IT'S SHOWTIME.........

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a world-renowned series of poker tournaments held annually in Las Vegas. The first WSOP in 1970 was an invitational wherein Benny Binion invited six of the best known poker players to the Horseshoe Casino.
At first, the WSOP grew slowly. It was twelve years before the WSOP drew 52 participants, in 1982.
In the early 1980s, satellite tournaments were introduced, allowing people to win their way into the various events. By 1987, there were over 2,100 entrants in the entire series. Participation in the Main Event peaked in 2006, with a staggering 8,773 players competing.

The 2010 World Series of Poker will be held at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, starting on May 27 through July 17, with the final table of the Main Event returning on November 6 and playing through November 9.

This much talked about main event has been won by some very famous poker names over the years.
The Godfather of Poker, Doyle Brunson known as Texas Dolly, won it twice back in the 1970s and his winning hand consisted of a ten and a deuce (2) on both occasions. Doyle still plays today and is one of the most respected names on the circuit.
Other players who triumphed include three time winner Stu Ungar. Ungar's third and final success arrived just a year before his untimely death at just 45. Many consider Ungar to be the greatest player.
Phil Hellmuth was one of the most colourful winners. He was the youngest winner at the time back in 1989 at just 24, until that was broken by Denmark's Peter Eastgate in 2008. Eastgate was 22 and barely looked old enough to have left high school. Hellmuth, is known for his temperamental poker brat personality, but his record speaks for itself within the game.
Another victor came in Dan Harrington who is well known for his worldwide poker books on Texas Holdem and cash games. Most poker efficiandos recommend these books for those looking to enhance and improve their skills. Harrington won the main event in 1995 and is known for being a very patient player.
For those that are seeking inspiration then 2003 was also a significant year. The appropriately named Chris Moneymaker worked as an accountant and qualified via a satellite event for just a handful of dollars before going on to scoop the title and a cheque worth 2.5 million dollars. A real fairytale story.
Joe Hachem became the first Australian to win the title in 2005 and pocketed 7.5 million dollars in the process, but that was eclipsed in 2006 by TV producer Jamie Gold who landed a staggering 12 million dollars, That is still the biggest payday in the main event.
Joe Cada is the current holder of the title having won at the age of just 21. Having seen off another huge field it was left to his pocket nines to beat off rival Darvin Moon's queen and jack of diamonds to claim the first prize of eight and a half million dollars.

So, what about 2010.
Personally, I would love to see another online qualifier live the dream and win. It is a lottery with so many players and as much as skill plays a part you will need more than your fair share of lady luck.
Out of those who are well known in the world of Texas Holdem no limit poker it would be great to see Canada's Daniel Negreanu do well. Negreanu is known for his chatty image around the table and he is a great reader of the game. Certainly, one of the most popular poker personalities he is right up there with the best players in the world.
And the fearless Phil Ivey can boast four top 25 finishes in the WSOP since 2002. He has also amassed more tournament winnings than anyone else and finished 7th last year.
One UK face to keep an eye on is James Akenhead. The 27 year old Londoner has really emerged on the scene following a highly successful 2009.
Final table appearances in the WSOP main event and the WSOP Europe added to his already growing reputation. Then to cap off a remarkable year he won the Poker Million in London. He has impressed me with his considered decisions and he never appears to be flustered at the table.

 Other names to look out for include Allen Cunningham and Tom Dwan.
Cunningham has a very measured approach at the table, whereas Dwan tends to play more hands and has a reputation of being fearless.

Just a few names to keep an eye on. For all the updates then follow this link to the official website at www.wsop.com.