Key WSOP changes and players to watch
SO WHAT’S NEW?
1. A reduction in the number of Hold-em events; industry commentators and poker professionals are predicting that with more mixed-game events you will see more big names at the final tables and a higher quality of poker. Let’s hope!
While the Main Event is still THE one to watch, also look for coverage of the $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E. event. (Yes, that is $50 grand buy-in not a typo). This tournament begins on June the 24th and lasts five days. Some consider it to be the real world championship as it combines Hold-em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, as a true test of a players poker skills. …and with that mega buy-in only the best of the best will be in the line up. Last year Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, Andy Bloch and TJ Cloutier made for a great final table.
2. WSOP Organisers plan on holding only three “first days” for the main event instead of the four they staged last year (due to fewer on-line qualifiers as the result the “lack of freedom” in the “land of the free” - ie the legal debarcle regarding US online gambling)
2. Doubling of the number of starting chips in most events, including 20,000 starting chips in the main event.
PLAYERS TO WATCH?
OK - keep your eyes on Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth – tied with 10 gold bracelets a-piece they’re all gunning it to take out an 11th.
We’re also watching Chip Reese. We won’t say “back this bastard” as punting on the winner of a poker tournament is notoriously hard money - but he’s favourite to retain his H.O.R.S.E. title at many bookies.
Joe Hachem and Carlos Mortenson, previous Main Event winners, are both in good form and don’t seem to find a big field too daunting. …And I guess we can’t completely write off Jeff Madsen, the 22-year-old upstart who won two gold bracelets and made two other final tables in his debut last year.
KEY DATES?
The Ladies’ World Championship: three days from June 10th.
World Championship Heads-up: three days from June 19th.
The $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E.: five days from June 24th.
The World Championship Seniors’ event: three days from June 25th.
The $10,000 buy-in main event from July 5th.
>>Check out our June updates - online poker site assessments and reviews, best poker room bonuses compared.
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