The World Series is Here

As I write this, the World Series of Poker is two days away from its starting date. As you read this, approximately two weeks of events will have concluded. Thus, I can make predictions now and look like a fool as you read this. First off, I will talk about the fields. They will be bigger than ever, and luckily the tournament venue at the Riois large enough to store 747 airplanes. So, how many people will play? I think the opening event should have more than 1,200 players. Everyone from the top professionals to anyone who likes no-limit hold'em and can cough up $1,500 should be there. The final event should attract more than 4,000 players, and Harrah's plans on capping the event at 6,600 players. As silly as that sounds, if you have played tournament poker in the past, it is somewhat realistic, because you can qualify almost every hour by playing online poker.

Why so many people? The simple answer is that there is only one World Series of Poker. Like every other year, the World Series championship event will have the largest prize pool of all sports.

My second prediction relates to players who will have a good World Series. This is not my championship prediction, but more of who will do well in the other 40 events. These days, some of the top players play only championship events a couple of times a month. You can't survive at the World Series with that mentality. Events are played until 3 a.m.every day, so you have to have good stamina. You have to be well-rested, well-hydrated, in good shape, confident, and prepared for a lot of failure. For those who play in 40 events, making two or three final tables is good, and winning one event in the process is great. Therefore, more than 90 percent of the time will be considered failure to those players. The difference now is that you are forced to come back day after day and try again. When you play only a couple of events a month, you have time to recuperate. Those who will do well are those who do not have any quit in them. Many times in tournaments, one accumulates chips early and then takes some beats. The players who will prosper are those who hang in there after their chips are at 30 percent of their high point, but they do not quit. Those who can grind back will be successful. So, who are these people who are in stride? I will name a few who I think will have won a lot of money by the time you read this. John Phan is hot, has played in several events this year, and has no quit in him. Ted Forrest is spooky, meaning that it seems like he knows what will come, and what you have. He is currently second in the Player of the Year standings, and will be playing in almost every event. Finally, Phil Ivey will do well. He made four championship final tables in a row this year, has no problem playing for 15 consecutive hours, and seems to be focused on tournament poker. Also, all of the typical studs will do well, because it is the World Series, and superstars step up when the bracelets are on the line.