Online Poker News

Day 2A of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event began with 1,478 players, compared with the 2,922 prepared to play on Day 2B. However, it ended with only 607 survivors, so the field is thinning out. There were however, a number of big names that made to through to day 3 and these include; Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, and Carlos Mortensen, all former world champions.

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.

After months of anticipation, the moment every poker player waits for is finally here. Since 1970 the poker world has revolved around the World Series of Poker. Each summer poker history is made at the WSOP as a brand new group of players joins that exclusive club of WSOP bracelet winners this year is no exception with the 2009 Main Event finally underway.

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.

The unofficial players’ championship is now down to just 19 players and Russian Vitaly Lunkin the winner of the 2009 WSOP $40k fortieth anniversary tournament is holding an overnight lead. Rising to the top of the leader board following four levels of play Sunday and following his second place finish in the PLO World Championship, he sits poised to make his third final table of this summer.

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.

As you would expect there are many years of history involved in the current World Series of Poker, and the 2009 events will commemorate its 40th anniversary. As always the WSOP continues to be the leader in poker tournaments, as each year it grows and seems to accumulate more prestige, higher attendance, and greater notoriety, it’s the biggest poker stage in the world.

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.

Voting for the Poker Hall of Fame is open until July 2nd and the online poker site Party Poker has begun lobbying for its ambassador, World Poker Tour Host Mike Sexton, to be among those considered. Nominations are open to the general public and if you are interested just submit the name of your chosen nominee plus up to 250 words describing why they should be the newest Poker Hall of Fame member.

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.