Event 1 - £1,000 No Limit Hold'em Day 1b | 2009 World Series of Poker Europe

09-19-2009 12:37 UTC+1

Brunson in the House!

He doesn't appear actually to be playing today's event, but currently in conversation with TD Jack Effel upstairs next to the slot machines is none other than the granddaddy of poker, Mr. Doyle Brunson. We have very high hopes for some Brunson involvement at the tables during the rest of the week. Hurrah!

Tags: Doyle Brunson

09-19-2009 12:32 UTC+1

Star-Spotting

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With my telescope in hand, I scoured the arena for anything vaguely shiny, and managed to locate a plethora of stars from across the poker world. As well as aforementioned neighbours John Juanda and Chris Feguson - the latter resplendent in 'I've been Tangoed shirt', we've also been blessed with the likes of Dave Colclough, Joe Beevers and 2007 Main Event Champion Annette Obrestad, all twinkling in equal measure. Several big names are also pencilled in to play, but in true Hellmuthesque fashion - although he was suspiciously punctual yesterday - one can expect them to arrive slightly late, but within the opening levels.

09-19-2009 12:16 UTC+1

Table Of Doom Emerges Early

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Conveniently located next to the PokerNews bloggers' perch, one fearsome table currently features the trio of bracelet winners that is Chris Ferguson, John Juanda and Davidi Kitai, all seated in a row. Kitai has position.

09-19-2009 12:12 UTC+1

Shuffle Up & Deal!

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Here we go...

Level: 1

Blinds: 25/25

Ante: 0

09-19-2009 12:01 UTC+1

Welcome to Groundhog Day

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...Or, as it is more often known in the industry, Day 1b of the WSOPE, sponsored by Betfair.

So good morning and welcome back to the Empire Casino, in the very heart of our great British capital. There's a palpable buzz about the place, and it looks as though we're going to top yesterday's 295 runners with ease -- the board's reading 294 already.

We've got us some enormous names already, so far including Chris Ferguson and Barny Boatman. Players are taking their seats, and we should be kicking off very soon...