How has this preparation period been for the event and what are the expectations for the tournament days?
Feldman: As always a lot of work, especially in the weeks leading up to the event. This year we again had a great support from the State and municipal governments of Rio de Janeiro, which really did a great job with a unique dedication and support, which enabled us to have the permission for the event issued along with all the necessary authorizations. The support of the secretary of tourism of Rio de Janeiro, Riotur and BPTur, was also fundamental, as we already have a confirmed presence of players from more than 41 countries.
The Millions tournament was announced at the end of the WSOP 2018 at the same Copacabana Palace, and we can say that it is a consequence of the success of the WSOP. But what will it offer again in terms of the dispute and growth of the modality in the country?
Surely we can say that, because only due to the success of the WSOP Circuit Brazil 2018 stage, we managed to convince our sponsor, Partypoker, to bring a stage of the Millions Circuit to Brazil. And still being the opening of the circuit, as it the first event of the year, followed by Canada, Russia, Czech Republic, England and the final in the Caribbean in Nassau in November. This tournament has unique characteristics, since the inscriptions (buying) are standardized and the same in all countries of the circuit.
At the end of the last week the full grid of the event was announced. Within this schedule, what do you point out as the main highlight?
The main highlights are for the Main Event with a guaranteed prize pool of R$ 20 million (US$4.6m), and for the super High Holler with a buy-in of R$ 100 thousand (US$23k), which definitely puts Brazil on the international list of major poker events.
Does Millions South America partner with Partypoker? What is the company's participation and importance in organizing the event?
The importance of Partypoker Live in this event is very significant as it is a stage of the world circuit of Partypoker and we, as organizers, are honored to have been chosen by them as the responsible company in Brazil to produce, manage and deliver this big event.
The tournament also entered the official calendar of sporting events in the city of Rio de Janeiro. What is the importance of this achievement not only for this event, but for the whole poker sector?
Whenever a tournament enters the official agenda of the sports secretary of Rio de Janeiro, a state that hosted an Olympics and a World Cup, is already a great prid. For us, that we are part of in the poker industry, this recognition still carries a much greater symbolism.
At the end of 2018, the legalization of sports betting was approved. How did the poker sector receive this news and how do you expect to include it in this new activity? Do you expect poker to enter the list of competitions you can bet on, like football, for example?
Since poker is a sporting activity, like the others mentioned in the question, I do not see any obstacles for that to happen.
Source: Exclusive GMB
