League poker is all the rage right now. It’s all about the thrill of pitting yourself against other players over the long term, throw in the camaradie and bragging rights that sustained success brings, and you’ve got a winning formula.

It’s no great surprise to us, afterall, the world famous PokerPlayer Grand Prix is gearing up for its third running as we speak. And there are more and more options for this format of poker.

The Great Poker League is the biggest and best multi-room league on the web with a $50,000 dollar prize pool and free membership.

Based in the UK the League allows players to sign up with different partner poker providers and then transfer points across to the league.

This brand poker of must be working too, as the GPL have announced that Ed Giddins will be leading the recently formed 'Team GPL' into some prestigious Poker events in 2007.

Ed will be joining GPL marketing director Colin Hawker and a top-ranking payer in the GPL annual league. At this time, it looks like a two horse race for the sponsorship contract and the $3,000 first prize between long time leader 'JonesyFish' and the ever chasing 'dumpapp'.

Ed is no stranger to the poker scene. He has had some fantastic results in notable tournaments, and has a terrific record at online poker. In recent times he has worked as a commentator on some of the poker channels, but in the UK he is better known for playing international cricket for England.

Ed played four test matches for England and also played county cricket for Sussex, Surrey and Warwickshire. After his cricketing career ended in a somewhat controversial fashion, Ed turned to poker, and he has not looked back.

Colin Hawker had the following to say: "We are thrilled to have Ed on board. As well as being a dam good poker player and a well known face on the circuit, he is also great fun to be with. myself, Ed and the final member of Team GPL are sure to have a lot of fun next year, and fingers crossed, we might even get some results, too."

As well as the opportunity to win your place as the next sponsored player, monthly syndicate games will also be running, where players can compete for the chance to join the team at a monthly event.

Membership to the GPL is free of charge, and definitely worth a look.