Big poker prizepool comes to Auckland

New Zealand's top card sharks will migrate to Auckland's Sky City casino next week with the aim of being crowned Waitangi Deep Stack Champion. Photo / Thinkstock.

New Zealand's top card sharks will migrate to Auckland's Sky City casino this week with the aim of being crowned Waitangi Deep Stack Champion.

The Sky City tournament series starts on Monday and includes four side events, satellite tournaments (ranging from $20-$350 buy in) and a $1,500 buy-in Main Event.

Last year's Auckland Anniversary Series Main Event attracted 129 entrants and Aucklander Ben Rendall walked away with the first place prize of $38,000.

Sky City are expecting a similar turn-out this year.

Waitangi Deep Stack schedule:
(Satellite tournaments are running every day)

Event 1: $350 NLH Accumulator
Event 2: $350 Pot Limit Omaha
Event 3: $350 NLH Deep Stack Hold'em
Event 4: $350 NLH with $200 Bounties
Event 5 $1500 NLH Main Event

Click here for full schedule.

Last year's Auckland Anniversary Main Event payouts:
1) Ben RENDELL (Auckland) $38,460
2) Brett UNKOVICH (Auckland) $25280
3) Ace KING (Auckland) $15220
4) Simon WATT (Auckland) $12380
5) Steve SMITH (Rotorua) $9800
6) Matt CARTER (Auckland) $6320
7) William ROGERS (Auckland) $5160
8) Colin GERBES (Hastings) $4520
9) Anthony YALDEN (Hastings) $3740
10) Alicia SALE (Auckland) $3350
11) Ray WALKER (Rotorua) $2580
12) Shane CHING (Auckland) $2190