WSOP Court Jester Hijinks

Graciousness is obviously in the nature of Jeff Madsen the 2006 World Series of Poker double bracelet winner. He displayed his gracious bets men's side for the world to see on Friday, his day one of the Main Event. It wasn't in how he played his cards, as he did quite well, but in what he wore to the event. He lost a prop bet and held himself to his word wearing a court jesters costume the whole time he played his game.

Before the preliminary events, Joe Sebok, Gavin Smith, and Jeff Madsen placed a bet on how their relative performance would be by the start of the Main Event. The bet was set so that each player could play up to 20 events. Using a point system based on the finishing position and the buy in amount, the winner and two losers would be determined. Sebok, who had an enviable 5 WSOP cashes this year, including one 11th place finish, was relieved of wearing a jesters suit. Obviously, Jeff Madsen lost. So did Gavin Smith, and he will be sporting his jester's hat on his first day as well. Adding to the court hi-jinks, Joe Sebok will be sporting his own king's costume complete with a crown. His court jesters will also carry him to the Amazon ballroom, for every day he is still in the main event.

Madsen was an obvious target of the media on Friday. As cameras and reporters flocked to him, he handled the concentrated attention with poise. He even presented a dry smile when fellow poker player Liz Lieu called out from a nearby table, "Jeff, I think you look adorable."

It will be worth watching to see how the more expressive, entertaining Gavin Smith will bear the weight of his own court jester's hat. Also the interesting spectacle to see will be to find out how many days Smith and Madsen will have to bear the weight of Sebok, literally into the tournament arena. Naturally Sebok is hoping they will be carrying him all the way to his bracelet attempt at the final table. What an amusing display to the WSOP Main Event.