2008 World Series of Poker

Event 27 - $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em
Day: 1
123
Event Info
2008 World Series of Poker
Final Results
Winner
Winning Hand
aj
Prize
$628,417
Event Info
Buy-in
$1,500
Prize Pool
$3,693,690
Entries
2,706
Level Info
Level
28
Blinds
60,000 / 120,000
Ante
15,000
Players Left 1 / 2,706

Main Event for the Average Joe

The feeling around the room today is tense. The Rio is practically filled to capacity with players, stretching from the Amazon Room all the way to Búzios Seafood Restaurant. One would think it's just another day at the World Series of Poker, but the atmosphere here today has a championship feel to it.

Finding a recognizable face amidst this massive field is kind of like turning the pages of a Where's Waldo book. They're here -- just really tough to find.

On the flip side, the amateurs have come out in full force many of them playing in their first-ever World Series of Poker event. For these guys, it's not just another buy-in -- it's their Main Event and they're certainly treating it that way. There's hardly any laughter, only a few smiles, minimal friendly chatter, and a whole lot of serious faces, all focused on one common goal: winning a coveted World Series of Poker gold bracelet.