Event #1: £2,650 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold'em
Day 1 Started
World Series of Poker Europe 2010
Event #1: £2,650 Six-Handed No-Limit Hold'em
Day: 1
Event Info
Final Results
Event Info
Level Info
World Series of Poker Europe 2010
Buy-in
£2,500
Prize Pool
£610,000
Entries
244
Level
21
Blinds
8,000 / 16,000
Ante
2,000
Welcome to the World Series of Poker Europe 2010!
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Today marks the beginning of the fourth annual World Series of Poker Europe here in the beautiful Empire Casino in Leicester Square. September has become the month for poker in London these days with the WPT having gone and the EPT coming up. But for the next two weeks all focus is here as players have travelled from all across the globe to one of its' biggest cities.
Expect a full deluge of American stars, crazy Scandinavians as well as a strong showing from the UK's local players. All will be looking to capture the almost mythical bracelets that one gains from winning one of the five events scheduled to take place.
The opening event is a new one, a £2,500 6-max event with a cap of 204 players today and it looks as though it's expected to be close to selling out already. The action will begin in around 15 minutes or so and Pokernews will be bringing you all the news both today and throughout the series.
A Sold Out Crowd
It's a fine start to the WSOPE. Event #1 has sold out just before the start of play with 204 players in their chairs. Tournament Director Jack Effel just announced to the room that we'll be playing with alternates to accommodate the overflow, and he promised, "We will get everyone a seat today."
We're just a few moments away from the opening remarks and the start of play, so don't wander off on us.
Level: 1
Blinds: 25/50
Ante: 0
Let's Get it On!
"Let's get this show on the road," Jack Effel coaxed the players to their chairs. He waited until there were the requisite minimum two players at each table before handing the mic over to Ty Stewart.
"Okay, welcome to the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe. Yes, the Americans are back, and we brought our southern accents, our big bellies, and our fantasy football chat." A few hushed boos reminded us that us Yanks are most certainly the foreigners here. "This is a labor of love for this group," Stewart continued, "and we really want to make the Empire one of the premier international destinations for poker."
After a few more opening remarks, he handed the loud stick back over to T.D. Jack Effel, and Effel recognized Stewart for being the brain child behind this WSOPE, now in its fourth season. The T.D. then gave the players a hearty thanks for turning up today, giving a quick rundown of the events the week has in store. Next came the old familiar WSOP rules reading, including the walkthrough of the player release form. No abusive language, kids.
All right, 24 minutes late is plenty. It's time to kick off this WSOPE with Event #1. Effel handed the mic to the only Brit who's won both a WSOP and a WSOPE bracelet, British pro JP Kelly. With the honor of uttering the most famous words in poker, Kelly commanded the dealers to action, and the cards are flying here in London!
Well, Durrrr
Tom Dwan is often known for trying to build-up a big stack as quickly as he can, early on here there isn't going to be much chance of him playing too many big pots as there are only two other players on his table right now - Joe Beevers and Ted Lawson, while three other players have not yet turned up to the table in the Shadow room.
Can we expect the Team Full Tilt Pro to be raising every single hand for the moment?
Room With a View
There's a cracking view up here on the balcony: we have Liv Boeree. She's currently sharing a table with John Cernuto, whilst one table down is bracelet winner and Brighton Belle James Dempsey. Also in the vicinity are Scott Fischman, Dan Shak, Barny Boatman, Scott Montgomery, William Martin and the legend that is Tony Cousineau.
Boatman Overboard
Well, that was quick. On just the second hand, we lost Hendon Mobber Barny Boatman. He three-bet from the blind with 
, before getting it all in on a 
flop. His opponent had a cheeky , and Boatman failed to improve. Still, plenty of sights to see around these parts.
Elvis Has Entered the Building
Fresh off his recent third place finish in last week's inaugural London WPT, seasoned veteran and President of the European Poker Players Hall of Fame, Bruce 'Elvis' Senior, has now taken his seat up here on the top floor. Expect plenty of updates on Atkinson today; he's always on my mind.
What About Ivey?!
Our tournament is split amongst about six different areas of tables, something which will take a little getting used to for those of us whose last event was the WSOP in Vegas. In the farthest reaches of the Casino sits the poker room, disconnected from the rest of the casino floor. A trek over to that side of the building netted us a glimpse of Phil Ivey though, so it was a worthwhile venture. Mr. Poker is sitting on the direct left of Martin Kabrhel, the crafty Czech pro.
Likely WSOP Player of the Year Frank Kassela is also camped out in the poker room, as is Britain's favorite young stud Chris Moorman; Praz Bansi was also seen loitering around in between the tables looking a bit lost.
As far as the alternates go, there's still quite a line at the registration desk. We spotted John Juanda, Justin Smith, Kyle Bowker, Neil Channing, David "Devilfish" Ulliott, and Stephen "stevie444" Chidwick among those still waiting for their seat assignments.