World Series of Poker Europe Starts September 19th

Posted by James on September 7, 2008

The World Series of Poker Europe kicks off in less than two weeks from the Empire Casino in Leicester Square in London, England.  Last year was the first ever WSOP Europe and this year promises to be a fantastic event.  The World Series of Poker Europe is a set of three bracelet events.  The events are H.O.R.S.E, Pot Limit Omaha, and No-Limit Holdem.

Last years H.O.R.S.E. event drew 105 players and the final table was an all-star field.  Joe Beevers, Alex Kravchenko, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, Kirk Morrison, Jennifer Harman, and Thomas Bihl were all vying for the first ever WSOP-E bracelet.  Jennifer Harman and Thomas Bihl faced each other heads up, and after a long heads up match, Thomas Bihl won the bracelet and £70,875 top prize.

165 players entered the Pot Limit Omaha Championship.  The final table included pros Tony Guoga, Dario Alioto, and Andy Bloch.  Dario Alioto emerged victorious and claimed the £234,390 top prize.  This was a European record for a top prize in an Omaha event.

362 players entered the £10,000 buy-in No-Limit championship.  It was apparent early on that there was a new rising star of poker in the field.  Annette Obrestad skillfully navigated her way through the pro heavy field and made the final table of the event.  She was only the third woman in the history of the World Series of Poker to make a main event final table.  There was an additional reason her accomplishment was followed so intently by the world.  She was 18 years old.

Obrestad masterfully navigated her way through the final table and in the end accomplished three feats.  First, she was the first WSOP-E Main Event winner.  Next, she was the first female to win a Main Event in World Series of Poker history.  Finally, she is the youngest bracelet winner ever.  One point I personally find amusing is the fact that although Obrestad is a Main Event Champion, she still will not be able to play at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas until she is 21.

In the end, the three events at the WSOP-E in 2007 were swept by Europeans.  The 2008 WSOP-E promises to be just as historic and exciting.  Unlike last year, this year’s event is held at only one location.  Organizers hope that the central location will give the event greater exposure.  The biggest names in the world will turn out for the event including Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harman, and Ted Forrest.

Personally, I predict a very strong showing by Americans in the H.O.R.S.E. event.  Many H.O.R.S.E. events become showcases of overall poker talent.  Pot-Limit Omaha will likely be dominated by Europeans once again.  I have played in PLO tournaments that have been heavy with European players and I will attest that they are very tough Omaha players.  One of my proudest moments in poker was a final table I made in PLO.  The reason I was so proud was that the field was ½ European.  The Main Event will likely be dominated by online players.  While many pros don’t like to admit it, the internet players are beginning to dominate NL Holdem.  Those that hone their skills online have a huge advantage over live players, and this field will be at least ½ full of online regulars.  I don’t see Obrestad repeating as Main Event champion.

The WSOP-E begins on September 19th.  During the WSOP-E, I will bring you news and updates regarding the biggest poker event in Europe.

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