Bodog Beat

The WSOP Champions Invitational was a bit of a snoozer last night. (Bodog Beat Image)

The guys over at ESPN took a calculated risk when they decided to only film four 2009 WSOP events for television and make one of those the WSOP Champions Invitational. The theory most likely being that out of that field of past champions, surely one loved (or even hated) larger than life personality would reach the final table. However, as the final table wound down, what they got were three respected and talented players, but also three very quiet, reserved and, honestly, boring players in Dan Harrington, Robert Varkonyi and Tom McEvoy.

Really, the only thing of any interest to report is that McEvoy won and will take home a 1970 Corvette Stingray for …. his troubles? His efforts? Showing up? Anyway, the smart money on Media Row is that ESPN will be looking to maybe capture something a bit more exciting on film by pouncing on a final table that looks like it could provide some more fireworks and star power.

One event that had no shortage of either of thos things got under way yesterday, the $10,000 World Championship Seven Card Stud event. Out of the 142 players that originally forked out that buy-in, only 102 are now left. Among those still in contention are chip leader David Oppenheim, Miami John Cernuto, Mel Judah, Yuval Bronstein, Todd Brunson, Erick Lindgren, Jeff Lisandro, Andy Bloch, Hoyt Corkins, Scotty Nguyen, Mark Seif, Phil Ivey, John Juanda and a bunch of others. They are all chasing the $373,744 first-place prize and will resume play at 2pm Vegas time.

Of note, there is another sellout donkament today. The $1,500 No Limit Holdem tournament is underway and has reportedly sold out, but more on that later.

Stay tuned for more 2009 WSOP updates.