LONDON, January 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --



The Xmas UKOPS run four events to match the success of previous autumn

series

It was a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for many at Sky Poker in 2011.

From the 27th to the 30th December, Sky Poker held the second edition of the UK Online Poker Series: The Xmas UKOPS.

The UKOPS for Christmas were initiated largely by the huge success of their previous series from the autumn, which was met with positive and enthusiastic feedback, and a collection of lucrative wins.

The Christmas series ran four events, with GBP100,000 in guarantees. There was also an additional GBP72,000 in side events, running alongside the tournaments. This hefty sum of GBP172,000 was an impressive feat of the competition and an attractive incentive for players.

Satellites were present at each of the UKOPS events, so online poker [http://www.skypoker.com/poker/sky_lobby ] players parting with the smallest sum could partake in playing for the bigger prizes. Run consecutively from 9pm, the semi-buy in was GBP24, but the satellites meant players could join from as little as a modest GBP2.70. With qualification costs at a few pound coins, this series was designed to include a wide spread of players.

The results handed out some fruitful cash wins. Event 1, No Limit Hold'em on the 27th December, kicked off at 8pm and the winner, offshoot won a sizeable GBP5,274. In second place was Geldy, who took away GBP3,328, while tyger, in third was awarded GBP2,332. There was GBP10,000 to win on the Double Stack, 8000 chips to 12 minutes blinds. The winner, NIHIGHGUN won GBP4,779, RUNFLAMING won GBP2,778.90 and Mariusz80, who came third, met the New Year with GBP1,947, making it an SPT champion and final tablist in the top three.

It was the Main Event however, which attracted a buzz of energetic play. There was a lot to play for, with a pool of GBP50,000 at stake. The winner, TommyD took home GBP14,796, Second-placed rosiedog00 GBP8,494 and runner up in third, Boonicon GBP5,754. It was an extremely healthy start to the New Year for the winning players, proving once again that you truly do have to be in it to win it!

For more information on the Xmas UK Online Poker Series, please visit skypoker.com/ukops

About SkyPoker.com.

Sky Poker [http://www.skypoker.com ] is the British Sky Broadcasting's online poker division, which allows users to play poker online on their website and screens selected hands from various tournaments and cash games on Sky Poker TV, allowing players on the site to become the stars of the TV channel. Sky Poker focuses on UK poker players, with all play at the tables in pounds rather than dollars, as well as its own Sky Poker Tour around the country.

Sky Poker is licensed and regulated by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC).

                 Helen Jacob         Sky Bet PR Manager         T: +44(0)113-3895941         E: Helen.Jacob@bskyb.com         Sky Betting & Gaming, 3rd Floor, West Cross House, 2 West Cross Way, Brentford, TW8 9DE