Invitationals getting tougher

[KenSmith]

A recent trend has developed in invitational tournaments, where players must have a specified amount of rated play during the event to qualify for advancement in the tournament. I first spotted this angle at the Las Vegas Hilton, and now I see it at TI as well.

Here's an example from the upcoming baccarat event at TI. From the fine print on the invitation:

Participants with at least six hours of rated TI casino play and an average bet of $3000 per hand will receive automatic entry into the Semifinals. In order to qualify for the Finals, participants must advance from the Semifinals plus have six hours of rated TI casino play with an average bet of $250 per hand between Thursday and Saturday. Participants who do not meet this minimum criteria will be disqualified from participating in the Finals.