LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 01/10/13 -- UK pro Simon Deadman claimed the poker world's first major title of 2013 on Sunday afternoon, overcoming a 238-strong field to win the PKR WPT National Dublin. The 24-year old from Nottingham earned EUR67,500 for his time, continuing a period of red hot form which has seen him reach nine final tables in the last 12 months, including a GUKPT title.

The event, whose final table was streamed live on www.pkr.com with commentary from Jesse May, attracted a strong Irish contingent including Andy Black, along with a tough selection of English raiders led by former November Niner James Akenhead and WPT champion James Dempsey. PKR sent three of its sponsored Team PKR Pros - Vladimir Geshkenbein, Scott Shelley and Marc Bariller - with WSOP bracelet winner Shelley performing best with a 21st place worth EUR3,000.

The next-gen site sent also 29 qualifiers to Dublin from across Europe, with Dutchman Rob der Waal faring best in 11th place for EUR4,900. Away from the felt, PKR qualifiers were treated welcome and wrap parties, with access to an exclusive PKR Players Lounge throughout the four day event.

Media Manager Dan Grant said, "A good start to the year, superbly organized, and we could ask for little more - a worthy winner, a high quality final table and high spirits all round. For many of our qualifiers it was their first live event, and for some their first journey outside their native country, so we hope they both enjoyed themselves and gained invaluable experience against a tough field."

PKR now looks ahead to its next live event, the $500 buy-in PKR Live 2013, to be held over Easter weekend at the UK's first supercasino, Aspers Stratford, overlooking the London 2012 Olympic Village.

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