A star-studded field of 105 of the planet’s top players entered the first event at the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe Presented by Betfair.com, staged at The Casino at The Empire, London Clubs International’s newest casino in Leicester Square.

Play began at 2pm with a three-day, £2,500 HORSE tournament. Many of the world’s highest-ranked professionals entered, including poker legends Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth Jr. Play continues through 16 September, with £5,000 Pot Limit Omaha and £10,000 No Limit Hold'em events commencing later this week.

Much of the intrigue centers around whether the visiting American superstars can win the first-ever World Series of Poker championship contested outside Las Vegas.