Julian Thew wins third GUKPT title

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The tour, considered one of the toughest on the UK's poker scene, once again proved to be a happy hunting ground for Thew, who won the GUKPT title and GBP 42,470 after his efforts in Coventry - all of this on his birthday, too! Thew's win partners his brace from Brighton and Plymouth and takes the Sky Poker pro to over GBP 1.57 million in lifetime winnings.

The field of 145 provided an exciting climax to the Coventry leg, with several top name British pros all in contention for the title as the final two tables were formed. It was Jeff Kimber who was the unfortunate bubble boy, finishing in 16th position, while fellow GUKPT pro and defending champion Stuart Rutter did his best to retain the title before eventually finishing in 5th place.

The tournament had seemed destined to go to another man though. Rick Trigg had accumulated chips pretty much from the first hand of the tournament and entered the final table as the chip leader. Only in the latter stages did the Sheffield resident waver, and by the time he steered his way to heads-up the revitalised Sky Poker pro used his experience to see out the win and complete his GUKPT hat-trick.

Understandably Julian was delighted with the win, his first major title in Sky Poker colours. "'I'm totally thrilled to have scooped my third GUKPT title. It sure helped that I ran like Jamie Gold circa 2006 at the final table - I don't think I've ever quite played one like it before! I'd also like to thank the whole Sky Poker Team for having faith in me and signing me up to the site earlier this year. My next event will be the first leg of the Sky Poker Tour in a fortnight followed by the UKOPS series.'"

Sky Poker was also represented by Team Sky Poker member Ryan 'scotty77' Spittles as well as TV host and analysts Tony 'Tikay' Kendall and Carlo Citrone. It's possible for Sky Poker players to join Julian, Ryan and the rest of the team at GUKPTs around the UK as part of the 'Team Sky Poker' promotion which runs throughout the year.

Those of you who want to play against the three-time GUKPT champion can also pit your wits against Thew in his own tournament on Sky Poker, the 'Thews at Ten' every Tuesday night at 10pm.