World Series of Poker Europe Main Event Begins

The World Series of Poker Europe is not as big or does not have as many events as the one held in the United States. That has not kept the professionals from showing up, however. The Main Event at the WSOPE began on Saturday and it was not started with the same fanfare as the Main Event in the United States, which has yet to be completed. Many players still anted up the almost $20,000 entry fee to take part. While the American version of the tournament draws thousands of players to the tables, the European version only had 165 people sign up. Of those 165, many are pros who are looking to add another major title to their resumes. Andy Black and Andy Bloch have both come out of the gates quickly at the Main Event. Mike Matusow, better known for his mouth than his card playing, also is among the leaders on the tournaments first day. Howard Lederer, who almost won an event earlier in the WSOPE, has already bowed out of the Main Event. He is joined by some of the biggest names in the game. Phil Ivey, David Benyamine, Jeff Lissandro, and Linda Lee are all out of the tournament already. There are currently ninety four people remaining. Justin Smith is the chip leader with 105,000 chips. Erik Sagstrom is second with 97,000.