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 27^th to the 30^th 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 £100,000 in guarantees. There was also an additional £72,000 in side events, running alongside the tournaments. This hefty sum of £172,000 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 players parting with the smallest sum could partake in playing for the bigger prizes. Run consecutively from 9pm, the semi-buy in was £24, but the satellites meant players could join from as little as a modest £2.70. 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 27^th December, kicked off at 8pm and the winner, offshoot won a sizeable £5,274. In second place was Geldy, who took away £3,328, while tyger, in third was awarded £2,332. There was £10,000 to win on the Double Stack, 8000 chips to 12 minutes blinds. The winner, NIHIGHGUN won £4,779, RUNFLAMING won £2,778.90 and Mariusz80, who came third, met the New Year with £1,947, 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 £50,000 at stake. The winner, TommyD took home £14,796, Second-placed rosiedog00 £8,494 and runner up in third, Boonicon £5,754. 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 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

SOURCE Sky Poker