World Cup of Poker 2006

What is the PokerStars World Cup of Poker?

The PokerStars World Cup of Poker is a worldwide competition between national teams of poker players that pits team vs. team and country vs. country, players from all around the world competing with national pride, bragging rights, and $200,000 cash on the line.

It begins online at PokerStars.com, where 46 five-player teams from 39 countries are first formed, and then divided into eight regional groups to compete in heads-up no-limit hold'em matches.

The eight remaining teams will receive all-expenses-paid trips to play live in Barcelona, Spain. There, the teams will compete in a televised tournament to determine the 2006 PokerStars World Cup of Poker Champion. To learn how you can qualify to represent your country, visit the World Cup of Poker Qualifying Information page.

Team Costa Rica: Two-Time Champions

Most people will agree that the United States is the center of the poker universe, but for the past two years, Team Costa Rica has risen through the ranks of the World Cup of Poker and won the championship. After storming onto the world stage in 2004 and capturing the first PokerStars World Cup of Poker championship, Team Costa Rica came back and did it again in 2005.

Now, it's time to see which of the world's teams can rise to the occasion in 2006. The 2005 World Cup of Poker battle to get to the finals was grueling. It promises to be just as tough in 2006. Do you think your country has the skill to make it all the way to Barcelona?

PokerStars World Cup of Poker Coverage

Be sure to watch the PokerStars Blog for coverage of the 2006 World Cup of Poker. If you'd like to see what last year's championship event looked like, visit the 2005 World Cup of Poker Final report.

If you have any questions about the 2006 World Cup of Poker, feel free to e-mail us at wcp@pokerstars.com.