World Series of Poker to be Presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof

Southern Comfort 100 proof announces it will be the presenting sponsor of the ninth season of the World Series of Poker Circuit Tour with a record 20 stops on tap for this year’s series.

A WSOP gold bracelet will be on the line for WSOP Circuit grinders in a season-culminating National Championship event taking place at Harrah’s New Orleans just after the final Circuit stop, from May 21-23, 2013. With Southern Comfort 100 Proof on as the Presenting Sponsor, the WSOP will bring the nationally televised finale to where it all began – for both poker and Southern Comfort – New Orleans, Louisiana.

Southern Comfort 100 proof will have title sponsor designation at all 20 circuit events throughout the US as well as at the National Championship in New Orleans. In addition, Southern Comfort 100 proof will receive logo placement on the inner rail and flop box of the feature table which will be nationally televised. As part of the sponsorship agreement Southern Comfort 100 proof has spirits category exclusivity at all WSOP events for the 2012-2013 tour year.

“This marks a tremendous milestone for Southern Comfort 100 proof as the first major sponsorship we’ve ever done for the brand,” said Jason Kempf, Southern Comfort US Brand Director. “We look forward to partnering with the WSOP and their massive following to build awareness for Southern Comfort 100 proof and open up exciting new opportunities for both parties.”

The World Series of Poker Circuit Events Presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof will begin August 9 at Imperial Palace Biloxi in Mississippi with a 12-ring event schedule, with the Main Event set to begin on Saturday, August 18.

The tour continues almost non-stop through December 17, and then after a short holiday break resumes on January 3 and continues without break through May 20, 2013. Scheduling the National Championship immediately adjacent to the final event will create a “last shot” phenomenon that is sure to bring excitement to the Crescent City.

Once again a points-ranking system for all ring tournament participants will be used and will reward those players who participate in multiple events – with the Top 100 players qualifying for the Southern Comfort 100 World Series of Poker National Championship (May 21-23, 2013 in New Orleans).

Each WSOP Circuit stop Main Event winner will receive an automatic berth into the Southern Comfort 100 World Series of Poker National Championship. Automatic bids will also go to the “Casino Champions” at each participating venue. A Casino Champion is defined as the player at each stop whom accumulates the most points throughout the 12-event gold ring schedule.

“We’re coming off the best year of participation in the history of the WSOP Circuit and the addition of these new markets really brings our vision to life,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “We want to have the #1 regional tour to go alongside the number one super event in poker. We believe we have the best offering in terms of value and ROI at these stakes and the most exciting championship format,” added Stewart. “We’re thrilled to add a big-time marketing partner like Southern Comfort 100 Proof, who is a natural fit for this platform and will truly help grow the profile of the tour.”

The 2011-12 WSOP Circuit Tour featured 17 stops and exceeded 70,000 entries in official ring events, easily making it the #1 domestic poker tour. Highlights included a record 3001 players for the opening event at Horseshoe Hammond. A number of the 2011-12 Main Events exceeded $1,000,000 in prize pool.

The entire 2012-13 schedule is as follows:

World Series of Poker 2012-2013 Circuit Tour Schedule

Circuit schedules are subject to change. Stops may be added or removed. For more information on individual circuit events, including event schedules and structure sheets, can be found at each property website or by visiting www.WSOP.com.