Poker News

Jonathan Raab

It’s getting to that time of year when Vegas is invaded by poker players from all over the World. While the majority of players are from the US, the contingent of European players making the pilgrimage over the Atlantic seems to be growing. While most readers will be familiar with players such as Dave “Devilfish’ Ulliotand Flying Dutchman Marcel Luske, there are several more European players who the best from the US should at least be wary of. Here is a quick who’s who guide to some of the British players to watch out for at this year’s WSOP.

Dave Colclough - One of the UK’s most successful players in recent years, Dave has made several WSOP final tables and is widely considered to be Britain’s best PLO player. He recently hit form again when winning Leg 4 of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour and a first prize of almost ?100,000 ($200,000).

Praz Bansi - This young Londoner made waves in Vegas last year where he not only won a bracelet in one of the $1,000 NL events, but also won or chopped three $1,000 Bellagio tournaments in a row. He has continued his winning ways in England during the last twelve months and recently cashed in the $25,000 WPT Championship.

JP Kelly - This 21-year old poker prodigy will be there for his first series. He has won several European ranking events over the last two years and on his first visit to Vegas earlier this year, he made the final table of a WSOP Circuit side event.

Nick Gibson - Having gone deep in the 2005 Main event, this popular British pro has spent much of the last six months in Vegas. Although unsuccessful so far, it has been good preparation for what he hopes will be a fruitful series.

Stuart Fox - Twice a WSOP finalist in 2006, this popular youngster from Birmingham is expected to shine once again.

Keith “The Camel’ Hawkins - This online heads up legend is also one of the UK’s best prospects for bringing home some jewellery. Having been near the top of the European rankings for several years, live poker has taken a backseat to fatherhood for Keith over the last year or so, but this has not dented his will to win and it would not surprise to see him go deep in several events this year.

Mickey Wernick - The 2005 European number one has been coming to the World Series for over 20 years. During this time he has made several final tables and just narrowly missed winning bracelets on more than one occasion. Now in his early sixties and likely to go deep in every tournament he plays.

Paul Foltyn - Finalist in last year’s short handed event, Paul is a calm and collected player who having honed his game online, has proven he has the live game to go with it and must be respected, especially in six handed games.

Ben Grundy - Known as “The Milky Bar Kid’ for his youthful looks, this 29-year old made went deep in the EPT Grand Finals in 2005 and 2006. Although most of his time is spent playing in high stakes online cash games, he is certainly one to watch when he plays live. There are many more of my compatriots who have the potential to do well at this year’s Series, so if you hear a distinctly British accent at the tables, be careful, or you might get stacked.

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