The Main Event is Here

Day 1a is history at the World Series of Poker Main Event. A number that seemed to surprise many was the drop in attendance from Day 1a last year. Last year, Day 1a drew 1,297 players. This year, just 1,116 players entered the event. That is a 181 player drop. While the other three days still have not played, this isn’t a good sign for breaking last years number.

If you asked me about this before the WSOP, I would have told you that I expected as much. However, the preliminary events of the WSOP, with a couple of exceptions, have drawn increased numbers. Perhaps people are less willing to put up the money for the Main Event or maybe fewer are taking shots. Regardless of the reason, numbers are down.

Another story is the fact that players are only playing 4 levels during Day 1a. This is a switch from the originally published structure sheet that stated that 5 levels would be played with a dinner break after level three. The structure has been met with mixed reactions. Personally, I think they should have stuck with 5 levels. 821 players moved on from the initial 1,116. What does this mean? It means that the tournament will be a bit longer than in years past.

As far as play is concerned, there isn’t really a good story from Day 1a. Jason Alexander goes into Day 2 with nearly a 90k stack, but I don’t expect him to cash. Andy Bloch and Allen Cunningham busted out of Day 1a. A lot of the big names will wait until Day 1d, including Phil Hellmuth whom is slated to come in dressed as Caesar. I’m waiting until next year to see if he will show up as Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show. I would pay money to see that one.