2009 WSOP Final Table Photo Album Part 2

Media Row.
























Dr. Pauly making a speech.




















Phil Gordon.















New Poker Hall of Fame inductee Mike Sexton opening the action after the dinner break.















I get snuggly with the Poker Queen.

2009 WSOP Final Table Photo Album

Photos from the Rio, Las Vegas, on November 7, 2009.

The November Nine

In about 90 minutes nine millionaires will sit down at the WSOP Final Table and begin the process of determining this year's winner. ESPN will telecasts the results Tuesday night. The format which began last year is a ratings winner, so I'm betting the November Nine format will be around for years to come.

Now, if I can only figure out how to find my seat among the November Nine. Every poker player wants to be there. Sure the money is great if you make it. But the excitement surrounding the WSOP Final is hard to imagine. If you love this game then the WSOP Final is on your Bucket List. Poker is the only sport that allows the amateur to compete with the professional, offering a chance to actually win. (This years chip leader, Darvin Moon, is an amateur from Maryland and owns a logging company and Phil Ivey is the popular professional.)

I don't play many tournaments, choosing the cash game as my favorite venue. But I'll play more tournaments beginning next year as I prepare for the 2010 WSOP next summer. If a Maryland logger can make the Finals, then why can't a hack like me? Thus the reason we all play the game: the chance to find greatness.

I'll be keeping up with the action throughout the day with Pauly at http://taopoker.blogspot.com/ .