2017 Seminole Immokalee Poker Challenges begins at Seminole Casino Hotel

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee hosts the second annual Seminole Immokalee Poker Challenge (SIPC) starting today through 26 February. The six-day festival runs as part of the 2016/2017 Seminole Hard Rock Poker (SHRP) season and features two primary events headlined by the $1,650 buy-in, $200,000 guaranteed Championship. In all, the series is set to award more than $250,000 in cash and prizes.

The Championship begins 24 February and is eligible in the SHRP Player of the Year race, which awards prizes to the top three points earners and boasts a winning prize valued at $32,450. In addition, the tournament features an added seat in the $5,250 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open Championship set aside for the champion.

This marks the second consecutive year for the property to host the SIPC. Last year's Championship drew a field of 127 entries and saw Herbert Woodbery of Winter Garden claim the top prize of $51,000 along with a $3,500 tournament entry.

Preceding this year's $1,650 Championship is the $350 buy-in, $50,000 guaranteed opener. With four starting flights, the event saw a strong field of 188 entries generate a prize pool of over $55,000 in 2016. Claiming the victory was Brian Wilson of nearby Cape Coral. To go along with $16,356, Wilson earned a $1,650 seat in that year's Championship. As was the case in 2016, the $350 opener will again feature an added $1,650 Championship seat.

Running alongside the series primary tournaments will be daily satellite and side events. Complete series schedule and event structure sheets are available on the website.