Watch Out for the Legends!

It's almost time. I can't stop thinking about the World Series of Poker as it gets ready to roll out the red carpet for record numbers of players swarming to the Nevada desert.

I think there is one thing to keep an eye out for: This year could mark the return to the winner's circle for living legends like Card Player magazine's cover star, Doyle Brunson. In pursuit of his record 11th WSOP bracelet, Brunson continues to play his "A-game" at the highest levels.

Doyle's not the only old-school player out there who is a threat to take down a championship bracelet. Watch out for other legends of the felt like Chip Reese, Dewey Tomko, and Billy Baxter.

Of course, you can't mention Brunson without mentioning Johnny Chan or Phil Hellmuth. Phil says that he is ready to make a run at taking the lead in the overall WSOP bracelet race. Hellmuth's path will not be an easy one, as he needs to win two bracelets to surpass Chan and Brunson, who are tied at 10 bracelets. After all, the fields are getting larger.

In terms of talent, possibly the best event of this year's WSOP is the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event, which came about as a result of discussions between Harrah's and an advisory panel of top poker talent. Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Jennifer Harman, Robert Williamson III, and T.J. Cloutier provided WSOP organizers with some suggestions, and the results led to changes like the addition of the H.O.R.S.E. tournament. Again, this could be another event in which a legend of the game will make a serious run at the title. Most predict a field of more than 200 players.

Card Player has been busy over the last several months and has spent considerable time and effort trying to provide our readers with the best possible poker content. In doing so, Card Player has made a deal with Harrah's and the WSOP, and will be providing the most comprehensive coverage of the WSOP to date. Card Player is the official magazine of the World Series of Poker. Be sure to check out the "Inside Straight" for information on this year's coverage.

Here's one last thing to discuss and it comes to us from the world of poker and politics. If you hadn't heard already, poker player Bob Stupak is pushing his chips into the political arena and attempting to become Nevada's lieutenant governor. Stupak created the Stratosphere Tower, which is now a Las Vegas landmark, and won a WSOP bracelet in 1989. Only time will tell if he can gain the support of the state.