With the iconic 'Shuffle up and deal!' of the World Series of Poker Main Event now just hours away, we reached out to a number of poker's major players to canvas opinion on predictions, thoughts and expectations for this, the biggest tournament of the year.
Jeff Platt - 'I think we’re in for a new record!'
What do you think numbers will be like for the Main Event?
I think the WSOP Main Event will set a new attendance record. Incredible turnouts for the premiere NLH events like the Monster Stack and Milly Maker, along with record numbers for some of the high rollers has me feeling optimistic.
Combine that with what will undoubtedly be the biggest amount of satellite winners that GG and WSOP Online has sent to a Main Event, and I think we’re in for a new record!
Any predictions for the Main Event?
My bold prediction for the WSOP Main Event is that TWO women will make the final table.
I just think there’s too much star power amongst the female ranks to be shut out again, plus we are about due for some positive variance. And two women making the final table would be very positive for the poker world.
What's your advice for a deep run?
The Main Event presents such an emotional roller coaster. If you win a pot, you’ll feel on top of the world, like the bracelet could be yours. If you lose a pot, you’ll feel devastated, like you’re hopeless, like the dream has died.
We all know none of the above is true, so you have to try your best to reasonably manage your emotions. I think that’s a huge key to a deep run.
David 'ODB' Baker - 'It's time for a female to stake her claim'
What do you think numbers will be like for the Main Event?
I think it's going to be pretty close to last year’s numbers. I guess I'll have to take the over. The No Limit tournaments have really seen a nice increase from year to year, and it seems to be a lot of buzz this year. I'm very optimistic.
Any predictions?
Obviously, I'd love to see a female make the final table. I think that's kind of universal.
I just hope we get a mix of good people. At the final table I hope there's a couple of established pros that have been around grinding and then there's a couple of amateurs. I'll take being the older person or the established pro in that mix.
It's time for a female to stake her claim for the Main Event final table.
Ryan Depaulo - 'It's great to have villains'
What do you think numbers will be like for the Main Event?
I think it's going to hit 20,000 people because money doesn't mean anything anymore with inflation. I don't know. My best guess is less people than last year. I’ll go with 8,850.
Any predictions?
There will be two vloggers at the final two tables: me and somebody else. There will be two women in the final 27, but an old guy will win the whole thing.
Who have you enjoyed watching?
Martin Kahbrel. I think he's great for the game, as is Maurice Hawkins, but they're horrible to play with.
It's great to have villains, but they suck and ruin the game if you're sitting with them.
Jim 'The Rec' Reid - 'I think fewer players this year'
What do you think numbers will be like for the Main Event?
I think fewer players this year. I don’t think it’s close; traveling to America is no longer safe in the way it used to be, as crazy as that sounds, it’s true and everyone outside the USA can clearly see it.
What's your advice for a deep run?
You can’t be afraid to take flips. it’s practically impossible to coast to a deep finish without putting your bottom chip in play. Embrace that, take the chances to double up, even though they carry with them the chance of busting.
You are going to bust at one point in this tournament, So treat it like a 'when', not an 'if' and don’t let fear of losing prevent you from getting it in good.
Joe 'Stapes' Stapleton - 'Let's hope something dethrones that story'
What do you think numbers will be like for the Main Event?
There will be less players this year because there will be fewer former visitors, because of fascism.
What will be the big story?
Despite all the truly amazing poker feats being accomplished this year, the story of the summer is Martin Kabrhel. Let’s hope something in the Main Event dethrones that story.
I’ve only played it once and didn’t make it out of day one. I thought it was so stressful, I was relieved when I went broke.
Additional images courtesy of Danny Maxwell Photography/Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd.
