The teams for the Global Poker Masters are close to completion after the Global Poker Index announces the final four positions for each of the eight qualifying nations.

The Global Poker Index (GPI) has moved a tad closer to their final roster of players, for the forthcoming Global Poker Masters (GPM), after announcing the first four placements from the eight qualifying nations.

There are four changes from the automatic selections. The GPM is going to lose some star power, but the top dogs that are coming in to take their place weigh that up nicely.

“There have been no disappointments.” Said the GPI, CEO, Alex Dreyfus, when questioned about the players that dropped out. “There were some schedule conflicts for them and I wanted players that were keen to commit. Players who were keen to participate, but couldn’t guarantee their attendance had to make way for the player next in line. They understood.”

We were already aware of the biggest omission of the bunch, after Dan Colman signaled his intention not to attend very early in the process. The in-form Bryn Kenney was drafted in to replace the 2014 GPI Player of the Year, and Olivier Busquet, who replaces Pratyush Buddiga, will now join him.

There are also changes in the UK, Canadian and Russian teams. Stephen Chidwick makes way for the European No.1 money earner Sam Trickett, Mike McDonald makes way for the former World Champion, Jonathan Duhamel, and Artem Metalidi moves aside to give Igor Yaroshevsky a berth.

Dreyfus flew out to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) to chat to the players. I asked him what the feedback was like for the GPM. It was great news.