Is Peter Eastgate back? Is this just a one time thing? Why would he play when he indicated no interest in playing poker? Who might sponsor him? Is he responsible for his own buy-in? The one thing we do know is that he is in the third and final year of automatic invitation to the Heads Up challenge due to his WSOP Main Event win. He finished fifth in this event in 2010, so who knows what a good run might do to his prospects of returning to poker again.
This year's field of 64 will be competing for their share of the larger $1.8 million prize pool.
In 2010, Annie Duke defeated Erik Seidel in the final round to earn $500,000 and the title.
“Year after year, I look forward to competing among the toughest competition out there that the heads-up tournament brings together for fans to see nationwide,” said Duke. “I am excited to compete against the skill and mental toughness that my fellow poker players will showcase on the tables.”
Other notables scheduled to appear in this year’s event include Vanessa Rousso, Phil Ivey, Andy Bloch, Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu, Huck Seed, Paul Wasicka, Erik Seidel and 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event champion Jonathan Duhamel. Peter Eastgate, who went into a self-imposed retirement in 2010, will also appear.
The drawing party will take place at Pure Nightclub on March 3 and the tournament will run from March 4-6 until a winner is crowned. The action will be filmed for broadcast on NBC over six consecutive Sundays in April and May.
“We are proud to broadcast the National Heads-Up Poker Championship for a seventh consecutive year for our viewers to see some of the most exciting poker in the world,” said Jon Miller, president of programming of NBC Sports and Versus. “You never know what match-ups you are going to get in Heads-Up. Every year we are amazed with the outcome of who beats who when the best of the best battle it out.”
Craig Hummer and Ali Nejad will provide commentary and Leeann Tweeden will return to serve as the host and sideline reporter.
Year Winner
2005 Phil Hellmuth
2006 Ted Forrest
2007 Paul Wasicka
2008 Chris Ferguson
2009 Huck Seed
2010 Annie Duke
