In an effort to bridge the gap between online poker and the live realm we, at 888poker, have entered into some high-profile partnerships in recent months. Furthering that mission, we're proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Poker Event & the Swedish Poker Federation (SPF) for the 2016/17 Online Swedish Poker Championships.
 
This year's Championship Series will kick off on Tuesday, May 24 and feature two events per day leading up to the Main Event, which will take place on Sunday, May 29 and award the winner a ticket to the Poker Championship Online (PSMO) live event in Malta.
 
“I’m very excited that 888poker is becoming our partner for the coming two years," said Poker Event CEO Mauritz Altikardes. "I believe that this is exactly what the SPF needs, a committed partner that wants to support the online community and grow with it.”
Joining forces with Poker Event and the SPF is the latest in a series of strategic partnerships that include uniting with Aspers London for Season 2 of our popular 888Live Local Series, becoming an official sponsor of the 2016 World Series of Poker, and entering into a strategic partnership with the Russian Poker Tour (RPT).
 
The latest partnership is of particular interest to the Swedish poker community including 888 pro.
 
“I am looking forward to the championship and very pleased that 888poker is such a central part of it. I’ve been playing online poker almost exclusively with 888poker for the past two years, and I can honestly say that 888poker tournaments are advancing impressively and are attracting some of the best Swedish MTT players on a regular basis. As a Swede and ambassador for 888poker, I think it’s great that we expand even more in my home country.”
 
Likewise, other Swedish players and personalities weighed in on the partnerships:
 
- Robin Ylitalo, 2013 European Poker Tour London champ who plays as "inho" on 888poker: "It's always nice to win titles, and especially Swedish Championship ones," said Ylitalo. "888poker have done a great job with their poker client last year and have put in a lot of great tournaments for our daily schedule, so I have faith in them doing a good job here."
 
- Andreas "Kurdedersim" Samuelsson, former #1 at PocketFives: "I think it's great that 888poker are offering great tournaments for Swedish players now when other sites are increasing rake and withdrawing the benefits of their high-volume players. The Swedish Poker Championships is gonna be epic."
 
Erik Rosenberg, head of content Poker.se: "It was a great relief hearing that this year the online championships made a partnership with 888poker; in my opinion the best online site on the market today. I think this will be a new start for the Swedish Championships, and I am looking forward to it. I am glad that 888poker are working to position themselves more in Sweden. They are really good at listening to and understanding the players, and feels like a site that takes part in improving the online market for the best of the whole poker community; no matter what level you're playing at."
 
For more information on the 888poker partnership with Poker Event & Swedish Poker Federation, visit pokersm.com.
Chad Holloway is a 2013 WSOP Bracelet winner who has previously worked for PokerNews as a managing editor and live reporter