Doyle Brunson and Scotty Nguyen in the running for Stud 8 Championship

[Steve Ruddock]

Scotty Nguyen has his 1st cash of the 2009 WSOP, but if he plans on living up to his $2 million guarantee he'll need more than the $33,000 he is guaranteed in the $10k Stud 8 Championship. The $431k first prize will go a long way to helping Scotty acheive his goal.

He'll have his work cut out for him: The final 12 players have 24 WSOP bracelets amongst them, and include: Legends Doyle Brunson, Lyle Berman, and Scotty: 7 Stud specialists Perry Friedman (bracelet in 7 Stud), Jeff Lisandro (2 bracelets in 7 Stud), and Farzad Rouhani (bracelet in omaha/Stud 8): As well as last year's 10K mixed Champion Anthony Rivera, and up-and-comer Justin "boosted J" Smith.

And then there is chip leader Abe Mosseri, and bracelet winner Mike Wattel to contend with. This has definetly been the year of the professional poker player at the WSOP; there have been so many stacked final tables, even in the mega-field Hold' Em tournaments.

Some other story-lines to watch:

Brunson will be looking to tie Phil hellmuth with his 11th bracelet.

Rouhani, the Iranian native will no doubt have his country's political uprising on his mind.

Justin "boosted J" will be seeking his 1st bracelet after flirting with 3 already at this year's WSOP.

[Steve Ruddock]

Scotty out in 10th, Doyle still in it