William Glenn is no stranger to the Poker table. His deep love and appreciation of the game was passed down from his father, a military man, and Glenn’s passion for the game continues to this day. He is the proud recipient of a seat at the World Tournament in Las Vegas.

“There’s around 30 of us going. We had to win a seat at the World Tournament by playing at the amateur level and working our way up,” Glenn said.

Glenn has been playing Poker since he was 11-years-old. In his youth, friends of his parents’ would host Poker games at their homes, and Glenn soaked up the knowledge and love of the game.

“Poker is the new Bingo. We don’t play for money at our tournaments. But we do play for the love of the game. We play for points. We don’t cut anyone any slack. We’ve got every kind of character at our tables. We’ve got people from zero income to millionaires. We are all equals on the table. What other sport can bring that kind of diversity to the arena?” Glenn said.

Glenn has never been to the World’s competition, but this year, he will have an opportunity to be named the top Amateur Poker Player of the World.

“Both my wife and mother are going to be going with me. The seat is $15,000 and the price goes up every year. The organization pays for your hotel and everything. I’m really looking forward to this,” Glenn said.

The World Poker Tournament Amateur Championship will be held at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas in summer of 2011.

“All of the greats will be there. There are so many interesting characters there that it is better than a spy novel. Learn how to play Poker and then tell me that there is no skill involved. It is a sport, for sure.”

Glenn plays Poker at numerous venues during the week. All venues are 100 percent legal and sanctioned by the WPT Amateur Poker League. The players do not play for money, but rather they learn knowledge of how to play the game, and perfect their skill.

“If people knew about this, I know they would get involved,” Glenn said. “We play for free at Spotlight Theaters in Greensboro, Jackson’s on Sinclair in Milledgeville, Cowboy Bill’s in Milledgeville, as well as The 5 O’Clock in Covington, Marshall’s in Conyers and we also play in Peachtree City. You can play for free and it is just a great time,” Glenn said.

The games are offered twice a night, with the first table beginning at 6 p.m. and the second game at 9 p.m. For more information on how to win a seat at the World Tournament and a chance to win $160,000 in cash and prizes, or to get involved in the free Poker games, call Frank Hustek at (706) 461- 2201. For more information about the World’s Competition, log on to www.wptapl.com.