Monster Jam invites players to magnificent Cape Town for richest Sunbet Poker Tour festival – November 23 to December 4, ZAR 4.5M gtd

 

Twelve days of exciting competition awaits players in South Africa with the Sunbet Poker Tour powered by Monster Jam Poker Tour wrapping up its biggest year in the magnificent port city of Cape Town. Described as one of the most awe inspiring places in the world, the season finale will take place at the Grand West Casino from November 23 to December 4. As always, players can look forward to all the crowd favorites plus ZAR 4.5 Million (~$259,560) guaranteed and 12 trophies to aim for. 

While the tables will of course be populated by locals, Monster Jam invites everyone to come on out and experience something new. Not only is Cape Town an incredibly gorgeous location, it is also an exciting time for poker in South Africa with the sport gaining more and more popularity.

For players in Asia Pacific, it may be a long haul however the venue’s beautiful surroundings and solid competition will make the trip well worth it. If you are in Australia, the shortest trek is roughly 12 hours, from India and parts of Southeast Asia it’s about 14 hours. On the west side of the waters, South Americans have a shorter trip to endure especially if you are in Brazil which is about an 8 hour flight. 

In September, Somuchpoker interviewed Monster Jam CEO Marc Joseph and he shared the brand’s backstory and where it is today. The season finale is the tour’s fifth festival of the year and its first in Cape Town. It is anticipated to be the biggest and richest of all the tours this year.

Incoming travelers will be happy to know that borders are wide open, no vaccination required, no Covid-test, and no quarantine. As for visas, the list of visa-free countries is extensive with the above-mentioned included. Among the other Asian visa free passports are Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, and several more. Additionally, more cash in the pocket for players with no tax withheld on winnings. However 12% of the prize pool will be withheld and 4% for staff costs. 

With that said, let’s have a look at the upcoming game-schedule. 

Sunbet Poker Tour – PLAYER GUIDE

Guaranteed Events

There are four events highlighting a guaranteed prize pool and two events that guarantee a winner’s purse. These will be the most highly sought after tournaments. 

MAIN EVENT – ZAR 3,250,000 (~$187,460) 

The festival headliner is the Main Event and proudly so as it features a lucrative double guarantee. The prize pool is set at a minimum ZAR 3,250,000 of which ZAR 1,250,000 (~$72,100) is reserved for the champion. That top prize is quite a hefty chunk, one that will surely attract an enormous crowd.

Taking a look at the schedule, there are plenty of chances to qualify with six starting heats offered – Day 1A to Day 1F. One of the tour’s targets is to surpass its largest turnout of 510 entries set in Pretoria, and with this being the finale, it has the potential to make it happen.

Dates: November 30 to December 4
Buy in: ZAR 15,000 (~$4865)
Guarantee: ZAR 3,250,000 (~$187,460)
1st place guarantee: ZAR 1,250,000 (~$72,100)

Day 1A: Wednesday, November 30 at 1pm
Day 1B: Thursday, December 1 at 1pm
Day 1C: Friday, December 1 at 7pm
Day 1D: Saturday, December 2 at 1pm
Day 1E: Saturday, December 2 at 7pm
Day 1F: Sunday, December 3 at 1pm

Day 2: Saturday, December 3 at 7pm (60 minute blinds)
Day 3: Sunday, December 4 at 11am (60 minute blinds)

It is important to keep in mind that Day 1A, Day 1B, and Day 1D will have blinds increase every 40 minutes; Day 1C and Day 1E will have blinds increase every 25 minutes; and Day 1F will see blinds go up the fastest of 15 minutes. 

Welcome to CPT – ZAR 250,000 (~$14,420)

Opening the festivities is the Welcome to CPT event with a guarantee of ZAR 250,000. Two flights are offered on opening day with the first festival champion to be determined on Day 2. This is great way to build one’s bankroll and boast as the first Sunbet Poker Tour champion in Cape Town. 

Dates: November 23 to 24
Guarantee: ZAR 250,000 (~$14,420)

Flight A: November 23 at 1pm (40 minute blinds)
Flight B: November 23 at 7pm (20 minute blinds)
Day 2: November 24

Mega Million – ZAR 1,000,000 (~$57,680)

The ZAR 1 Million guaranteed Mega Million kicks off on the second day and runs for three days from November 24 to 26. This event is great for players who love deep stack tournaments and the structure is top notch. Players start off with a whopping 300 times the opening big blind with increases at a very slow 60 minute pace. Only four levels will be played on the first day, another five on Day 2 with late registration closing at the end of Level 9.

For players that sign up at the last second, you will still bring in a very healthy 37 BB stack into Day 3. This type of event ultimately rewards the more skilled than the lucky. Buy in for this event is ZAR 25,000 (~$1,440).

Super High Roller – ZAR 1,000,000 for 1st place

The Super High Roller is another highlight in the roster and there are a million reasons why. The event guarantees a very generous ZAR 1,000,000 (~$57,680) to the champion. Without a doubt, heavy hitters and pros will be looking to chase this down even if it will burn the pocket ZAR 75,000 (~$4,325). Registration closes at the end of Level 11 on Day 2. Signing up at the last minute is still worth it as players do receive a stack worth 25 BB. The event runs from November 26 to 27. 

Mystery Bounty – ZAR 500,000 top bounty prize

The Mystery Bounty format has also caught on in South Africa. It is the lone bounty tournament in the lineup and it will draw a hungry crowd seeking the jaw dropping ZAR 500,000 (~$28,840) top bounty prize. The event runs from November 27 to 29 with four entry flights scheduled over the first two days. All Day 1 survivors are guaranteed a piece of the prize pool.

Other Events

In addition to the above-mentioned events are highly irresistible custom crafted tournaments. Among the list is the signature Little Slam which may well be the most popular side event in the menu. For a reasonable buy in of ZAR 5,000 (~$ 288), players get the chance to experience a high roller structure without burning a hole in the pocket. On average this event draws 180 – 200 entries. This is a three day event running from November 25 to 27. Here’s a list of games that complete the schedule:

• High Roller: November 29 to December 1 – Buy in ZAR 40,000
• 5K Single Day Event – November 30 – Buy in ZAR 5,000
• Double Shot – December 3 – Buy in ZAR 7,000
• Turbo – December 3 to 4 – Buy in ZAR 4,000
• Semi-Freeze – December 4 – By in ZAR 4,000

For more information including accommodations, head to the Monster Jam Poker Tour website.

*All photos from Monster Jam Poker Tour