WSOP Event Pits Old Dawgs Against New Dawgs
6/6/2008 2:46:07 PM
The string of entertaining and ridiculously stacked final tables continues this afternoon at the 2008 WSOP when several of the new faces of poker will go up against a couple of legendary veterans of the game in Event No. 8 - $10,000 World Championship Mixed event.
When this field first took to the Amazon Room two days ago, there was a high concentration of poker pros was, both online and live. Some of the best Omaha, Holdem, Stud, Triple Draw players in the world were gathered in one place to test their mettle and the sparks flew early and often.
Early this morning, the original field of 192 players finally narrowed down to the nine players who would make up the final table. The interesting story line from this final table will be the meeting of the old school players, who have built name recognition over years of playing the tournament circuit, and the fresh-faced pros, who have built their names playing the biggest online poker games in the world somewhat anonymously behind screen names. This will be the most mainstream exposure that many of these newer players have had.
The old school players at the final table are Sam Farha and Eli Elezra, who have combined for almost $4 million in major poker tournament earnings, three WSOP bracelets, a WPT title, and numerous deep cashes. Both are primarily high-stakes cash game players who make regular appearances in the legendary "Big Game" in Booby's Room at the Bellagio and dabble in tournaments every once in a while.
The young guns take the form of Tom "durrrr" Dwan and James "mig.com" Mackey, both who are seen regularly dropping thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, in the biggest online poker cash games available. Dwan is known as a high-stakes Omaha specialist and Mackey holds court at the Holdem tables, so both should be able to play to their strengths at this final table.
Sitting in the middle ground between the relatively unknown young guns and the noted live pros is Jeff Madsen. Two years ago, Madsen was the new kid on the block when he burst onto the scene at the 2006 WSOP, winning two WSOP bracelets, racking up over $1.2 million in winnings and earning 2006 WSOP Player of the Year honors.
Play begins at 4pm local time and will wrap when a new mixed game World Champion will be crowned.