PCA: The Ultimate Poker Adventure in the Bahamas

The Poker Caribbean Adventure (PCA) tournament series has been a staple in the poker world since its inception in 2004. Originally part of the World Poker Tour (WPT) schedule, the first PCA event was held on a cruise ship, with players visiting multiple destinations including Miami, Florida, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands over seven days. The main event was won by Gus Hansen, who defeated 220 opponents, including Daniel Negreanu, and took home $455,780.

In 2005, the PCA tournament moved to Paradise Island, Bahamas, and has been held at the Atlantis resort ever since. The Atlantis resort offers a variety of accommodations, from the luxurious Royal Towers and The Cove to the more affordable Beach Tower and Coral Towers. The resort is known for its wide range of water-based activities, including swimming with dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Food is not an issue, with over 40 restaurants on the premises, although January is peak season and long lines are common.

Over the years, the PCA tournament series has seen a significant increase in participants. In 2011, over 8,000 players participated in the series, with a total prize pool exceeding $32,000,000. The series includes a variety of events, including a super high roller tournament with a $100,000 buy-in, and a high roller tournament with a $25,000 buy-in. The final tables of the main event and the high roller tournament will be broadcast on PokerStars.tv with a 40-minute delay. Despite its success, the PCA tournament series has faced criticism from players regarding the service staff at the Atlantis resort and the policy prohibiting food in the poker room. Some players have expressed dissatisfaction with the service staff, while others have noted that the policy prohibiting food in the poker room is a major inconvenience. The tournament series also offers daily cash games and single-table tournaments, with a variety of stakes available.