Phelps Invited to Asian Poker Tour

Upcoming Macau based Asian Poker Tour wasn't late to recognize the intention of Michael Phelps to go into tournament poker. With a personal invitation and free buy-in, the organizers hope to see the human dolphin swim with the sharks next week in Macau.

As Poker Junkie reported the other day, Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps was eager to test his poker skills with the world's greatest poker players.

Jeff Mann with the Asian Poker Tour, Asia's largest ever guaranteed tournament, quickly saw the opportunity to get a great star to the tournament. He sent Phelps a personal invitation.

"Don't bring your goggles, bring a pair of sunglasses - dive in at the deep end and we would love it if you showed us your hand. You've almost certainly got more chance of making good money from our $1,500,000 prize pool than securing any commercial deals! Your homecoming to a delirious country can wait", said Mann jokingly according to Damned Poker.

The offer to Phelps includes free travel, free accommodation and free buy-in to the $5,300 tournament. Asian Poker Tour features a $1,500,000 guaranteed prize pool with a guaranteed $500,000 first prize.

Of course, the idea seems particularly sensible in view of the fact that Phelps is already in China for the Olympics.

Should Phelps accept, it remains to be seen if his large ape factor can keep hem afloat in the cold waters of high stakes poker.