It’s finally that time of the year again. The World Series of Poker Main Event started today from the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino. It’s arguably the most prestigious poker tournament you’ll find, attracting the biggest names in poker, a bevy of celebrities, and international media attention. There have already been players from 104 different countries who have cashed in the 2008 WSOP, meaning that the Main Event will bring in a truly international flavor. As of this afternoon, 1,310 players had signed up for Day 1-A, the first of four starting days for the $10,000 buy-in tournament. Let’s take a look at some of the latest news from inside the Amazon Room.
In 2007, Day 1-A attracted 1,287 players. That number has already been broken, reflecting resurgence in the popularity of poker both in the United States and worldwide. Notable players who have already busted out from the Main Event include Tom Dwan, Full Tilt Poker pro David Benyamine, David “Devilfish” Ulliott, and John Gale. Who is playing on Day 1-A, you ask? At the Rio today, you can follow the progress of poker pros Gavin Smith, Nick Schulman, Lyle Berman, and even actors Mekhi Phifer and Ray Romano. European Poker Tour Monte Carlo Champion Jeff Williams is also playing on Day 1-A. He’s known as “yellowsub” in the online poker world and someone to watch out for at the tables. UltimateBet pro Shawn Rice is also in the mix on Day 1-A. If the field wasn’t scary enough, you can head over to watch Tuan Lam play. Tuan who, you might ask? Lam battled against Jerry Yang heads up last year in the 2007 WSOP Main Event.
Several superstars that have already won bracelets in 2008 are also in attendance, including PokerStars pro Barry Greenstein and Blair Hinkle. The latter, if you’ll remember, is one-half of only the second set of brothers to capture WSOP bracelets. The others: The Pearson brothers, Puggy and J.C. As I write this, Hinkle is in the top ten in chips. Greenstein won his third WSOP bracelet back in Event 26, a $1,500 buy-in Razz tournament.
In other recent tournament play, Matt Graham defeated Jean-Robert Bellande after a lengthy final table to win Event 53, the $1,500 Limit Shootout tournament. Graham is a top online poker pro who has recently found success in the live tournament arena. Event 53 marked his first WSOP bracelet. Bellande was a contestant on Survivor: China and made the jury by virtue of finishing eighth (the CBS television show was won by Todd Herzog). The final table didn’t kick off until 10:00pm because, in a shootout tournament, players don’t advance unless they defeat their entire table. Graham didn’t emerge victorious from his table until 9:00pm, forcing the late start. Play wrapped up around 7:30am PT after a 17 hour day.
Other notable names that cashed in Event 53 included Mike Wattel (26th), Hoyt Corkins (41st), Blair Rodman (56th), and Kevin Song (90th). All are bracelet winners and should make waves in the Main Event.
The Main Event is the 54th tournament of the 55 events that comprise the 2008 World Series of Poker. The Day Twos will start on Tuesday after four Day Ones and a tournament break day. The Main Event will play down to nine finalists on July 14th, each of whom will be given ninth place prize money and an all-expense paid trip back to Sin City in November for the final table. ESPN will begin airing new WSOP episodes starting July 22nd. Check back to MacPoker.net for all of the excitement from the Rio.