Poker has become so popular these days because of the growth of the Internet that there have been quite a few television shows documenting the game. Some of those shows have aired on the NBC Network, ESPN, and GSN. These shows are either fictional poker shows or recordings of some of the most important tournaments played across the world. One of those shows, The National Heads-Up Poker Championship, is taped by NBC for air in April and May. The tournament is in its sixth annual season and is sponsored by the largest Internet domain name registrar and leading Web hosting provider known as GoDaddy.com.

There will be 64 of the world’s best poker players in attendance for this tournament, which takes place at the Caesar’s Palace Poker Tournament Room. The 64 players will compete for $1.5 million in combined prize money in a bracket style head to head format somewhat modeled after college basketball’s tournament. Jon Miller, the Executive Vice President of NBC Sports had the following to say about the return of the tournament to the network:

“We’re excited to bring this annual tradition back to Caesars Palace. The National Heads-Up Poker Championship’s compelling poker action has become a must-see for the casual and hardcore poker fan alike.”

Some of the world’s top poker pros are on tap to appear in this year’s tournament including Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, Joe Cada (who won the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event), Vanessa Rousso and Huckleberry Seed (last year’s Heads-Up finalists). Seed, last year’s champion and only player in history to cash in all five years of the tournament, had this to say:

“It takes a lot of skill and mental toughness to get through a field of such exceptional players. But I look forward to defending my title and trying to win it again.”

Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons added the following:

“This sponsorship works for us, in part, because a good majority of poker players and fans are also Internet users. And of course, it was thrilling to watch some of the most dominant poker stars compete last year in this championship.”

Television personality and model Leeann Tweeden will serve as the sideline reporter and the host while commentary will be provided by Craig Hummer and Ali Nejad. First place will walk home with $500,000 while second place takes home $250,000 after a finals best of three rounds.

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