Ultimate Bet UBOC4 Underway

A total of 18 events will be played out across several different poker variations - besides Texas Holdem, you'll also be able to compete for a title in Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo and H.O.R.S.E. Winners also receive a nice-looking Ultimate Bet championship watch as proof of accomplishment.

The direct buy-in to the UBOC4 events ranges from $150+$12 to $2,500+$100, which is a little steep for most recreational players. Ultimate Bet recognizes this issue and offers myriad qualifying opportunities. There are even ways to get in on the action for free, in the UBOC Champ 25 Seat Giveaway on January 30 for example. If you don't want to traverse the no-doubt huge starting field in the freerolls, there are regular satellites for as little as $5+$0.5.

As usual in these circumstances, each of the tournaments will be "hosted" by a designated pro. UBs own Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke are of course hosting the biggest $1 million tournaments, but you also get to meet Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian and other celebrities.