Someone will become a millionaire in the World Series of Poker Main Event

Reporting from Las Vegas —  Shuffle up and deal. The World Series of Poker Main Event is officially underway at the Rio with thousands of fans expected to enter.

All buy in with $10,000 pitting regular Joes, celebrities, sports stars and poker pros alike against each other, all hoping to go home with a bracelet and an estimated $8 million grand prize.

Last year, 6,683 players entered the tournament with Sweden’s Martin Jacobson winning the $10 million. This year, for the first time, the first 1,000 finishers win cash prizes, and that lowers the overall prize package when the final nine return to finish the tournament in November.

Officially dubbed “Event #68,” this last and final event of the record-breaking 46th Annual World Series of Poker has three starting flights. One kicked off on Sunday, but additional flights launch on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7, at noon.

World Series of Poker officials expect players from more than 85 different countries with a prize pool totaling more than $60 million.

Play continues through July 14, with the final nine players returning in November to play for the World Series of Poker bracelet and $8 million prize, all broadcast on ESPN.
Info: World Series of Poker