"O! Say Can You See"

The presentation of the first gold bracelet just occurred for the Casino Employees Event. As a new tradition this year, the national anthem of the winner will be played following each bracelet presentation. As the United States national anthem roared through the sound system here in the Amazon room, almost every player and dealer stood from their chairs. Of course, a few players kept playing in the hands they were involved in, but many stopped in honor.

Upon a loud roar of cheers after the anthem concluded, tournament director Jack Effel thanked everyone for standing during the national anthem and mentioned that the staff wasn't quite sure on whether or not they would ask people to stand. On their own, most people did so, to which Effel said, "Thank you very much for all standing. You are the reason poker players are so special and what makes the WSOP."

Mind you, the clock did not stop during the anthem, but with respect to everyone, the staff has added three minutes back onto the clock.