2008 World Series of Poker Main Event Update

The 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event kicked off July 3^rd as a field of 6,844 paid the $10,000 buy-in to converge on the most prestigious poker tables in the world. Here we are, four days later, and the seats have already dwindled to near half as 3,663 competitors remain.

Among the notable remnants at the 2008 WSOP Main Event are:

1. David Oppenheim, currently holding the 8^th place chip lead with 123,000. David Oppenheim is a Full Tilt Pro who’s already cashed twice in the 2008 WSOP. On June 4, David took a 9^th place purse of $45,120 in World Championship Mixed Event #8. Three days later on June 7, Oppenheim finished 7^th in the World Championship 7 Card Stud Event #14 for $59,408.


2. Victor Ramdin, in 9^th place with 121,000 chips. PokerStars Pro Victor Ramdin has seen three cashes in the 2008 WSOP thus far. The first two were early outing, in 123^rd and 58^th position, earning only $5,881 combined (Events #9 and 12). The third was certainly more impressive, taking 7^th place in Event #51 H.O.R.S.E. for $32,992.


3. Carlos “The Matador” Mortensen holds the 19^th highest chip lead at 109,000. Mortensen, of Full Tilt Poker and the Hendon Mob, is undoubtedly disappointed with his single-cash performance in the 2008 WOSP, earning $14,438 for coming in 64^th in World Championship Heads-Up Event #25.


4. Gus Hansen maintains the 22^nd position with a chip stack of 105,000. Another Full Tilt Pro, Gus Hansen has also seen only a single cash in the 2008 WSOP. Hansen claimed $45,120 for a 10^th place finish in the World Championship Mixed Event #8.


5. Phil Hellmuth, mixed in the pack with an average sized stack of 75,800, up 23,000 from yesterday’s action. Can the 11-time WSOP Bracelet winner claim a personal record-breaking 12^th Bracelet this year? Hellmuth has done quite well for himself thus far in the 2008 WSOP, cashing four times. Most notably were his first and last cashes; an 8^th place prize of $100,292 in Event #28, and a 3^rd place finish  for $93,168 in Event #51. Phil will certainly have the eyes of the world upon him as he struggles towards the finish line.


6. Dylan Linde, though not a favorite to win the 2008 WOSP Main Event, how we can leave out the current chip leader, at 146,000? Dylan has not seen any prize winnings in this - or any previous - World Series of Poker event, circuit or otherwise. Can a virtually unknown rise above the heated competition to emerge victorious?


The 2008 WSOP Main Event will come to a close on July 14, and all will be revealed. We wish the best of luck to all 3,663 remaining competitors. More updates to come…