World Series of Poker begins in Las Vegas
The world's highest profile poker tournament is under way at the Rio Hotel & Casino, with 55 championship events and a twist to its main event that will keep players in suspense until November.
The World Series of Poker started just after noon Friday with the start of a $10,000 pot-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament.
The most expensive buy-in will be US$50,000 for a tournament called H.O.R.S.E, where players rotate between five poker games according to a time schedule.
Seven other tournaments will cost $10,000 to get in, including the main event, a no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament that likely will carry the highest prize.
Last year's winner, Jerry Yang, won $8.3 million. Tuan Lam of Mississauga, Ont., placed second and took home more than $4.8 million.
This year, the field of thousands will be whittled down by mid-July to a final table of nine, who then will take a four-month break before finishing the tournament in November.
The World Series of Poker started just after noon Friday with the start of a $10,000 pot-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament.
The most expensive buy-in will be US$50,000 for a tournament called H.O.R.S.E, where players rotate between five poker games according to a time schedule.
Seven other tournaments will cost $10,000 to get in, including the main event, a no-limit Texas Hold 'em tournament that likely will carry the highest prize.
Last year's winner, Jerry Yang, won $8.3 million. Tuan Lam of Mississauga, Ont., placed second and took home more than $4.8 million.
This year, the field of thousands will be whittled down by mid-July to a final table of nine, who then will take a four-month break before finishing the tournament in November.
