It’s footy World Cup year and nationalistic sporting fervour is on the agenda, and it's no different in the world of poker.

As the Ronaldinhos, Beckhams, Henrys and Drogbas of the roundball game prepare for the off in Germany in June, the Poker Nations Cup is already underway in the UK on Channel 4.

Beginning Tuesday March 14 and running through till Friday April 7, the 888.com Poker Nations Cup features the best players from Europe and the USA battling it out on the baize.

Teams from Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the USA are battling it out for the £100,000 first prize, with the grand final to be held in Cardiff, Wales.