Ladbrokes Poker Million VI is one of the richest shootout tournaments in Europe has proven to be one of the most entertaining poker events seen on TV in Europe, and the tournament which has run for the past three months comes to a close on Friday 21st December.

Some of the biggest names in poker including Jon 'Skalie' Kalmer (who made the Main Event final table at this years WSOP), Phil Laak, Roland De Wolfe, Willie Tann, Liz Lieu, World Heads-up champ Jeff 'Jaffacake' Kimber, Patrik Antonius and John Duthie and Roy 'The Boy' Brindley, duly attended their heats at the Sky Studios over the past twelve weeks to compete for their place in the final of Poker Million VI trophy and a bumper first prize payout of $1,000,000.

Laddies, boasting that the $25,000 buy-in makes PMVI the most expensive tournament in Europe, has juiced the pot considerably adding a generous $500,000 to the prize pool, which means the final table alone is worth over $2 million.

First Place $1,000,000
Second Place $500,000
Third place $250,000
Fourth $175,000
Fifth $125,000
Sixth $100,000

The first of the two semi finals shown on Sky Sports 2 on Tuesday (last night) saw Marty Smyth (3/1 to win) comfortably secure his place in the final line-up on Friday. He will be taking his 254,000 chips to the final table as will Julian Gardener (7/2) with 225,000 chips and Liam 'The Gentleman' Flood (7/1) with his 121,000 chips.

After the game, Marty Smyth commented: "The final table is not going to be easy, but I have a decent amount of chips to start me off."

The three winning players saw off the efforts of Laddies online qualifier Ray Vyze, reigning champ Raj Modha (who was the first to go when his pocket Kings were beaten by Julian Gardeners A-6) and Neil Channing. The players that have made it through to the final table are now guaranteed a minimum payout of $100,000.

The second Ladbrokes semi-final which will be shown on Sky Sports 2 on Thursday promises to be just as exciting. The line-up includes Andreas Hoivold (Dortmund EPT winner and third-place finisher in Poker Million V), the mighty Howard Lederer to win, Hendon Mob heavyweight Joe Beevers, online qualifier Ian Cox and Harry Demetriou.

To celebrate the final of what has been a brilliant tournament Ladbrokespoker.com is throwing the poker party of the year at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Over 450 guests including the friends and family of the finalists will be treated to a champagne reception and three course dinner whilst watching the live action from the final table.