Shuffle up and deal!

We're under way at the Rio and there's a sense of anticipation in the pavilion, with the chatter centred on which big name pro could be seated at their table.

Sponsored players, VIPs and qualifiers alike will all be craving the WSOP bracelet on offer at the climax of Event #45, but they must first negotiate a field containing the likes of Phil Hellmuth - even if he is yet to turn up!

The $1,500 buy-in has once again attracted a large number of players, with the game’s recognisable faces expected to join the poker mortals as time goes on.


The structure is one of the more aggressive in the WSOP, with 4,500 starting stacks soon put under pressure by the introduction of antes at Level 5, so expect some fireworks on Day One.

We’ll be following the Paradise Team throughout as they seek to make their mark on the world’s best poker festival.