2,500/1 shot an each-way shout?

Author: Simon Dexter

We were so impressed with new Littlewoods Poker pro Michael Greco’s display of confidence when it came to winning an Oscar and a world title that we were almost persuaded to follow him Stateside. Apart from it being a pretty decent gig, we reckon he has a chance of following on from Jerry Yang last year who came in from left field and scooped .25 million. Unfortunately, head office refused our request for return business class flights to Nevada.

Nonetheless, we wonder whether Yang will offer a serious threat this year. No-one has won back-to-back world titles since Johnny Chan in 1987 & 88 and the record books show that only two others (Doyle Brunson 1976 & 77 and Stuey Ungar in 1980 & 81) have managed the feat. One of the main reasons for this is the way in which the field size has grown in line with poker’s popularity.

Consider this: in the first four years of the WSOP* (1971-74) a total of just 45 players contested the world title, an average of fewer than 12 every year. By the time the online poker boom started motoring, ie between 2000-2003, the numbers really jumped; in those four years, an average of 649 players sat down to challenge for the ultimate accolade of world champion.

However, in the four years since (2004-07), the average number of competitors entering the main event has risen to an astonishing 5,877. Overcoming a field of that magnitude requires enormous skill, concentration and lady luck’s occasional assistance. Being American helps too: only four non-Americans have walked away from Vegas as world champions in the past 38 years, although three of those victories have occurred since 1999.

This year, the event’s organisers have made allowances for up to 12,000 entrants, although current predictions are for a main event field of between 6,300 – 6,500. At odds of around 2,500/1 to win, Mr Greco might be worth backing on each-way terms at least; few will arrive in Sin City with greater confidence.

*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah’s License Company, LLC (”Harrah’s”). Harrah’s does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with Littlewoods Gaming or it’s products, services, promotions or tournaments.

Tags: Las Vegas, Michael Greco, poker

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 at 3:40 pm and is filed under News & Promotions Blog.