As reported by: AP via Herald Tribune
The marathon grind toward the richest pot in poker is under way.

Play opened in the 39th World Series of Poker main event Thursday, with nearly 1,300 players hoping to make it through a 10-hour day of no-limit Texas Hold 'em against high-profile players and unknowns who could come out of nowhere to win millions of dollars and the game's ultimate crown.

"Finally, we are here," said 59-year-old Serge Grenier of Montreal, who won his entry into the tournament through online poker site PokerStars.net.

"It's the dream of every real poker player to come here and play."

The day kicked off in classic Sin City style, with Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton delivering the famous order - "Shuffle up and deal!" - as he was flocked by 10 showgirls wearing tight-fitting turquoise and white bodysuits with red bow ties and bowler hats. The UNLV marching band rushed to the middle of the tournament floor at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and played Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas."
Article By: AP via Herald Tribune