The biggest event in professional poker is upon us, the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Poker players from every part of the globe descend upon Las Vegas to try their hand at becoming the game of poker’s next big star. Reputations are solidified and careers birthed at this event. The biggest and best players in the game will be on hand to take home huge cash prizes and of course that gold bracelet that everyone who professionally or even seriously plays the game, covets.

This year’s event will make the 41st time the tournaments have been played. The World Series of Poker franchise has become the most celebrated and respected in the sport, with nearly all of the heavy hitters on hand to participate. Greg Raymore, kicked off the event giving a spirited speech and successfully pumping up the crowd.

Lest you think the WSOP is an American event because it is hosted in Las Vegas every year, it’s important to note that players from a variety of countries fly out to participate. The diversity of the participants isn’t just based on nationalities. There are individuals from all walks of life, professions, income and experience level. It is this “mixed bag” of participants that in part, makes the games so much fun and exciting.

Celebrities from other sports and professions have a hard time staying away as well. This year, several notables were participating at tables on day 1A. Ray Romano, Shawn Marion (Dallas Mavericks), Petter Northug (Olympic Gold Medalist) and Marcus Hellner (Olympic Gold Medalist), were among the superstars trying their hand at poker at the WSOP. Their presence is evidence that the game has gone a bit main stream. The fact that more poker related shows are airing on major networks and poker personalities being featured on prime time television shows, think Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice, helps makes the case that poker is becoming somewhat of an established sport in the American psyche.