It’s been an epic run for Viktor Isildur1Blom (pictured), a sponsored pro of Full Tilt Poker, in 2013. He is up over $5 million on Full Tilt since the site’s re-launch in November and is quickly closing in on $6 million.

While a chunk of the poker world is camped out in the Bahamas for the PokerStarsCaribbean Adventure, whose Main Event concludes on Sunday, Blom stayed behind, racking up millions of dollars in online earnings and standing pat until the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, which films later this month at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

The list of participants for the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, which airs on NBC, has been slowly leaking over the last few days. Blom was among those Tweeting that he would be part of the field: “I will play NBC Heads Up in Vegas this month. Playing heads up very well right now.” Blom made his long awaited World Series of Poker debut last year and cashed twice for a total of $107,000.

PokerNews published a list of Tweets from players announcing their invites to the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, including Yevgeniy Jovial Gent Timoshenko, whose resume includes a win in the 2009 World Poker Tour Championship for $2.1 million. Timoshenko Tweeted, “Skipping #PCA for the first time in 4 years. Making my live poker debut with the NBC HU this month. GL to my friends in the Bahamas!” According to the Hendon Mob, Timoshenko has $4.5 million in career live cashes and four major tournament titles.

Also playing in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship is Greg Raymer, the 2004 WSOP Main Event champion. Raymer, who dominated the Heartland Poker Tour last year by winning four tournaments and becoming its all-time money leader, will now put his heads-up skills to the test in Las Vegas. Raymer Tweeted, “Great visit to KC with family for Xmas. Now heading home to Raleigh. Next poker trip might not be til NBC HU end of Jan.”

Others Tweeting about the made-for-TV tournament included British pro Sam Trickett, who said he would not be able to make it out for this year’s running: “Gutted I can’t play the NBC Heads Up! I will have to try and win the High Roller tourneys at the Aussie Millions instead!”

PokerNews’ Chad Holloway spoke to Season IX WPT Player of the Year Andy Frankenberger, who is gearing up for the tournament: “Talked to @AMFrankenberger last night. He’s excited to play his first NBC Heads-Up National Championship. He beat Ivey heads up remember.”

Longtime PocketFives member Jason treysfull21Mercier (pictured) also Tweeted that he would be involved in the festivities this time around: “Having a blast at PCA. Can’t wait to play NBC Heads Up and then Aussie Millions right after! 2013 gonna be a big year.” Also talking about the event was fellow PocketFiver Faraz The-Toilet Jaka, who was “selling a package for 25k PCA + 25k Aussie High Roller and 25k NBC Heads Up.” No word if Jaka had gotten any takers.

NBC will carry the tournament starting March 14, although its first three weekly installments will air on the NBC Sports Network. Then, the April 6, 13, and 20 episodes will be seen on NBC. The field will once again number 64, although no official entrant list has been announced.

The National Heads-Up Poker Championship did not run in 2012 in the aftermath of Black Friday, but returns this year after a one-year hiatus. Here is the full television schedule for the bracket-style tournament. All times are Eastern:

March 14 at 9:00pm – NBC Sports Network
March 21 at 9:00pm – NBC Sports Network
March 28 at 9:00pm – NBC Sports Network
April 6 at 1:00pm – NBC
April 13 at 1:00pm – NBC
April 20 at 1:00pm – NBC

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