Update #1: CardPlayer 2005 Player of the Year

Saturday, Feb 26, 2005 Update #1: CardPlayer 2005 Player of the Year Standings

Foreign events must be tied in with the World Poker Tour. Tournaments must have large prize pools and must be open events (no ladies-only, etc.)
Currently, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi is in first place with 2,720 points following his win at the LA Poker Classic. Right behind him is Erick Lindgren, with 2,448 points, and Amir Vahedi, who has collected 2,290 points so far. Last year's Player of the Year, Daniel Negreanu, is currently in 7th place with 1,712 points thus far.

Some other recognizable names near the top include Ted Forrest, who has collected 1,216 points and is in 13th, and Scotty Nguyen, who has 960 points and is tied for 24th. Scott Fischman is in 55th place with 674 points. Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson, TJ Cloutier, and Greg Raymer are nowhere to be found on the leaderboard. Fans of these players need not worry; things can change in a hurry at the World Series of Poker.