World Series Of Poker Main Event Begins Today At Rio In Las Vegas

This year's World Series of Poker has had increased participation from last year, good news for tournament organizers. Today, the main event begins, and WSOP officials are hoping that the trend of bigger tournaments continues for one more week.

Today through Thursday, there will be four day ones. The top poker players in the world will be on hand at some point during the four days, with each having their own unique way of making their presence felt in the opening week.

In the past, it has been Phil Hellmuth that has made the biggest splash, with elaborate costumes and hoards of people escorting Hellmuth through the doors of the casino. In recent years, his theatrics have not led to much luck on the tables at the main event.

One player who did have success recently was Phil Ivey. Already considered to be one of the most popular players in the world, Ivey showed why he is also considered one of the best in the world when he advanced all the way to the final table at last year's main event.

Before the main event can begin, there is still a couple of tournaments that are nearing conclusion. All eyes are on the Tournament of Champions, where twenty-seven of the top players in the world entered to win a share of the $1 million prize pool. Only three players are left, with Howard Lederer holding the chip lead with 415,000 chips. Johnny Chan and Huck Seed will be trying to run down Lederer.

After the first four day of the main event, there will be two day twos, Friday and Saturday. Players will take a break on Sunday before coming together a week from Monday. The field will play down to twenty-seven players by July 16th, and the final table will be set on July 17th. Once the final table is set, play will be halted until November.

July 5, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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