“The Epic Poker League is designed to celebrate the game of poker as played by the world’s best live tournament poker professionals . . . our aim is to grow and protect the integrity of tournament poker; promote a sense of respect and courtesy towards each other, our fans and colleagues; and collaborate to help bring increased professionalism to the game of poker.”

There are many differences between the Epic Poker League (EPL) and every other tournament series in the business.

First of all, playing in the main event is an invitation that must be earned. As the Federated Sports and Gaming website explains:

“Qualification for the new professional poker league is based on a player’s performance in qualifying tournaments and measured by a combination of adjusted lifetime earnings; number of major poker titles won; adjusted earnings since January 1, 2008; and, the adjusted number of cashes since January 1, 2008.”

The requirements to play the main event are further broken down into tiers, with the most elite players earning a 5-year EPL card. Qualifying for this top echelon is an award in it of itself, as one must have at least $4 million in adjusted lifetime earnings and three major lifetime wins, among other criteria.

Over 250 players met the qualifications for the first main event, with 9 players qualifying through preliminary satellite events. Of these players, eight are women. This includes Maven Award winners: Jennifer Harman, Annette Obrestad, Vanessa Rousso, and Vanessa Selbst. Annie Duke, Kathy Liebert, Joanne (J.J.) Liu, and Sandra Naujoks also met the impressive standards to qualify.

Some people were initially perplexed as to why anyone but the most gambling-happy poker players would want to fork over $20k to battle it out with such a tough field of competitors. This is another area where Federated Sports and Gaming have made their league stand apart—unlike the WSOP and other high buy-in tournament series, the Epic Poker League’s Main Event is rake-free. And in case eliminating the rake was not enticing enough, $400k is being added to the prize pool. A rake-less tournament with a guaranteed overlay is more than enough to attract the players.

But the high standard for qualifying to play in the main event is far from the only distinguishing feature of the EPL. The raised-bar for professionalism extends to a dress code that has surprised many of the players.  Some poker players are used to playing poker in flip-flops and ragged hoodies. The EPL stipulates that casual open-toed footwear is not permitted, and is causing some players to up not only their poker game, but also their wardrobe.

As five-year EPL card-qualified Vanessa Selbst attested to on twitter, the rules have forced some change, “I'm at the fashion show trying on shoes so I can meet @epicpokerleague's rigorous dress code requirements.”

While the dress code may surprise some players, it will also likely contribute to enhancing the professional appearance of poker.  This may help in the pursuit to legitimize the sport. One has to imagine that viewing the league on CBS later this year will be more pleasant as a result.

Raising money for charity is another important aim of the EPL. Annie Duke, who raised the most money of any contestant in the second season of Celebrity Apprentice, has also hosted numerous charity tournaments throughout her career. It should come as no surprise that the first EPL Charity Tournament was a success. $50,000 was raised for Operation USA - a fund that will help the tornado victims of Joplin, Missouri. The next charity tournament is scheduled for early next month, and will benefit Fallen Heroes USA.

Another way in which the Epic Poker League is distinguishing itself as the gold-standard among tournaments is with its experienced media team. Headed by Michael Craig, author of The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King: Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time, a few of the noteworthy writers include Woman Poker Player contributor Jennifer Newell, as well as Allen Rash, Shane Schleger, and Jessica Welman. On the EPL website, Newell’s “Know the Pro” series dares to shatter the traditional mold for interviewing an elite poker pro; her quirky talk with Jimmy Fricke about his dog is particularly entertaining.

Despite the massive challenges that creating a new tournament series must present (particularly after Black Friday), one can be hopeful about the Epic Poker League’s continued success. Amateurs and professional players alike can appreciate the work that Federated Sports and Gaming are doing to insert more class into the game we all love.

The less that poker is thought of as taboo gambling, the closer it comes to full-fledged national acceptance— which would truly be epic for all of us.

Editor's Note:  At the time of publishing, 18 players remain in the EPL main event with Sam Trickett in the lead going into day 3. The winner will receive one million dollars.