- A number of international pros are expected when Calgary hosts the 2008 Canadian open poker championship from March 5-9.

Organizers say the winner of the 128-player main event will walk away with more than $200,000, with $100,000 going to the runner-up.

Kelly Kellner of HeadsUp Entertainment expects a number of high rollers at the championship because of the strong Canadian dollar and the fact the prize pool is tax-free.

About three-quarters of the participants, however, will still come from walk-up contestants, who have the $5,000 required as a buy-in or from tournaments in casinos across the country. Read more