After blistering start WSOP numbers dwindle

[Steve Ruddock]

When the 2009 WSOP got underway in late May it looked as though poker was 'recession proof'. With multiple events selling out, and a respectable 201 entrants in the $40k NLHE tournament, it appeared the 2009 WSOP Main Event would be the second most attended of all-time (2006 being number1).

However, as the WSOP has dragged on, tournament numbers have dwindled; culminating in yesterday's disappointing 95 entrants in the $50k H.O.R.S.E. Championship, a tournament that consistently drew close to 150 entrants since its inception in 2005.

Another disappointing turnout happened in the $5k NLHE Shootout Tournament; the WSOP capped the field at 1,000 entrants, but the actual number of participants fell far short of this number: The final tally was 280 players.

Of course, the Main Event will be the true measuring stick of the 2009 WSOP's success. Hopefully the turnout for the Main Event returns to the great numbers seen during the first week of the WSOP, and doesn't continue the recent downward trend.

[Av8tor009]

the main event is recession-proof.... the online sites provide tons of buyins... stars and FTP alone have filled 2,145 seats AND COUNTING...