Pokerati | Texas Hold'em Blog | Semi-live and Unofficial at the WSOP

(Way) Outside the WSOP - (Main Event Day 1D)

Kevin Mathers — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:53:22 +0000

What’s happening at the WSOP while waiting for the arrival of Phil Hellmuth and the UB Army at 2pm:

A little over half of the 1,928 that started play on Day 1c get to return on Wednesday to meet those who remained after five playing five levels on Sunday. Henning Granstad appears to be leader with about 228,000 in chips. Other notables near the top: David “Bakes” Baker, David Singer, Brad Booth, Evelyn Ng, Brian Townsend, Nenad Medic, and Jeff Madsen.

Today’s the final day for people to sign up for the Main Event, as registration closes at the end of Level 2, or at 2,700 entrants (whichever comes first). Over 2,000 have already signed up, and today’s attendance looks to be the highest for a Main Event in history (2,299 on day 1d in 2006 is the current record). At the moment, first place looks to take down about $9,000,000 when November rolls around, and about $850,000 would be given to each of the “November Nine”.

12:25 Update: Pauly is reporting almost 2,500 entered for today, pushing the total over 6,800 (2nd most in Main Event history). First place will pay over $9,600,000.

More updates during the day…

Tao of Pokerati: Poker for Africa

DanM — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:35:24 +0000

Pauly and I step into the Poker Kitchen to discuss Ante Up for Africa — essentially the We Are the World of poker tournaments — and in doing so chew on the difference between ’80s famine and Darfur genocide, life outside the WSOP bubble, the mindset of pros playing for a good cause with a tournament underlay, and a lack of charity signage in what’s supposed to be a charity WSOP VIP lounge.

Episode 21: Poker for Africa(feat. Otis)

RE: Tom #2 Update

California Jen — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:01:04 +0000

About an hour ago, Tom Grunheid left the building. After a valiant effort and making it through the better part of the day, he moved his short stack and lost.

Evidently, Tom had a good time at his first WSOP event, and as he remains in town for the next few days, he plans to take down a smaller tournament (or two) at some other Vegas casinos. Best of luck!

RE: Scotty Nguyen Defects to PokerStars

California Jen — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:30:05 +0000

It might seem at first glance that Full Tilt and PokerStars fought it out - in the monetary offerings sense - to get Scotty Nguyen to sign some sort of deal. Full Tilt got him for the $50K HORSE final table, and PokerStars got him for the rest of the WSOP, at the very minimum.

An inside source says that Full Tilt reportedly dropped him just after the HORSE win because of his sometimes rude (for lack of a better word) behavior during the final table. Because of the way he acted for a good portion of the play-down, Full Tilt decided they didn’t want him on the team. Soon after, PokerStars picked him up.

However, another source had a bit of an alternate take on it. This version of the story noted that PokerStars had a deal brewing with Scotty for the HORSE final table but dropped the ball and allowed Full Tilt to come in. Since the Full Tilt deal was a one-time table sponsorship, PokerStars was able to get back in with Scotty after HORSE.

It boils down to the fact that the online poker sponsorship business is a cut-throat industry. And it’s only going to get more interesting as the main event final table approaches…

(Way) Outside the WSOP - (Main Event Day 1c Evening Update)

Kevin Mathers — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:56:06 +0000

Today’s attendance at day 1c of the Main Event was a vast improvement over the past two days, as 1,928 laid their money down to participate in the Main Event. Rumors are circulating that Sunday will have a complete sellout of 2,700 which would take them near the 7,000 figure that seemed improbable on Thursday. Among those whose dream is already over, such notables as: Huck Seed, Larry Flynt, Sean Buchanan, Gavin Griffin, Mimi Tran, Justin Bonomo, David Chiu, Bart Hanson, and Marco Traniello.

The leader at the dinner break appears to be Michael Martin, who is just under 100,000 in chips. More familiar names near the top: Jeff Madsen, Chris Moneymaker, Mike Matusow, TJ Cloutier, and the lovely and talented Liz Lieu, Clonie Gowen, Evelyn Ng, Kara Scott, and Isabelle Mercier. More updates can be found at the WSOP update site here.

The returning horde of about 1,500 will return shortly to play two more two-hour levels, with those survivors returning to play on Wednesday, July 9.

More updates during the evening…

Fire in the Hole!

DanM — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:34:27 +0000

Drove up to my secret shaded, multi-convenient parking spot today … and I noticed something burning:

Hmm, Jen said it was hot out here, and we know flammables blow up in the heat. But the funny part was the one Rio junior suit running over with a single fire extinguisher to put it out. Nice read, dude. Naturally, of course, the fire department would eventually be called and successfully put out the blaze before it turned the 2008 WSOP into a major newsworthy disaster:

Tom #2 Update

DanM — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:05:10 +0000

Our horse of the day has about 14,500 chips. He looks very focussed — so much so that he seemed a little put off by some unprofessional media guy who went up to him in the middle of play and said, “Hi Tom, I’m Dan.”

That’s our (Day 1C) guy!

UPDATE: He was down to about 12,000 chips when I first checked on him, but now, at 150/300 blinds, he’s got about 28k in chips.

Nuts On the Move

California Jen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:18:24 +0000

The Planters nut-mobile has been parked near the convention center entrance at the Rio since Day 1A. I tried to keep from taking a picture of it, but I gave in to the temptation. It’s a yellow nut car, only slightly less embarrassing than the Oscar Meyer wiener-mobile, which is nowhere near the Rio by the way. (But wouldn’t it be great if Oscar Meyer wieners sponsored the WSOP? Oh, so many jokes…)

I’m sure the nut-mobile is energy-efficient. And who wouldn’t want to drive a big nut down the freeway? I wonder if Mr. Peanut actually drives it. He’s been wandering the Rio hallways, so I may try to ask him. “Excuse me, Mr. Peanut, do you drive the nut-mobile?” I hope he would give a funny answer; he’s such a nut.

Evelyn Ng’s Fanboy

California Jen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:54:41 +0000

During this year’s WSOP main event, there haven’t been too many interesting or ridiculous costumes, and those that have appeared have been ho-hum. But today, coincidentally located just in front of the press box in the Amazon Room, the following scene occurred just after the cards got in the air.

The fanboy is Garry Gates, director of tournament reporting for PokerNews, and the object of his affection is obviously Evelyn Ng. It all started with a Guitar Hero bet, which technically consisted of two bets. The bigger bet was $1000 to the charity of the winner’s choice, and the side bet involved Ng wearing a PokerNews patch on her shirt during the main event if she lost and Gates being Ng’s fanboy - in full costume - for one hour of the main event.

Gates lost the Guitar Hero challenge, all of the three games, though he claimed the third one was close (he scored 99% and Ng scored 100%). Since PokerNews sponsored Gates in the event, they paid $1K to a Canadian hospital for sick children. And Gates proceeded to the costume store to get the outfit. He then showed up here to feed grapes to her and fan her during the first half hour of Day 1C of the main event, though the fanning had to stop when WSOP tournament director Jack Effel decided it was too distracting to other players. Ng then graciously stopped the fanboy activities after that period of time so Gates could get back to work.

Reppin’ Team Pokerati

California Jen — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:28:12 +0000

Pokerati reader Tom Grunheid won his seat to the 2008 WSOP main event and is representing a group of 28 friends here today.

He was here about 20 minutes early when the doors first opened with his carry-cooler full of snacks and other necessities. Included in there was his massive visor that earned him the nickname “SuperVisor.” He has yet to don the visor at the table, but he might just be waiting for the right moment.

After the first hand, Tom still had a full stack. Way to go! No big names at his table, which is probably the most desirable way to start his first WSOP event ever. We’re sitting behind our computers rooting for you, Tom!

You can follow along as he texts his updates to CSR throughout the day.

Tao of Pokerati: Surviving Day 1A

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:10:04 +0000

I meet up with Pauly in the Amazon Room, observing the end of Day 1A, where we speculate on on the over/under for the overall main event field size and the price of my watch. Otis then jumps in with tales of being forcibly removed from the tournament area by a mocking floorman amid fears of over-soiled chips and accusations of semi-murder at the tables.

Episode 20: Surviving Day 1A (feat. Otis)

(Way) Outside the WSOP - (Main Event Day 1c)

Kevin Mathers — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:00:17 +0000

The smallest opening day field (1,158) since the WSOP was first held at the Rio in 2005 started play shortly after noon yesterday. The attendance for days 1c and 1d look to be much more encouraging, with at least 3,000 expected to play over the next two days. They’re going to need another 800 to sign up over the next couple of days to match last year’s total, and it looks to be a close call if that actually happens.

The 636 who made it through day 1a are now combined with the 615 who made it through the end of play earlier this morning to play July 8th at 12 noon. Ben Sarnoff is the day 1b leader with 177,500 in chips. Notable names near the top of the leaderboard: Robert Mizrachi, Erick Lindgren, Marc Karam, Thor Hansen, Hal Lubarsky, Hoyt Corkins, Patrik Antonius, John Duthie, and Victoria Cohen. You can see the other chip counts at the WSOP site here (or wait until later for some sort of list by seat assigment/alphabetical order).

Another 1,700+ souls descend on the Rio today to start their chance at WSOP glory shortly after 12, who knows what musical act/attraction will greet the nonplussed group.

More updates during the day…

Online Gambling Raid in, of course, Texas

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:59:02 +0000

Perhaps inspired by the amount of money police forces take in from poker raids, police in Port Arthur, Texas, raided an internet cafe that was allowing patrons to gamble online — the first bust of its kind in our nation’s history. In a way this would be awesome if it forced the UIGEA into court — but we know the routine … plea down to an irrelevant if not disappearable criminal charge … shut down the operation and make the purveyors sign over any confiscated cash.

All I can say is wow. ~~Can’t believe I didn’t think of opening such a joint~~ ~~I guess you can’t really have multiaccounting problems with online slots~~ Wonder if federal authorities realize the UIGEA caused this, and if Texas officials see the clear citizen demand to expand gambling options in the Lone Star State. Interestingly enough, police say the problem wasn’t internet gambling per se — they don’t have much problem with it done in private — but with the public nature of a business set up to help senior citizens circumvent the banking nuisances created by the UIGEA.

Tomatoes/Tomahtoes, really … because you can arguably say police simply saw it as an opportunity to claim moral righteousness while adding to its asset forfeiture stacks.

John McCain on Internet Gambling

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:26:17 +0000

From the LVRJ (via HoldemRadio):

“Let me get back to you on it,” he said. “I haven’t thought about the issue.”

He did say he had concerns about Internet gaming originating in foreign countries. Of course, this happens because of U.S. policy and restrictions, but never mind.

McCain also spoke about oversight and making sure the kiddies don’t have access.

“I’ll call you back,” he added.

Tao of Pokerati: Topless Beer Pong (feat. Otis)

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:09:06 +0000

Poker pros, poker media, WSOP execs, agents, and interns convened a couple days ago at the Sapphire Club for the Bluff Magazine party — a delightfully rancorous fÃªte celebrating the end of regular WSOP season and kicking off the main event playoffs … and of course, Tao of Pokerati was there. In this episode, Pauly gets a lapdance, I miss my days in the strip-club biz, and Otis tries to arrange a $1,000 beer pong game with Doyle Brunson. All in all, the poker field trip to the industry’s favorite Vegas titty bar leads to lower-midstakes ballin’ at its ~~most pathetic~~ finest.

Episode 19: Topless Beer Pong (feat. Otis)

(Way) Outside the WSOP - (Main Event Day 1b Evening Update)

Kevin Mathers — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:33:13 +0000

The 4th of July holiday certainly put a damper on the size of day 1b, as a disappointing 1,158 showed up to play at noon today. Pauly notes that some country music singer did the Star Spangled Banner and some sort of flag ceremony was attempted that didn’t go as planned. The players are currently on their dinner break, with about 850 remaining. Among those whose dream is over: Kenny Tran, Ram Vaswani, Orel Hershiser, Jamie Gold, Greg Raymer, Tuan Le, Ted Forrest, Daniel Negreanu, among many others. The early chip leader appears to be Patrik Antonius, with Robert Mizrachi, Erick Lindgren, Vanessa Rousso, and 2007 ME final tablist Philip Hilm near the top of the leaderboard. Follow the progress when they return on the WSOP.com website here.

More updates as they warrant…

RE: Where to Follow the WSOP Online

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:32:42 +0000

One site that didn’t even make it as a write-in contender, but I clearly have been enjoying since recently discovering it: Melted Felt.

Basically The Onion of Poker. Some recent hedlines:

Iran Introduces Hanging for Slowrollers
PPA Upbeat on Donations as HR 5767 Defeated
WSOP Chaos as Gus Hansen’s Ears Run Amok!

There’re certain truths to their fake poker news that makes the limeys behind Melted Felt, imho, worth the RSS-subscribe.

Where to Follow the WSOP Online

DanM — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:22:00 +0000

We’ve got a new poll up on the right — go ahead and start your ballot-stuffing as we try speculate wildly on who is most likely to win the WSOP main event. Should be fun, albeit different than our last one, which was actually useful.

For the past week we’ve been unscientifically asking Pokerati readers which site — other than Pokerati, of course — was most essential to their understanding of the summertime poker fun that gives them so much jolly. You can see the complete results here. Nearly 200 of you went through the effort of actually clicking an extra button, and to that extent, amongst the ~~geekiest~~ most intelligent of poker geeks, the sites that matter most, in order of their finish:

Tao of Poker
Pauly’s whole purpose in life is to make me look bad, and hey, it seems to be a worthy pursuit. He wins this poll by a landslide.

Hold’em Radio
I’m scratching my head, too, as I haven’t really seen the folks based at Binion’s paying much attention to the WSOP, but hey, they apparently know how to motivate a portion of the “pirate” web community to outvote PokerRoad, so we’ll give them the props.

PokerNews
They paid a hefty price for the privilege of hiring bloggers to slave away write up hands and keep official chip counts, and it’s clearly worth something to people who care about big-tourney action.

The Batfaces
These guys are idiots, so you can pretty much ignore them. But still, Tiny B may be the best Blackberry tournament reporter not in the business.

Official WSOP Website
As well it should be. Not only do you get to read Jeffrey Pollack’s blog and watch Jean-Robert Bellande’s efforts to make it as a poker pro with no money, but also they’ve got all the official info you need to know.

Wicked Chops
They love boobies and hate redheads (to a near-racist extent), and they actually happen to know a whole bunch about what’s going on in poker.

There are other sites, too, of course, that merit some of your WSOP-coverage time … but these are the six that Pokerati readers say should matter second-most.