http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041126/265094_1.html

PartyPoker.com Joins Poker Tour International for the Costa Rica Classic
Friday November 26, 9:07 am ET
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2004--This month kicks off in the Poker industry with a cutting edge promotion and high energy. PartyPoker.com, the world's largest online Poker Room, joins the Poker Tour International for the Costa Rica Classic. The new venture came together as a result of the successful Royal Oasis Grand Bahama Poker Tournament held in late August. Comments Pro Player Ted Lawson, winner of this year's Las Vegas Omaha World Poker Series ($500,000) and CEO of Federated National Insurance Company: "The tournament was the best value for the money with most of it going into the pot. The best man won, he played beautifully."
Recent addition and poker favorite Lee Watkinson also joined PTI to promote and participate in the bimonthly series alongside Lawson, Producer Steve Kates of Driftwood Ventures and the Royal Oasis Casino, Tournament Director Burt Kravette, and Pro Player and Latin America Director Humberto Brenes.

This year alone, Watkinson has played five final tables with winnings totaling $1,453,573 in No Limit WPT Legends of Poker Texas Hold'em Championships, Mirage Poker Showdown, 35th Annual Omaha World Series of Poker, No Limit Texas Hold'em Championship World Series of Poker, and the Grand American Poker Classic No Limit Texas Hold'em. Lawson adds, "Watkinson is probably the best in the world." Both Lawson and Watkinson will promote PTI at upcoming events.

The second tournament of the PTI bimonthly series, the Costa Rica Classic is scheduled for December 1, 2004. Local satellite tournaments will run throughout the month of November at the Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose. PartyPoker.com will also run satellite tournaments for buy-ins and accommodations for as low as $6+ 1 a play beginning November 12.

Comments Kates, "It won't be a tournament, it will be an adventure." Prices for the Costa Rica Classic start at $2,599 and include Texas Hold'em buy-in, airfare from Fort Lauderdale, accommodations at Holiday Inn Aurola in San Jose, opening/closing receptions, and refreshments. One re-buy will be available for $400. Winnings include seats in upcoming tournaments and $500,000 based on entries. Events will include pro players and will be televised.

Upcoming tournaments in the Poker Tour International are scheduled for Puerto Rico and St. Kitts. For more information, contact 1-800-432-2294 ext. 127 or visit PartyPoker.com.



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Contact:
For Poker Tour International, Fort Lauderdale
DKMC Inc.
Dana Klein, 954-923-4343