Varun Goenka

Israel Player Shachar “OctopuSZ” Zvang Comes Out on Top in Match Poker Online World Cup

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Some tough international competition hit the online poker tables over the last three weeks as part of Match Poker Online’s first World Cup. The series brought together hundreds of the mobile gamer’s best for a battle featuring players from around the world.

Users qualified by playing on the app throughout the year and were grouped with two different categories. The “Ruby ” division was the event’s top division and featured the game’s best players. The “Ivory” category included the game’s second tier and also featured some excellent players betting and bluffing out for bragging rights and some cash prizes as well. When the dust settled, Israel’s Shachar “OctopuSZ” Zvang found the winner’s circle and secured $625 for his efforts. He was also rewarded with a digital certificate and trophy.

Zvang wasn’t the only player to grab some cash. Well-regarded poker player and writer Matt Matros, of the United States, earned $250 for runner-up and German player Daniel “Zealot” Eylenfeldt found the bronze medal for $125. Eylenfeldt is a regular in live match poker events and his team, Piranhas Hamburg, won the German National Live Match Poker competition. In the Ivory division, another German found a nice finish with “MacHarry” topping the field for $450. A pair of players from Hong Kong grabbed second and third, with “AndyLai” winning $175 and “NutsHK” pocketing $75.

“Thank you for this amazing experience,” Zvang posted on Twitter after his big win.

Matros also took to Twitter to share his own World Cup story, noting: “More than a decade ago I competed for the U.S. in a Match Poker team event on the London Eye, so I was really hoping to come full circle and win this World Cup. Alas, I will have to settle for the silver medal!”

A total of 632 players qualified for the Ruby and Ivory competitions. After two weekends of Playoffs, the field was narrowed down to 36 finalists in each category for the Finals, which were held Dec. 17-18.

“We were thrilled with the turnout and good sportsmanship of all involved in the competition – many sending congratulations and expressing how fun and close the final results were,” Match Poker Online head of customer relations Jake Colman said. “We’ve learned a lot about how to make the Cup even better in future years – thanks to the enthusiastic feedback from our players. It seems everyone is on board for a bigger and better 2023 for Match Poker Online!”

 

How Does Match Poker Online Work?

Those new to the game will find a truly unique experience at Match Poker Online. The app truly gauges where a player stands by having competitors play the same hands across the platform. Players can work on their skills by comparing their own play and decisions to others around the world who have played exactly the same hand.

The app is packed with features, statistics, excellent graphics, and exciting gameplay. You can even compare your own play against friends in a fantasy sports-style competition. There’s no longer a need for arguing or debate on which players are better based on conjecture and insufficient data. With Match Poker, all that data is available for players to check out.

When playing, you’re not just competing against the players at your table, but against players seated at other tables in the same seat you are. All players in that seat are dealt the same two “hole” cards and see the same flop, turn, and river. It’s a unique twist on traditional poker. Even more statistical options and game features are in the works for 2023.

*** Match Poker Online is available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Players can also simply click here to take them right to the download option.  For more details on the Match Poker Online World Cup, click here.

 

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website – https://matchpoker.com

Facebook – https://facebook.com/MatchPokerOnline/

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sean Chaffin, [email protected]

Varun Goenka

Match Poker Online World Cup Features Diverse Group of Players Chasing a Championship and Cash Prizes

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Players from around the world are set to battle it out in the Match Poker Online World Cup in the coming days – with plenty of bragging rights and cash prizes on the line. The event brings some international prestige to the popular poker app and features players who have competed in Match Poker Online throughout the year.

A few hundred players are now eligible to compete with the Playoffs set for Dec. 3-4 with the Finals on Dec. 10-11. U.S players compete Dec. 2-3 with the Finals on Dec. 9-10. The winner of the Ruby division, the top competition, will be crowned the overall World Cup champion and takes home $625 in cash. The top three competitors in all four divisions also receive cash prizes.

Match Poker features competitors playing the same hands across the platform. Players can work on their skills by comparing their own play and decisions to others around the world who have played exactly the same hand.

When playing Match Poker, you’re not just competing against the players at your table, but against players seated at other tables in the same seat you are. The app is cutting edge and packed with high-tech features, statistics, excellent graphics, and exciting gameplay.

A Look at Some of the Top Competitors

After plenty of betting and bluffing, qualifying players now have a chance to prove their mettle against some of the best. The World Cup action will feature players from around the world. Here’s a look at a few of the top qualifiers.

  • Avishek Behera (Odisha, India) – The 20-year-old loves to work on his poker skills using the app.
  • Peter-John Rodriguez (Barbados) – This player ranks No. 3 overall on the Match Poker Online platform.
  • Michael Cheung (Hong Kong) – He loves the Battle Royale and believes his play on the site has helped with his game at the live poker tables.
  • Terry Fitzgerald (Sydney, Australia) – The 55-year-old loves the game’s quick pace and is ready for the World Cup to get started.

Those who haven’t qualified can still get in the action via the app with the hope of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup!

 

** Match Poker Online is available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Players can also simply click here to take them right to the download option.  For more details on the Match Poker Online World Cup, click here.

*** Editors, for more information or to test drive the new Match Poker Online app, please reach out. We’re also happy to provide more information and answer any questions regarding the World Cup and new features. Please find relevant links and contact information below.

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website – https://matchpoker.com

Facebook – https://www.instagram.com/matchpoker/

Instagram – https://facebook.com/MatchPokerOnline/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/matchpoker

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Chaffin, [email protected]

Varun Goenka

Match Poker Online Unveils New World Cup Featuring Cash Prizes and Bragging Rights on the Line

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After a successful launch earlier this year, Match Poker Online is ramping up the action even more this winter. The app is bringing the thrill of international competition to the online poker tables with the Match Poker Online World Cup. Eligible players of all levels have the chance to represent their country and play to determine the best Match Poker player in the world.

All eligible players can get in the action by competing on the app. To be eligible, players must have achieved at least one of the following by Nov. 27:

  • reached an IFMP (International Federation of Match Poker) Rating of 1,200 or above
  • be in the top 15% of the Ivory, Sapphire, or Emerald tiers of IFMP Ratings
  • be among the top 15% of eligible players in any Premiership Season
  • won a Weekly Challenge 
  • won a Special Event, such as the May Cup or Battle Weekend

There were 385 eligible players as of Oct. 5, but players can still qualify. Eligible players will be notified via email.

“From the start, we’ve wanted to be much more than an app, we’ve wanted to be a sport – albeit one that is played via an app,” Match Poker Online head of customer relations Jake Colman says. “Being a sport necessarily involves holding championship events, world cups, and other big events to determine the best players in the sport of poker. So this is the first time we are offering the pinnacle of our sport.”

How the World Cup Works

Each competition features Playoffs and Finals exclusive to players of the same Rating Tier. Tournament play features Match Poker Online’s new Triple Battle format, which sees players compete in one battle royale each hour for three consecutive hours. The top 36 players then advance in the Finals. The series comes after months of planning and continuous growth on the app.

“What’s been wonderful to see has been the enthusiasm from our players,” Colman says. “Each of our matches goes for 30-45 minutes, and heaps of players play 20 or so matches each week, which is a wonderful commitment of time and effort. There are some players who have played more than 100 matches a month! Adding even more players at all skill levels gets us closer to our goal of running matches almost instantaneously. Happily, we’re getting closer.”

For most players, the Playoffs are set for Dec. 3-4 with the Finals playing out on Dec. 10-11. U.S. players can compete on Dec. 2-3 with the Finals on Dec. 9-10. The winner of the Ruby division, the top competition, is crowned the overall World Cup champion. And not just bragging rights are on the line. Match Poker Online is awarding cash prizes for top players. In total, players can compete for a share of more than $2,000 and here’s a look at the payouts:

Ranking Category1st Place Prize2nd Place Prize3rd Place Prize
Ruby$625$250$125
Ivory$450$175$75
Sapphire$200$100$50
Emerald$100$50$25

* Amounts in US dollars

How Does Match Poker Online Work?

Match Poker Online truly gauges where a player stands by having competitors play the same hands across the platform. Players can work on their skills by comparing their own play and decisions to others around the world who have played exactly the same hand.

The app is packed with features, statistics, excellent graphics, and exciting gameplay. You can even compare your own play against friends in a fantasy sports-style competition. There’s no longer a need for arguing or debate on which players are better based on conjecture and insufficient data. With Match Poker, all that data is available for players to check out.

When playing, you’re not just competing against the players at your table, but against players seated at other tables in the same seat you are. All players in that seat are dealt the same two “hole” cards and see the same flop, turn, and river. It’s a unique twist on traditional poker.

Even More to Come

Beyond the World Cup, Match Poker Online developers are working to bring players even more in the weeks ahead. More analytics should be coming soon, substantially increasing from two key statistics to 12. Players will see a massive increase in how they can gauge their own play.

“We’re going to start analyzing everything from how often you make it to showdown, win at showdown, three-bet or fold to a three-bet, continuation bet, or move all in,” Colman says. “Each statistic tells the player where they are, and where they should be.”

Also in the works for 2023 are country-specific events. This feature will then expand to allow anyone to create a club and host their own competitions. Players can battle it out with others like they’re playing in a club competition or round-robin tournament. The moves come as Match Poker Online continues to “sportify” poker. The World Cup and these other additional offerings only add to these efforts.

“Even though it’s played in an app, Match Poker is a sport,” Colman says. “We’re working hard to see it become as widespread as basketball, tennis, or chess, with communities in every part of the world, at every level – from suburban leagues to national titles. The World Cup is the most important step forward we’ve ever taken in getting there.”

Player Reactions

After more than nine months in operation, players have been pleased with the game. Here’s a look at what a few players had to say:

  • As a former professional poker player I am super excited by your project, I truly believe that we need to rethink poker and show it as a skill game rather than gambling. – “Cukrapok”, France
  • Let me congratulate you on the best poker app ever developed. – “Fairbank”, USA
  • I want to thank you for a great way to play poker and your game is so fantastic. I no longer play in other places. Great job!    – “Stinger”, USA
  • Loving the game, awesome concept.👌🏼I have deleted all other poker apps from my phone. – “Rendog”, Australia
  • You’ve made something truly fun, unique, and innovative and I look forward to what the future brings🙂.  – “RedBacon”, Israel

Match Poker Online is available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Players can also simply click here to take them right to the download option.  For more details on the Match Poker Online World Cup, click here.

*** Editors, for more information or to test drive the new Match Poker Online app, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re also happy to provide more information and answer any questions regarding the World Cup and new features. Please find relevant links and contact information below.

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website – https://matchpoker.com

Facebook – https://facebook.com/MatchPokerOnline/

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Chaffin, [email protected]

Varun Goenka

Universal Square Circle Esports Technology Limited and IFMP Enter into a Collaboration Agreement

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Universal Square Circle Esports Technology Limited (USCETL) and the International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP) have entered into a collaboration agreement for IFMP to assist USCETL in their promotion of International Poker as a sport of skill.

The agreement authorises USCETL to use IFMP’s name, brand and image globally to endorse the proposed cooperation with the Hainan government and China Sports Information Centre to secure a license for the operation and promotion of the International Sport of Poker within the Chinese territory.

Subject to USCETL achieving their licence IFMP has agreed to fully support USCETL to promote their global eSports & Poker events (International Esports Premier League & China Esports Poker Chess Tournament), through IFMP’s global network and will help drive participation for their events.

USCETL will support IFMP to promote Match Poker in China and will help IFMP to establish a national Chinese federation and to help establish relationships with regional governments, cities and broadcasters to host future IFMP events in China.

IFMP hosted its first ever Asian Nations Cup in Sanya, China in 2013 and is keen to make China a part of the annual events calendar, bringing national teams from all over the world to compete in this recognised strategic skill-based digital sport.

Varun Goenka

Asian Champions, Team India, are now aiming to become World Champions!

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Team India has consistently impressed in Match Poker events and is fully focused on the World Championship. Winning the first Asian qualifier last year, finishing 4th in the 2020 Virtual Nations Cup, being crowned Asian Champions in 2019 in Taipei, and launching the world’s first pro Match Poker league have all been feathers in India’s cap but now the national team is looking for its first ever podium finish at a World Cup!

Here is the squad for the Indian team’s participation in North Macedonia at the 2021 Nations Cup Finals:

Name: Jagdeep Singh (C)

Age: 37

Profession: Poker Player

Bio: Has been part of the winning team in the national team in 3 out of the 4 completed seasons, captaining the team in two of them. Previously represented India at the 2017 Nations Cup in Oxford, where he won the ‘Deepstack Diamond’ for being the best performing player against the AI poker player ‘Deepstack’, then in Bangkok at the 2018 Asian Nations Pairs Challenge and most recently at the 2021 Nations Cup virtual qualifiers. He is excited to lead the national team in Gevgelija and is looking to grab this opportunity with both hands, while aiming to atleast bring home a podium finish for his country.

Name: Sajal Gupta

Age: 28

Profession: Self employed

Bio: I’ve been playing poker for more than 5 years, I have played all formats – MTT, Hold’em and PLO cash. Very interested to play a new format in Match Poker and make my debut for the national team.

Name: Pratibha Arya

Age: 28

Profession: Poker Player

Bio: Pratibha has been playing Match Poker since the launch of the Indian national league in 2017, being on the winning team in 3 out of the 4 seasons! She won ‘player of the season’ for her individual performance in season 2, and has been a consistently impressive player throughout. Pratibha will be making her 4th appearance for the national team in Macedonia and only has the world title on her mind!

Name: Amit Varma

Age: 48

Profession: Writer and Podcaster

Bio: Amit Varma is a writer and podcaster based in Mumbai. He has been a journalist for over two decades, and won the Bastiat prize for Journalism twice. He hosts the popular longform podcast, The Seen and the Unseen. He is retired from playing poker professionally, but was tempted to try Match Poker because of his love of optimising for new formats.

Name: Gaurav Kalra

Age: 40

Profession: Tech geek

Bio: An integral part of the dominant Haryana Hawks in the Indian national league, Gaurav has really embraced the uniqueness of the Match Poker concept and its team element. ‘Match Poker is making Texas Hold’em Poker a team sport with strategy spanning across a team rather than an individual, a very exciting concept.’

Name: Mukul Chadda

Age: 48

Profession: Actor

Bio: Mukul Chadda began his working career in Investment Banking at the erstwhile Lehman Brothers in New York, writing research reports on US Agency Debt securities. His current vocation is as an actor in Mumbai, best known for playing the lead role of Jagdeep Chaddha (the Michael Scott/David Brent equivalent) in the Indian edition of international show The Office. He also does Film, Stage & Improv, and Storytelling.

Somewhere between these two careers, he combined his investment & acting skills to focus seriously on poker, playing it semi-professionally for a few years. In 2011, he won the IPS (Indian Poker Series) Player of the Year title for his consistent finishes in their tournaments in Goa.

Name: Loveleen Singh

Age: 31

Profession: Poker Player

Bio: Loveleen will be making his Team India debut at the 2021 World Championships in Macedonia. He has been representing the Delhi Aces in the Indian national league and proven himself over the past 2 seasons. He will be looking to cement his spot in the national team and make his debut a very memorable one.