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WSOP

The 362 players who took part in the inaugural WSOPE main event in London were considerably fewer than the number expected by event organisers, but it was still the biggest prize pool in British poker history. The ?10,000 buy-in event was historic for more than one reason, as the winner was not only the first female victor in a WSOP main event, but also the youngest winner by far, at 18-years and 364 days.

Many of the top pros were in attendance, including former World Champions Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson,Phil Hellmuth, Jamie Gold, Noel Furlong, Greg Raymer, Johnny Chan and Scotty Nguyen. Gus Hansen, Daniel Negreanu, Erick Lindgren, Roland de Wolfe, Marcel Luske, Devilfish, and many other top pros were also there, however none of the big stars were still in contention by the time the final table was reached. It was also surprising that despite the large number of North American players who had made the journey over, all three of the bracelets went to European players. There were clearly some logistical problems with holding the first two starting days in three different casino locations. At one of the venues viewing was severely restricted and at another no spectators were even permitted to enter the building. However at the Empire casino, where the side events and the latter stages of the main event were held, some of the tables were housed in the main cardroom and the rest were dotted around the main casino floor in any available space they could find.

The four tables on the balcony overlooking the main gaming floor was a site to behold: The cr?me de la cr?me of the world’s poker players interspersed with online qualifiers from Betfair, the site sponsoring the event. Dozens of spectators crowded these four tables in order to catch a glimpse of their favourite players, adding to the excited atmosphere at the UK’s glitziest casino. However, for the final few daysthis fantastic spectacle was no more as most of the remaining play was confined to the rather claustrophobic 9-table card room well away from the main floor, where spectator access was very limited.

Back on the balcony, the four tables that had been used for the tournament was turned into an impromptu cash game area and at one point there were over 30 people crowded round watching the solitary game in progress. I spotted a friend seated at this table and leaned over to inquire as to what was being played. I had presumed, given the large audience that it had attracted, that it must have been a really big game with lots of star players taking part. Yet, none of the big guns were there and I was somewhat surprised when my friend leaned away from the table and informed me it was a ?1-?2 ($2-$4) no-limit hold’em game.

I nearly choked. I wondered if those in the crowd were actually aware of what they were watching-did they think this was the main event? There were huge billboards outside the casino encouraging people to come in and witness the spectacle of the WSOP and some of the greatest players ever assembled. Yet the majority of the players in the main event were tucked away in an airless room with very little room for anyone to watch. For many who were just passing by and fancied a peek at the greatest poker show on earth, this ?1-?2 cash game was all they got to see.

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