The World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting one for Canada. During this year’s tournament some 7 of the 37 bracelets that have been awarded went to Canadian players. The widespread growth of poker has increased exponentially with the introduction of online poker and this has resulted in scores of players across Canada taking to the game. Several champions from Canada have been crowned in recent years including Jonathan Duhamel who won $8,944,310 in the Main Event of the 2010 WSOP.
Ushering in a New Era for Canadian Poker at the WSOP
Jonathan Duhamel, a Quebec native, was a major catalyst for Canadian poker. His roaring success ignited a wave of poker enthusiasts across Maple country. Fellow Canadian player Jonathan Roy from Montreal goes to great pains to explain that poker is indeed a game of skill and not a gambling game. The poker phenomenon that has swept through the country has stirred up tremendous interest. Quebec player Marc-Andre Ladouceur (Finished in 13th place at the 2012 WSOP) attributes it largely to Duhamel’s stunning victory.
The 2013 WSOP is Canada’s Year
To date, some 7 Canadians have claimed the highest accolades at the WSOP this year. These include Calen McNeil, Levi Berger, Mark Radoja, Benny Chen, Michael Malm, Charles Sylvestre and Jason Duval. Such is the popularity of poker that scores of Americans migrate across the border to Canada for up to 6 months of the year to make a living online. Popular online poker games include 6-Max Shootout, PL games, Heads-up and other variants.