The Midlands leg of the Gala Casinos British Poker Tour (GCBPT) saw Rupinder “George” Bedi, a 27 year old bank worker from Leicester claim the first prize of £27,000. With over 500 runners across the festival, the highest ever number the tour has seen to date, and a prize fund of £161,000, competition at the Gala Casino on Maid Marian Way, Nottingham was fierce.

However, due to a good blind structure and a highly patient game, Bedi was able to play “his best poker” and walk away triumphant.

Bedi said: “It feels brilliant, I feel great, it’s not just the money, it’s everything else, the trophy, the trip to Bristol and, of course, the bragging rights!"

Bedi was especially proud to win as his friends - and fellow players from “the best home game in Leicester” - were there to support him all the way. Bedi added: “There was a great atmosphere; I’ve got to know some really nice people. What really helped though was having my boys here to cheer me on and give me advice and support - so thanks, boys!”

The runner up prize of £22,000 went to James Keys, a 22 year old professional poker player from Bury St-Edmunds in Suffolk. Keys was a final tablist in last year's World Series of Poker Europe but this is his first big tournament cash for some time. Keys said: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s fantastic. I haven’t cashed in a live tourney recently, so it’s a great vindication. There wasn’t as much play heads up as I thought – I went all-in pre-flop and then it was all over quite quickly!”

This is the second year of the GCBPT which was created in response to poker’s ever increasing popularity across the UK. As well as a massive cash prize pool in excess of £1 million, poker professionals, amateur players and poker novices alike will compete for the ultimate accolade of GCBPT Champion 2008.

The success of this tournament paves the way for the next heat of the GCBPT, which takes place in Gala’s Harbourside Casino, Bristol from 18th- 22nd June 2008. You can sign up at www.gcbpokertour.com.

Aptly dubbed “the people’s poker tour”, players of all ability are welcome to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of the event. John Birmingham of Gala’s Casinos says: “This really is the people’s poker tour and we run games for less experienced players as well as the pros."

1. Rupinder Bedi, £27,000 Plus Grand Final bonus seat
2. James Keys, £22,000 Plus Bristol GCBPPT Main Event seat
3. Luong-Huu Bui, £17,000 Plus Bristol GCBPPT Main Event seat
4. Thomas Rutter, £12,500
5. Dave Maudlin, £6,000
6. Richard Howe, £5,000
7. Daniel Byrom, £4,200
8. Steve Milton, £3,500
9. Gordon McCarthy, £3,000