UB Cancels Aruba Classic

[DangerMouse]

UB has cancelled the Aruba Classic in 2010 in an effort to focus on increasing its presence at existing major events.

A statement from Tokwiro CEO Paul Leggett says the online poker rooms also has plans to develop a monthly $500k Guaranteed Tournament with an eye on building it into a million-dollar event, create more pro-related competitions and run its UB Online Championship twice a year.

"It is with great regret that we are announcing that the Aruba event will not run this year, but 2010 is going to be an exciting year for UB and its players," said Leggett. "Over the last year, we've been redefining the UB brand in every way. We love the Aruba Poker Classic event, but we think we can do a lot more for our players by investing in new events and rewards."

UB will continue to offer players access to events like the World Series of Poker and major World Poker Tour events through ongoing online satellites.

Players will also see benefits in the form of major WSOP incentives and additional loyalty benefits for top players.

"I, for one, am excited about what this shift in focus means for UB and what this will add to the experience for our players," said Joe Sebok.

The 2009 Aruba Poker Classic drew 475 players to the Caribbean island creating a $2,303,750 prize pool. Brandon Hall took the title after a heads up chop with then chip leader Robert Mizrachi, giving Mizrachi the lion's share of the cash.

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I`m gutted about this. I really wanted to play Aruba some time. It was the main reason I started playing the steps on AP.

[idmtchris]

UB is so far behind PS and FT in almost all areas, especially signing players. Plus all of the scandal, they are losing buiness and need to adjust their model.

[Roller]

Am I wrong or was the Aruba Classic their only flagship sponsored live event.

It was the event that all Online UB players either were part of or wanted to be part of. With the Great location everyone said it was a Fantastic Tournament even if you got busted out early. Now how can you argue with that.

With the Aruba Poker Classic being canceled it makes you really wonder if UB will make the turn. I was hoping with Joe Sebok joining the ranks that UB would be heading in the right direction.

Making it to the Aruba Poker Classic Main Event was a goal of mine and in a some way an inspiration to continually improve my play.

I'm disappointed in UB for sure.

[RyckyRych]

I never set Aruba as a goal so I could care less. However I have noticed they have changed some of their MTT schedule and so far I'm not a fan.

Maybe I don't play high enough but I really disliked the fact that they took away the $11 and $16.50 turbo MTTs (at least I can't find them). From what I've heard they plan on a few more changes so maybe these will come back.

I also heard that in lieu of the Aruba thing they are wanting to increase their visibility in other events like the WPT, WSOP, and others. Also I think they may bring back the UBOC online series more than just once a year. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what they come up with.

[Queso]

I hate Hellmuth, and all I know is, that website cheated people. So is it a good place to play, lotta fish?

[RyckyRych]

Originally Posted by Queso

I hate Hellmuth, and all I know is, that website cheated people. So is it a good place to play, lotta fish?

I play my single table SNGs there. I get rakeback and always have a bonus to clear. I don't plan on leaving.

[DangerMouse]

It was a very popular tourney with the UB pros, I know Phil, Annie and Mark Kroon all loved it, one of the highlights of their year.

[idmtchris]

Originally Posted by Queso

I hate Hellmuth, and all I know is, that website cheated people. So is it a good place to play, lotta fish?

Well I am not a PH fanboy for sure, but hate is extreme. I actually wish him luck in adjusting his game and hope he can close out the Bay 101, ten left and he is one of them.

[Desertrex]

I dont hate the big crybaby Phil Hellmuth. But I hope he starts to realize there are thousands of poker players good or better than him now. Until he figures it out and realizes he is not above the game he will never win a major again. (i.e. 6th in the bay 101).

[DangerMouse]

Originally Posted by Desertrex

I dont hate the big crybaby Phil Hellmuth. But I hope he starts to realize there are thousands of poker players good or better than him now. Until he figures it out and realizes he is not above the game he will never win a major again. (i.e. 6th in the bay 101).

Well you and Daniel Negreanu are in agreement. Here`s what he wrote in his blog . . .

I was goofing around with Phil Hellmuth today at the Premier League and he told me to read his blog, so I did. I was a bit surprised by what I read, but not entirely. Hellmuth believes that he had a bad year last year because his preparation wasn't there and if he did his "PEMM" this year it would be enough to bounce back and have a big year. What's missing from his blog, and I've told him this, is a little LTPB "Learn to Play Better." You take that ego.. you swallow it, and you come to the realization that instead of fighting the truth, you should instead learn from the younger generation who have spent countless hours breaking down the game. They know stuff that no one knew years ago. Why NOT learn from them?

I've examined my own game again and again over the years. I think you have to do that or you get stuck in a rut. I've seen it happen to players for over 10 years now. They learn how to think about the game one way, and they never really allow themselves to think outside the box and realize that the game dynamics have changed so much, that they simply have to learn to adjust... or lose.

When he told me to read his blog I was hoping and expecting to read something a little bit different. Not that he isn't winning because he's not meditating or running laps, but that his skill set needs an upgrade. Something holds him back from admitting that for some reason and until he does, he'll struggle. Until he starts to come to terms with the fact that publicly stating that he is the "Best NL hold'em player in the world BY FAR" makes him look foolish, then he is doomed to be ridiculed by his peers.

I really do like Phil Hellmuth. I like him a lot actually. When I was like 17 years old, I was a Hellmuth "fan" after watching old WSOP tapes of him winning the main event. I don't want to see him lose. I don't want to see him play badly. I'd like to see him win his 12th bracelet. It's good for poker, whether you like him or not, it's good for poker. Based on what I see from him lately, though, #12 may never come unless he learns to respect the fact that the younger kids have a broader knowledge base and that he needs to learn how to apply their "tricks" to his own game.