Monte Carlo Millions
The Monte Carlo Millions was the first ever poker tournament to be staged in the city-state of Monaco. The inaugural event was completed on November 12th, 2004. Apparently birthed out of the preceding explosion of Texas Hold 'em popularity, it was conceived of and sponsored by Prima Poker. The field was limited to 80 players and the buy-in was $14,000 USD. A vast majority of the competitors were world famous professionals, with the remainder of the field comprised of online satellite winners and lesser known professionals. In November 2005, the second MCM tourney will feature a 120 player field and a $25,000 buyin. It features the largest prize pool in European History: $3 million, with $1 million going to the winner. The final table will be played out at the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino.
The 2004 event was dominated nearly start to finish by the world's top tournament player, Phil Ivey. With three players remaining, however, he was outdrawn by an unheralded Finn Jani Sointula, who would go on to take the title and $400,000 USD first prize after knocking out Ivey.
The Monte Carlo Millions is broadcast in the UK on pokerzone.