Bodog Beat

Young gun Adam Junglen is the chip leader heading into the final table of Event No. 1 at the WSOP Europe. (Image courtesy WSOP)

The WSOP Europe is fully underway at the Empire Casino in London and the first WSOP bracelet of the tournament series is just one final table away from being awarded. And, if chip leader Adam Junglen can hold onto his lead, then we could be looking at an event for the history books.

Junglen is only 20 years of age, but has already made an impression on the poker tournament world, racking up over $300k and an EPT final table without being allowed to play in the US. Given his skills, and hopefully without jinxing him, holding onto the lead and marching to victory seems possible, and probable, and would make him the first American to win a bracelet at the WSOP Europe.

However, he will face stiff competition from several other successful players sharing the final table felt. Sitting in third place is Yengeniy Timoshenko, who is coming off an impressive win at the APT Macau and has won several preliminary events at European tournaments. Also in the top five is 2008 Irish Poker Open champ Neil Channing. The UK poker pro also cashed seven times at the 2008 WSOP in Vegas. Another 2008 WSOP success story is Jesper Hougaard, who is the lone bracelet holder at the final table after winning $600k for taking down a $1,500 No Limit Holdem event over the summer.

The 410 players who ponied up their ₤1500 buy-in generated a prize pool of ₤615,000, out of which the ₤144,218 first-place prize will be awarded. All eyes will be focused on that goal when play resumes in London. Well, that and the first WSOPE bracelet to be awarded this year. Stay tuned for more updates from the Bodog Beat.