World Poker Exchange and Autumn Light Media have announced a partnership to resurrect the London Open poker tournament for a second annual event.

Thomas Kremser, chief executive of the International Poker Federation is to be tournament director for the glamourous event, which this year will see the staging of a $10 million buy-in tournament.

Mr Kremser said: "I am delighted to be invited in participating in the London Open. Last year, the London Open took Europe by surprise.

"However, the resulting word-of-mouth compliments towards the event among North American and European players alike was very impressive. Therefore, I feel the tournament doubling its player count this year is very likely."

The first World Poker Exchange London Open was a major hit, "offering distinctive lifestyle wrap-around events for its players and their guests".

Bravo TV described it as "the Wimbledon of British poker", as players and guests were rewarded with backstage passes to The Producers and private tours of the palace.

The 2005 event attracted 140 of the world's top poker names, along with a host of celebrities, including Jennifer Tilly, Mimi Rogers and Sex in the City's Willie Garson, all competing for the $2 million prize fund.

But this year the competition is expected to be even fiercer. Online qualifying tournaments for the World Poker Exchange London Open 2006 will be held only at Worldpx.com from this summer, with around 300 players expected to battle it out for the $3 million prize pot.