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PokerStrategy · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 52

What began on June 2nd and comprised 45 events in the World Series of Poker, now heads into the clubhouse turn, as the next eight days will decide who the 2005 World Series Poker Champion is.

The Rio and its 60,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall is filled with 200 tables and 450 of the best card dealers in the world, as upwards of 6,000 individuals will ante up the $10,000 entry fee, to take a shot at the estimated $7.5 million pot.

Legends have been born at this tournament, for it was just two years ago that Chris Moneymaker parlayed a $40 investment, on a online gaming site, into a $2.5 million grand prize. Greg Raymer, a patent attorney with a penchant for fossils and goofy holographic sunglasses, walked away with $5 million last year when 2,576 players entered the main event.

Not all has been a smooth ride for Moneymaker since his victory in 2003, as he endured a divorce nine months later, when his wife grew tired of life with a poker player. But like a true poker player her has bounced back, bought a new house on Nashville with his new wife and opened two companies Moneymaker Gaming a chip company and Chan-Moneymaker Academy.

Think about it folks for a minute as the World Series of Poker allows anyone and I mean anyone with the guts to plop down ten big ones, a chance to sit at the same table with a movie star, a professional athlete and even a mayor.

Bill Barnett, the 64-year-old mayor of Naples, Fla. He qualified on an online gaming site, winning a $160 double shootout against 80 other players. His prize was a seat at the World Series, worth $10,000, plus $1,000 in his online account and hotel expenses for nine nights.

“It’s doubtful I’m going to make it through nine nights,” he said. “It’s just a thrill to be able to say, ’Hey, I was there and I got to play in it and I earned my seat.’ My kids and grandkids all think it’s hysterical.”

Let the games begin!
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My favourite pokerrooms:
Coral Poker
32RedPoker