It is the news every up and coming female player in Europe has been waiting for – the news that an all female European poker contest is on the cards. The Women's Poker Club will stage their first live tournament in the UK for women only.

Women's Poker Club, which is known by the acronym WPC, is the largest organised international group of women poker players, with well over 3,000 members, they have been in existence for over three years.

WPC is free to join and offers programs catering to all levels of players, from those just learning how to play to women who play professionally or semi-professionally.

It is because of the growing number of members from the United Kingdom, that they are pleased to announce their first live tournament overseas. The WPC UK Showdown will be a No Limit Hold'em tournament, held at Grosvenor Casino in Walsall on June 17, 2006, with a £50 entry fee.

The lucky winner will win her share of the prize pool, plus an additional prize of a WSOP package. Bluesquare will be adding a prize of a seat to the World Series of Poker Ladies event for the champion, including hotel, entry and travel funds.

"Women's Poker Club is very excited to be working with Bluesquare and Grosvenor Casinos on the first WPC tournament in the UK. We welcome and encourage all women players to join the tournament competition, and experience what is guaranteed to be a fabulous time," said Maryann Morrison, founder of Women's' Poker Club.

"The added prize of a trip to the World Series of Poker, is an excellent way to show support to the growing demographic of female poker players in Europe."

Single table satellites will be offered at Grosvenor Casino on the morning of the main tournament, at £5 or £10 entry.

"There are many UK women playing poker online, that would find going to a live game very intimidating. I helped to organise this event so that myself and other UK women would have a welcoming, friendly and fun experience," said Jacky Reynolds, Tournament Coordinator and UK Member of Women's Poker Club.

Dawn Dineen, Tournament Coordinator and WPC member adds: "The time has come for women to step away from their computers and experience the environment of a live casino. The staff of Grosvenor Walsall and BlueSquare have been a pleasure to work with in making this possible, and in showing their support for the growing demographic of women who enjoy poker. All women should look forward to a brilliant weekend of poker!"