Finally the Final Table

The big day has finally arrived and the final nine of the WSOP main event is reconvening today at the Rio for the big finish. Actually they will play to two players today and then heads up play will take place on the following day. It will be interesting to see the changes in the players after having over three months of prep time. Chip leader Dennis Phillips is the favorite based not only on his chip lead, but I can say he has worked hard to prepare for tomorrow, and I believe in him. There are still many factors to contend with. I have been asked many times who I am most worried about, and my reply remains the same; the other eight players. Chino Rheem, who is arguably the most experienced player of the nine, and although below average in chips, is perhaps my second pick to win.

Many are quick to criticize the play they see on ESPN and read about online. Remember that for every hand that is shown on air, many more take place that are not seen or written about. By and large these make up an overwhelming majority of the hands played. All nine players had to run well and get lucky more than once to make it through the almost 7,000 players to the final nine, but they also had to play well, very well. I will be there tomorrow and will share my thoughts with you.
The WSOP final table being delayed 3 1/2 months was heavily criticized and I was one of those critics. I did say at the time that I applauded Harrah's decision to try something new and innovative, although they may have gone too far. Have played a part in the process I believe the change was overall positive. I would recommend that it be shortened for next year to somewhere between two weeks and a month, but what do I know I thought Hilary would beat Obama and then lose to McCain.

Today I played in the dream team event at Hard Rock's Poker Lounge with an eclectic collection of poker professionals, celebrities and amateurs. The format was three player teams that played individually but your finish was scored conductively. Individual play was also rewarded. The finals will take place tomorrow.

For more information on Roy Winston, you can visit his website: www.oraclepoker.net or send him an email. The contents presented herein on this blog are purely the opinions of Roy Winston, and are not intended to reflect or promote the opinions of any other person, group, or entity. If you like what I write than thanks for reading, and if not well, thanks anyway.