We've been around the world covering poker tournaments for most of the last five years, and we've only seen one things that motivates people as much as money: national pride.

Most poker tournaments begin as an every-man-for-himself affair, but at the end, huge groups of people form around their countrymen, flags waving, and throats a-screaming. It's usually a pretty remarkable sight.

Now, it's time for the sixth generation of the poker tournament that made national pride part of the prize pool. PokerStars' World Cup of Poker VI begins next week and everyone in the world has a chance to represent their country at the live finals in the Bahamas.

It's been a little more than eight months since the World Cup of Poker crowned its fifth champion. Team Germany took the title in the live finals back in January. Now that team and 53 other teams have their chance to fight for World Cup title.

Team Germany celebrates its World Cup of Poker V title

For those of you who have never taken part in a World Cup event, here's a brief overview of how it works.

In Stage 1, players fight for a chance to play on their country's team. After that, Stage 2 will pit the countries against each other. The top nine teams that come out of Stage 2 will make it to the live finals during the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in January.

For a look at what it's like to win, check out the video of Germany's victory below.

Stage 1 action begins on August 20. For full information on the World Cup of Poker VI, see any of the links below. Good luck to all the players and teams in this year's competition.

World Cup of Poker VI information
World Cup of Poker VI schedule
World Cup of Poker FAQ