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World Series of Poker
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The game of poker continues to evolve. With the explosive popularity of
Harrah’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) the game is no longer primarily a
friendly rivalry between a few buddies, but a high-profile, nationally
broadcast competition between some of the game’s most astute players. Not only
is there renewed interest in the sport, but the stakes are also on the rise;
nickel and dime antes have been replaced with five-figure entrance fees and
multi-million dollar prize awards.
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The World Series of Poker was the brainchild of Benny Binion, and originated in
1970 when several of the world’s premier players met at Binion’s Horseshoe
Casino. By the 1980’s, satellite competitions and lower buy-ins expanded the
field. The popularity of the c ontest continued to grow, and by 2002 over 7,500
people competed for nearly $20 million in prize money.
Recently, Greg Raymer was crowned the 2004 World Series of Poker champion, in
the process taking home a $5 million grand prize. To do so, the relatively
unheralded 39 year-old attorney emerged from the online poker site
Pokerstars.com, and outlasted a field of over 2,500 finalists vying to become
the champion. ESPN, who has aired the event since 1994, will again be
televising the No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em competition. Last year’s ratings climbed
to 1.2, or over one million households.
Harrah’s, who purchased Horseshoe Gaming Corp for $1.45 billion last September,
has taken control of the competition. Most of the 2005 WSOP will be played at
the Rio Hotel-Casino, but the final two days will again take place at the
Horseshoe Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Casual spectators will doubtless have
plenty of opportunities to watch the competition, but if you think you might
have what it takes to make it to the final table, test your skills by signing
up here. Good Luck!
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