Match Poker Nations Cup Final Moves Online

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced the International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP) Nations Cup final on May 30 and 31 to be played online.

With travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place worldwide, players from the 14 participating teams – including world champions Ukraine, European champions Spain and Asian champions India – will all play from home.

Special gameplay software will be employed to let players see and communicate with those on their table. In addition, competitors will be permitted to chat with teammates, team captains, managers and other analysts during breaks. Play will be split up into morning and evening/night sessions.

In a statement published by Reuters, IFMP president Patrick Nally said: “All international sports federations are facing enormous challenges due to the pandemic but we are fortunate that, with our gameplay software, we are able to play a ‘live’ event but in individual home locations.

“The social relationships developed through the hosting of our Match Poker events are important to us and we’re looking forward to getting back to live events as soon as practical. “But we will continue to support our international competition schedule in this manner until such times as our ‘sporting family’ can be reunited.”

Match Poker is a unique form of Texas Hold’em poker where players get the same cards in whichever position they are seated at across tables. The idea is that by reducing luck and awarding points for winning hands, the best players and teams are identified over the course of a game.