The PartyPoker.com European Open IV kicks off on February 1 with its strongest field to date – led by 11-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth.

This year’s tournament sees the buy-in rise to $7,000 – creating a $504,000 prize fund that some of the biggest names in poker have their eye on.

Hellmuth will face tough competition from last year’s winner Liam Flood, Premier League title holder Juha Helppi, UK Open Champion Andrew Feldman and recent Irish Poker Championship runner-up Michael McCool. Other familiar names in the 72-strong field include Roland de Wolfe, Roy Brindley, Ian Frazer, Ian Cox, Robin Keston, Neil Channing and Surinder Sunar.

The winner of each of the 12 heats will progress to the semi-final stage and for the first time in the event's history, the runners-up will battle it out for the remaining two semi-final spots in the “last chance” turbo heats.

Head of Online Gaming at Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn is looking forward to seeing the big names squaring up. “We are delighted with the field we have assembled for the European Open IV. The inclusion of Phil Hellmuth will certainly spice things up but we have a host of UK talent standing in his way and you can be sure that “The Gentleman” Liam Flood won’t give up his crown without a fight.”

The PartyPoker.com European Open IV takes place on February 1 to February 8 and will be broadcast on Channel Five later in the year.