IFP celebrates ground breaking year at Las Vegas Congress

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Member countries of the International Federation of Poker, spanning three continents, made their way to Las Vegas last week, the spiritual home of poker, for the second annual Congress at the Palms Hotel.

As poker players from around the world descended on the city ahead of the $10,000 main event IFP members met in the air conditioned corridors of the Palms as the sun reached 100 degrees outside.

IFP President Anthony Holden gave the welcome address to delegates, highlighting the achievements of a busy first year, notably the rapid increase in membership and the recognition by the International Mind Sport Association made in Dubai, in April, that poker was indeed a Mind Sport.

The Congress also proved an valuable opportunity to look ahead to the next year which will feature six IFP member nations sending teams to China in 2011 for the first World Mind Games organised by SportAccord. IFP membership of SportAccord is still pending, but it should be secured before the IFP’s next Congress.

Pivotal to that progress over the next 12 months is the issue of a US member Federation. As reported in discussions, progress to create the federation continues, along with those applications from various other countries.

Also attending the Congress was marketing partner Patrick Nally. He outlined plans for the sponsorship and marketing of IFP tournaments, both national and international, which should be up and running next year.

These are exciting times for the IFP and for poker with more members due to be announced over the coming months.  Follow all the IFP news, including that of the member nations, right here on the IFP website.