Online Poker News » November 2004 » November 11, 2004.

Americans Take Prima Poker Transatlantic Cup From England's Undefeated Hendon Mob.

(Monte-Carlo, Monaco) - In Monte-Carlo yesterday, all eyes were focused on the Prima Poker Transatlantic Cup, the first international poker competition to pit the United States against Europe. Representing the United States were Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Phil Ivey, Andy Bloch and Paul Wolfe, who collectively dominated the previously undefeated Hendon Mob. This marks the first time that The Hendon Mob, comprised of Barny Boatman, Ram Vaswani, Joe Beevers and Ross Boatman, have been defeated in an international competition of this kind.

In addition to bragging rights, the US team members will split $100,000 and take home the Transatlantic Poker Cup. The golden cup will reside with the winning team and be passed to the next group of winners in 2005.

"We're proud to the have won the Cup for the United States," said Chris Ferguson, U.S. team captain. "It's not often that poker players get to represent their country. We're very happy with this fantastic match up and this gracious opportunity from the Hendon Mob."

"This competition is long overdue, said English Team Captain Barny Boatman. "Poker is the most exciting and fastest growing sport on the planet, and everyone wants to see the best of the US and Europe face-off in the ultimate battle of nerve and skill. With worldwide broadcasting and a major corporate sponsorship, we finally have the makings of a Ryder Cup for Poker."

History
Over the last three years, the Hendon Mob reigned as the undefeated champions in international heads-up tournaments. The Mob has successfully challenged and defeated the best four-player teams from Australia, France and Ireland. These teams included World Champions, World Series and WPT finalists. The opposing teams were:

2002 Australia: Sam Korman, Billy 'The Croc' Argyos, Sam Khioss, Kirk Morrison Result: Hendon Mob 3 Australia 1
2003 France: Patrick Bruel, Bruno Fitoussi, Claude Cohen, Davide Benyamine Result: Hendon Mob 3 France 1
2003 Ireland: Padraig Parkinson, Scott Gray, Liam Flood and Noel Furlong Result: Hendon Mob 4 Ireland 0.

In a long, tough battle that started early and went late into the night, the US took a 2-0 lead before the Mob pulled one back. The final match lasted a grueling three hours and went right down to the turn of the very last card. Victory for the Mob would have meant an exciting fifth match playoff, but as it was the USA took a tough and closely contested match 3:1.

"Congratulations to the U.S. team on a brilliant and hard fought victory," continued Boatman. "We are happy to lend them the cup for one year, but we are determined to return next year and regain our title."

About Monte Carlo Millions
Monte Carlo Millions is the world's most exclusive poker tournament and the very first poker tournament to be held in Monaco. With an estimated prize pool of $1 million, Monte Carlo Millions guarantees that every player will win a minimum of $1,000. The $20,000 package includes round-trip airfare for two, a seven-night stay at the Hotel Hermitage, private helicopter transportation from Nice to Monte-Carlo, a tour of the French Riviera, gourmet meals, lavish cocktail parties and the $14,000 buy-in to the event. Monte Carlo Millions is sponsored exclusively by PrimaPoker.com, the world's largest online poker network that unites 38 online poker rooms.

Source: MCM Press Release

Tags: Transatlantic Poker Cup, Monte Carlo Millions, Hendon Mob, Ferguson, Phil Ivey.