WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Star-Studded

The $50,000 buy-in H.O.R.S.E. tournament or Event # 20 at the 2006 World Series of Poker, is probably the most star-studded poker tournament in the history of the game.

Similar to other events in the WSOP, the H.O.R.S.E. event can accommodate even amateurs, but the gargantuan buy-in, the largest in World Series history, has limited the number of newbies entering the field. This year, a killer row of poker's most recognizable names can be seen on the event.

"We pack a full sports season into 48 days," said WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. "There's a beginning, an end, now there's a middle, and that's typically an all-star (game) for other leagues."

Some of the stars that signed up for the event are Barry Greenstein, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Andy Bloch and David Grey - and these are just the ones who are sitting on one table as the play began.

Phil Ivey was seated with John Juanda and Greg "Fossilman" Raymer at one table, while on yet another was Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Hellmuth and Steve Zolotow.

143 players participated in the event, 5 times larger than any previous WSOP event. The first placer will bag a total of $1.8 million, while the second placer still nets in well above the million-dollar mark.

"When I got here last year, I heard from a lot of top players that there was some interest in an event that would have a little greater sense of exclusivity," Pollack said. "This tournament is our answer to that request. I would have been pleased if we had 75 players turn out, so we're thrilled."

Event # 20 is a three-day event, and the first two days are spent trimming the field down to nine. The final table taped on Friday will be broadcast on ESPN and will consist only of No Limit Texas Hold'em.

Wednesday, 09. 2006
Todd Sanders

WSOP H.O.R.S.E. Star-Studded

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