds. Annie Duke, T.J. Cloutier, and Phil Hellmuth will also be participating in the event, and all three are sitting at 10/1 odds. The long shot player to take the inaugural ESPN Tournament of Champions is the 2004 World Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer. Raymer’s odds are listed at 15/1.

“Raymer obviously had a great showing at the WSOP, but now he will be sitting at one table with all the power players in the poker world,” said Gillespie. “This tournament is great timing since we will be launching Bodog Poker to the masses on September 1, 2004.”

View the Tournament of Champions Odds here.