It's $5K Day!

Good morning and welcome to Day 12 of the 2010 World Series of Poker!

Today kicks off with one of our favorite events to cover, the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em extravaganza. A field of 655 runners played this event last year, an event that culminated in one of the more emotional and memorable bracelets of 2009. Brian Lemke is the defending champion, and he dedicated his victory to his recently deceased cousin and beloved member of the poker media, Justin Shronk. Lemke had the entire cheering gallery rooting for him, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when he finally hoisted his bracelet.

We expect another good show this year as this event traditionally draws a small but talented field. The numbers have been climbing as this 2010 WSOP progresses, and we might be lucky enough to push 700 players into their chairs today.

We're about twenty minutes away from our scheduled start, and the room appears just about set for play. The dealers are in their chairs, the chips are out on the felt, and the decks have been suited and double checked. It won't be long before we see some players begin to trickle into their seats. All systems are go.

We'll be back in just a few minutes with the shuffle up and deal.