Bodog Beat

Bodog poker pro Justin Bonomo is out in the field for the 50k HORSE event at the 2009 WSOP. (Bodog Beat Image)

The 2009 WSOP $50,000 HORSE event is underway and Bodog Poker pro Justin Bonomo is out among the 88 players that bought into this event, or at least who found backers to help them buy in. Right now, the number of entrants sits exactly 60 below last year's mark. The conjecture as to why has ranged from the state of the poker economy to the $40k event at the beginning of this year draining bankrolls.

Either way, the field is still stacked with well-known players and to tell you who they all are would be to basically list out the entire field and, as you may know, that's entirely too much work for us to do on a Friday afternoon. So, suffice it to say that if you think they should be playing, they probably are.

This event is widely considered by many to be the true test of a poker player's skill and after its inception in 2006 has become an extremely popular event for those wanting to test their mettle and possible leave an indelible mark on the poker world. The inaugural event was won by Chip Reese, a quiet, non-media/attention-seeking poker player, who was already known as one of the best players around to those that know those sort of things. After his passing, the trophy lofted by the winner of this event was named the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy.

We'll keep you posted as things progress in the HORSE event. In fact, quick update… there are now 91 entrants and four minutes left for stragglers to get in on this. Stay tuned for more 2009 WSOP updates.