The Great British Poker Tour - re-branded as the Gala Casinos British Poker Tour - is back for a second exciting season giving players of all abilities the chance to win a slice of the £1 million+ prize pool and the opportunity to be crowned Gala Casinos British Poker Champion 2008. And you can qualify for a seat on the tour for free with www.galapoker.co.uk.

The Midlands leg of the Gala Casinos British Poker Tour (GCBPT) saw Rupinder “George” Bedi, a 27 year old bank worker from Leicester claim the first prize of £27,000.

With over 500 runners across the festival, the highest ever number the tour has seen to date and a prize fund of £161,000, competition at the Gala Casino on Maid Marian Way, Nottingham was fierce. However, due to a good blind structure and a highly patient game, Bedi was able to play “his best poker” and walk away triumphant.

Bedi said: “It feels brilliant, I feel great, it’s not just the money, it’s everything else, the trophy, the trip to Bristol and, of course, the bragging rights!”

Bedi was especially proud to win as his friends - and fellow players from “the best home game in Leicester” - were there to support him all the way. In fact, one of Bedi’s supporters, Satish Ry, won the concurrent £50 rebuy event.

Bedi added: “There was a great atmosphere; I’ve got to know some really nice people. What really helped though was having my boys here to cheer me on and give me advice and support - so thanks, boys!”

The runner up prize of £22,000 went to James Keys, a 22 year old professional poker player from Bury St-Edmunds in Suffolk. Keys put his success down to “a mixture of luck and judgement.”

Keys said: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s fantastic. I haven’t cashed in a live tourney recently, so it’s a great vindication.

“There wasn’t as much play heads up as I thought – I went all-in pre-flop and then it was all over quite quickly!”

Further Festivals running throughout the year will be hosted by Gala Casinos in Bristol (18-22 June, and Grand Final 1-7 December); Liverpool (17-21 September) and Teesside (22-26 October). The schedule has been specially designed to ensure there are no clashes with other 2008 poker tournaments.

Qualification for a GCBPT event is very easy and doesn’t cost the earth. You can register and qualify for free now at www.galapoker.co.uk, with at least 30 satellites a week including daily freerolls and weekly finals with four guaranteed packages. In addition, live qualification events are also being held in Gala Casinos across the country, with up to 80 seats up for grabs. There is also limited direct buy-in to the Main Event itself.