Gary Kostiuk, a 49-year-old optometrist from Grande Prairie, Alberta, finished 85th to win $79,806. Kostiuk, who won a $350 satellite in a home game with a group of 44 friends to get into the Main Event, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago and now gets around in a wheelchair. His son Ryan is quoted as saying “this might be his last year to be able to make it out here. This is special.” Six years ago, Ryan convinced his father to take up online poker. Two months later, Ryan had a $7,000 score in an online tournament, and both father and son were hooked. Gary’s run finally ended when his pocket 10s fell to an opponent’s pocket king. All you really needed to see was his son lean down to give him a giant bear hug in his wheelchair before rolling him out the door.

Heading into the WSOP, which begins this week, Obrestad has been honing her skills online. On Sunday, Obrestad won the PokerStars Sunday 500, and in the process, took home $87,000 that will be used for some of her buy-ins at the WSOP. Will she beat Phil Ivey who made the longest run through the Main Event of any pro player, landing at the final table. Ivey fell short of winning the top prize, however, and will be back again this year to try and rewrite history.

Poker is one of the few sports where men and women can compete on a totally equal footing. On the other hand women only tournaments do offer a less intimidating way for novice female players to gain card room experience and to give them the confidence to go on and play in mixed games. They also are great for encouraging women that might not have otherwise played poker to enter the game, so maybe there is a place for women only poker tournaments.

Joining him at the tables in November is Darvin Moon, Eric Buchman, Steven Begleiter, Jeff Schulman, Joseph Cada, Kevin Schaffel and Phil Ivey all of the US. The remaining two are Antoine Saout of France and James Arkenhead of the UK. So as in previous years we have an international interest for the 2009 WSOP fest which kicks off on November the 10th.

For the poker devotees, Shane is back at the tables in a prestigious event in South Africa in September, followed by an internationally televised 888 Poker Open in London in November. Freerolls and qualifiers for this event are running now at 888 Poker, so qualify now and join Shane on TV in the limited entry 888 Poker Open. For full information about how you can join Shane, log on to the 888 poker site now.

Notable celebrities who resumed play on Day 2A included actor and comedian Jason Alexander, world famous cricketer Shane Warne, actor and comedian Brad Garrett, and music manager Rene Angelil. Jason Alexander joins Shane Warne into day 3, so it may be some time before Warne joins his colleagues in the commentary team at the opening test match currently being played between England and Australia at Cardiff.

As we write the players are out there bagging and tagging their chips right now, no surprise for many was the fact that more players showed up today than any other and even more people will be playing tomorrow, the last of the Day 1’s. Big names currently sit at the top of the leader board and these include; Ariel Schneller, Jeff Lisandro, Justin Bonomo. Keep in contact and we will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the big boys at the 57th WSOP.

Meanwhile top pros Phil Ivey, Barry Greenstein, Doyle Brunson as well as the H.O.R.S.E champion of 2008 Scotty Nguyen hit the buffers today. A late charge by Lunkin, who also won a bracelet in 2008, forced Erik “The Salmon” Sagstrom into second place after leading for much of the day. Play continues today, so watch this space for more news on this the unofficial players’ championship.

The 40th WSOP kicked off on May 27 and will continue with play ceasing during the Main Event on July 14th featuring a grand total of 57 bracelet events, a Champions Invitational, a celebrity-filled “Ante Up for Africa” charity tournament together with a poker bonanza of gaming and poker related products and services. During the coming seven weeks of tournaments, you will experience a summer of must not miss events for all poker players around the world. Get on board today at your online poker room.

The system works during the World Series of Poker Main Event, when Harrah’s officials will announce the names of the top 10 nominees, which will in turn be voted on by the 16 living Hall of Fame members. Certain select media members also receive voting rights and in order to be enshrined, a player must accrue 75% of the vote. Access the Poker Hall of Fame and vote now.