<img align="right" src=http://www.liquidpoker.net/user_pictures/4ff50601b315d4639d3d4a4fae8329c5.jpg style="margin:5px; border: 1px solid black;">One of the most interesting events of the year is unfortunately not televised by ESPN this year. I'm talking about the $50,000 HORSE event. This event is always filled with only the best or wealthiest pokerpro's and has had some sick final tables before. This year it's no different, but not just because of the names, but also because of the stories behind them. The chipleader is Erik Sagstrom (see picture). Who? Maybe better known as "Erik123", he's a sick online pro. The 26-year old Swede has played in the biggest live tournaments, but his biggest win was during the WCOOP 2003, where he won the $300 NLHE-event.
Second in chips is Vitaly Lunkin, who's been on an amazing run this year. He won the most prestigious event in the WSOP so far, the $40,000 Anniversary event for close to 2 million dollar! After that he also came second in the $10k Pot-Limit Omaha event. Other wins are his Russian Poker Tour win last month and another bracelet in 2008.
David Bach and John Hanson have both been successful in previous HORSE events. Whereas Bach finished 11th last year, Hanson's 3rd place in 2007 is even more impressive! And they're not the only players that ended deep in the HORSE event. Huck Seed managed to finish 7th during this event last year. He also has 4 bracelets, in 3 different variants (the 1996 NLHE Main Event, 2 in Limit Razz and 1 in Pot Limit Omaha).
Another veteran in the WSOP field is Chau Giang. With 50 cashes in numerous types of poker, and 3 bracelets, the former Vietnam-resident is a respected and well-known player in the poker community. While he does have 4 cashes this year on the WSOP, this is his first final table of the year.
The second shortest stack on this table belongs to Erik Seidel. With 8 bracelets <A name="cutnews"></A>and numerous other tournament wins he doesnt need any introduction, but deserves one nonetheless. Ever since his 1988 appearance at the WSOP Main Event, where he finished runner-up to Johnny Chan (the final hand was also featured in the movie Rounders), he's a well known player in the field. He has a total of around 9 million dollar in tournament winnings, a WPT-win and 55-money finishes added to that.
The shortstack is a name we've heard a lot during this WSOP. Ville Wahlbeck might not be on everyones mind when talking about the sickest WSOP performances, but it certainly should. A first place on the $10k Mixed Event, a 2nd place on the $10k NL 2-7 Draw Lowball and a 3rd place on the $10k Seven Card Stud event are just a few of his performances. He also finished 12th in the 7 card Razz just a week ago, which shows that he is on hot form and playing his best poker in the month that matters. He has to win this event to overthrow Jeff Lisandro as WSOP Player of the Year and with the shortest stack at the table, it might be hard, but certainly not impossible.
After tonight we'll know who of these 8 world class pokerplayers will go home with the much coveted bracelet and $1,276,802
The final table chipcounts and seating positions:
Ville Wahlbeck - 645000
Erik Sagstrom - 3675000
John Hanson - 1700000
Huck Seed - 1380000
Vitaly Lunkin - 2490000
David Bach - 2345000
Erik Seidel - 965000
Chau Giang - 1075000
Fortunately, there's a live feed of this event on http://wsop.pkr.com/ . Unfortunately, I don't think this can be viewed by USA-residents. The event will start at 2PM PST, so in about one hour from now.
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Contact Users: 638 Active, 2 Logged in - Time: 04:43
Netherlands. Jul 01 2009 04:47. Posts 7080
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