By Alexis Russell

09/11/2008

                Last year’s inaugural World Series of Poker Europe was quite an event with the winner Annette Obrestad breaking a number of records.  This year’s tournament promises to be even bigger with more events, a better venue and greater hype as they ride the wave of the 2007 WSOPE success.

                Last year’s strong response to the European version of the WSOP has lead to ESPN picking up the game coverage so players from around the world, the U.S. included, can see the action happen.  The 8 hours of coverage will mainly cover the 5 day Main Event that officially has one of the largest poker tournament buy-ins in the history of poker.

                The 2008 WSOPE will feature 4 tournament bracelet events, cash games and three side events all taking place in London’s Empire Casino.  Hosting the highly anticipated event is helping to soothe London’s open wounds at recently being passed over for the title of European Poker Capital by Bluff Europe Magazine.

                But with the WSOPE only a week away London is busy catering to the poker pros that are pouring in.  A number of well-known players will be bouting it out including Chris Ferguson, Jennifer Harmon and Phil Hellmuth.  Hellmuth who already holds the WSOP record for most bracelets won has stated he has but one goal, to be the first American to win a WSOPE bracelet and bring his count up to 12.

                Hellmuth and other will have 4 chances to do just that with the first event beginning on September 19^th.  Here’s a peek at the schedule:

Event  1 - September 19^{th -} - £1,500 – No-Limit Hold’em Day 1A (3-day event/2 opening days)
Event  2  - September 22^nd - - £2,500 – H.O.R.S.E. (3-day event)
Event  3 - September 24^th - - £5,000 – Pot Limit Omaha (3-day event)
Event  4 - September 27^th - - £10,000 – WC No-Limit Hold’em (5-day event/two opening days)

For additional information on the tournament and when you can see it on ESPN check out the official webpage www.wsope2008.com.