The 2012 Playground Poker Classic is one of Canada’s largest poker series, spanning over the course of eighteen days from April 27th to May 14th and has been grabbing the attention of poker players all over Canada and the Northeastern United States, not only for the sizable prize pools, but the chance at winning one of two unique championship belts.

The $2000 Main Event and the $10000 High Roller Event winners not only get to walk away with the lion’s share of the prize pool, but they also get to take home the poker world’s first-ever Championship Belt that would put any WWE piece of hardware to shame. The Main Event belt is handmade out of nickel, high grade durable leather, and encrusted with Swarovski Crystals.

This year’s Main Event title was captured by non-other than proud Playground Players Club Member JP Piquette after taking down a total field of 85 players earning him a cool $50000 for his first place finish and the blinged-up belt.

When asked about his new affiliation to Playground Poker Club, Piquette noted ‘I’ve known the owner and employees for years and they’ve always been very professional. Martin Roy does an amazing job tournament after tournament.

The Playground Players Club isn’t only a team of Pros per say, even though there are a few of them. Most of us are just regulars at the club and can give the club some exposure.’

The tournament kicked off on Saturday May 5th and wrapped up in the early hours of Monday May 7th with a total prize pool of $170000. ‘This is the biggest cash finish in my career and almost doubled my $28K cash in the 2010 WSOP’ says Piquette. ‘I can’t tell you how excited I am to be the first ever Playground Poker Classic Belt winner, I mean look at this thing!’

Playground will award fifteen bracelets and two championship belts at this year’s Playground Poker Classic. The next belt, which is said to have even more bling and sex appeal, will be awarded to the winner of the $10000 High Roller Event taking place on Saturday, May 12th.