Poker Run definitely on; massive support

The 17th edition of the annual Poker Run is being projected to be the biggest one yet; with international competitors already pouring in.

The nautical event will be held on Sunday, May 27.

According to event organiser Nick Willis, boat and poker lovers have been clamouring for the event despite the damage caused to vessels and docks by the 2017 hurricanes.

“I think it is going to be super! The amount of interest — I mean we were walking on Tortola the other day and the number of people tooting their horns and saying ‘when is Poker Run?’ It’s fever-pitched,” he told BVI News on Tuesday.

“So, yes, we are on. It’s going to be a big event and it is going to bring the whole BVI together again. I have a feeling that this is going to be the best one ever.”

Regional and international interest

Willis said the event is garnering interests in the region as well as on the United States mainland.

“We have some from the Miami Boat Club, they are coming down in force. I think they have rented five of Moorings catamarans to stay in. We have sold ten hands to Puerto Rico already and I also know that we have ten guys coming from Turks and Caicos.”

He said organisers have not received any word from the usual competitors in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands and St Maarten. But, Willis said he remains optimistic.

The Stops

The run will officially start at 11am, with the first stop being at Scrub Island.

The second stop will be at Foxy’s Bar and Restaurant on Jost Van Dyke, the third at Pirates Bight on Norman Island, the fourth at the Tortola Pier Park, and the final at Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Participants of the event travel the pre-designated route and select a playing card at each stop until they complete the route at Leverick Bay Resort & Marina on Virgin Gorda.

In the end, participants holding the best poker hand are crowned Poker Run champions.

A large portion of the $250 entry fee will be donated to the Virgin Gorda Charitable Trust.