World Series of Poker roundup: casino employee, $40k, and O8

[Steve Ruddock]

Congratulations to Andrew Cohen - Event 1 Champion ($83,778)

Andrew Cohen now sits atop the casino employees, after taking down the first bracelet of 2009. Cohen bested a field of 866 casino employees --including tournament director extraordinaire Matt Savage-- to capture the title; the glory; and $83,778! Cohen was at the top of the chip lead throughout the tournament and held on; beating Paul Peterson heads-up after a grueling 12 hour day 2.

Commemorative $40k tournament has lower than expected turnout

When Howard Lederer added his name during the late registration the field topped out at 201 players. Even my gloomy prediction of 250 players would have increased the field by 20%!

At least the poker world will get to see the cream of the crop battle it out when the tournament airs on ESPN (one of the lucky 4 that will make their television schedule). The best of the best from the online and brick & mortar world are battling it out in this prestigious tournament, which has the second largest buy-in of any tournament.

Day 1 saw Bruno Fittousi capture the chip lead, followed closely by 2003 WSOP Main Event Champ Chris Moneymaker, and Justin Bonomo who is fresh off a WSOP Circuit Event win.

Event 3 - Omaha hi/lo 8 or better is underway

The $1,500 Omaha 8 event saw an impressive 918 entrants start the day. And some big names have already amassed some chips: Daniel Negreanu, Todd Brunson, and Erik Lindgren among them.

The total prize pool was just over $1.25 million, with the winner getting $263,135 and a shiny new bracelet!

[Riken177]

hope money make goes deep in 40k

[Riken177]

maker*

[Riken177]

raymers