A Traveling Show, and Tells

LAS VEGAS -- It's WSOP (World Series of Poker) Main Event time again! Even in the crowd of thousands, I see familiar faces. Larry has played in lots of cities, and a lot of tournament poker players follow the circuit, shifting as tournaments pop up at casinos around the country. But the biggest of the big events is here in Las Vegas.

The World Series of Poker in the U.S. (there are foreign WSOP events) is made up of eight-nine events, orchestrated by Caesers Entertainment Company, that annually fill every inch of the Rio Convention Center between May and July. Pot-Limit Omaha, Seven Card Stud, something called Razz, a Ladies Tournament.

But the bomb is the Main Event--No-Limit Hold'em with a $10,000 buy-in and no rebuys. One shot at the big prize that includes a coveted winner's bracelet and a huge payout. Last year that big prize was $8.8 million. Out of almost 9,000 players, Larry came in 311th.

This happened on Monday:

It was a Mini Main Event (buy in $1,000) that drew 5,521 folks. This was during the bathroom break. I estimate that 1/10 players are women, but probably fewer than that, so ladies, your bathroom situation is fine. But for the guys? I'd hate to see what the bathrooms look like after the break.

Because there will be so many players, the Main Event has three Day Ones. Larry will start play tomorrow, but the whole craziness started today. Here's the link:

http://www.wsop.com/tournaments/updates/?aid=2&grid=1622&tid=17422&dayof=7646&rr=5

Stay tuned.