The WSOP has begun

News / nono / 30 May 2008 / Leave a comment

The World Series of Poker (presented by Milwaukee's Best Light) officially started last week and is set to be the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world this year.

Facts and figures
• 55 bracelets are up for grabs over 47 days with an estimated prize pool of $175 million up for grabs.
• 50,000 people will play in events from 90 different countries
• Buy-ins range from $1,000 - $50,000 (Main Event = $10,000)
• Event One was the $10,000 Pot Limit Holdem Event which was won by Nenad Medic (Full Tilt sponsored) who beat Andy Bloch on his birthday taking home $794,112 !
• The first final table consisted of some of the biggest names in poker including Mike Sexton (TV presenter for the Tour), Phil Laak, Kathy Liebert (PokerStars) and Patrik Anonious (Full Tilt)
• Event Two attracted over 3,500 poker enthusiasts - the most ever players entered into any tournament outside of the WSOP Main Event = 4th largest poker event of all time !

The Big Questions
• The final of the Main Event is being delayed by 117 days - will this be a good or bad thing ?
• Rio have made some changes to the structure got rid of the famous tent / marquee they used last year - have they re-organized the event better this year?
• An amateur has won the Main Event for the last five years - will it be the same this year?
• Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan both have 10 bracelets each while Phil Hellmuth has 11 - can they catch up?
• Will any of the Betfair sponsored players win a bracelet?

How to stay up to date
• Check back here for regular updates.