I'm sure you're expecting that there has to be some sort of "catch". Either that, or some set of relatively well thought out rules. It turns out that there are indeed some rules.
- The game type must be No-Limit Hold ‘em or Pot-Limit Omaha
- The playing style is Heads Up
- The match lasts for a total of 50,000 hands
- They will be playing 4 tables at a time
- The stakes must be a minimum of $200/$400
- Players must reload if their stack falls below 75 big blinds at any time
- Once the stakes have been decided upon, they must stay the same for the entire challenge
They won't be playing 50,000 hands in a session. That will be the total number of hands they have to play, and at the end of it the bet is settled.
The winner gets the side bet monies, as well as any table winnings. So, if Durr loses one dollar at the tables after 50,000 hands, he will pay the challenger $1.5 million from the wager. Plus the challenger gets to keep the $1 in table winnings.
Challengers
Out of all of the poker players in the world, only one, Phil Gaffond, has been excluded from being eligible to take the challenge. That speaks volumes about Phil's skills.
The fact that the money involved is $500,000 on the side, and the stakes are so high (a minimum of $200/$400), means that a challenger has to have some seriously deep pockets.
While very few players have the skill, the bankroll, and the character to take on a challenge like Durrr's, there are some takers. Heading the list are Patrik Antonius and Phil Ivey.
The Match between
Durrr and
Patrik Antonius has started. For a completely up to date account, visit the
FTP Durrr/Antonius Tracker. The page includes links to replays of the biggest hands, a graph showing the winnings/losses of each play as they make their way towards the 50k hand mark, and more.
