The WSOP Main Event Champions at 2009 World Series of Poker Champions Invitational

The world series of poker is always a terrific place to face the world's top poker players. However, on May 31st, 2009, the first ever World Series of Poker Invitational tournament gathered together the largest gathering of WSOP Main Event winners for one event at the Rio Casino.

Spectators created a chaotic atmosphere for the twenty player event, as groups of people gathered to get good view at the group of players that includes nearly every surviving WSOP Main Event champion. Every champion from the year 2000 and beyond is participating, together with poker legends Amarillo Slim (1972), Doyle Brunson (1976, 1977), Johnny Chan (1987, 1988), phil hellmuth (1989), Dan Harrington (1995), Huck Seed (1996) and Scotty Nguyen (1998). 2003 WSOP Main Event winner chris moneymaker said that this is the only time that this event ever happened and he is honored to play with such outstanding players.

Also included in the playing field are Tom McEvoy (1983), berry johnston (1986), Brad Dougherty (1991) and Jim Bechtel (1993). ESPN will showcase the Champions Invitational as part of its coverage of the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event. 2000 WSOP Champion chris ferguson said that he have not played his fellow champions for a long time so he is grateful for this golden opportunity.

If there is a bad side to this event, it is the fact that the participants may have to abstain from other events for the duration of the Invitational although poker pro greg raymer is multi-tabling. Greg Raymer said that he loves the concept of the Champions Invitational but he also wants the opportunity to participate in events that have a substantial cash pool.

Those who will advance to the 2nd day may be forced to skip the $10,000 Seven Card Stud World Championship bracelet event, which begins on Monday, June 1st, 2009. Despite the scheduling dilemma and the fact that the first prize is a remodeled 1970 Corvette, the Invitational is still a fan favorite.

June 29, 2009
Pauline Davis