Another PokerStars player hits a final table; One of PokerStars own is in the money; and an introduction from Las Vegas

The media credential maven fanned herself as she handed over my hall pass.

"It's hot in here today," she mused.

I took my credentials that give me inside-the-rail access, looked at my long sleeves, and agreed with her. I should be wearing my Pig'N Pancake t-shirt today, I thought. It's hot and I could go for a big stack of flapjacks.

The action inside the rail was hotter. I could sweat pancakes while sweating the action.

It's official folks. For the next month, the Official PokerStars Blog will be brought to you from sunny Las Vegas. I've only been on the ground a couple of hours, but thought we should get this thing moving. Over the next several weeks, you can expect daily (actually probably several times daily) updates right here.

I need to be on the tournament floor right now, but thought we'd start this thing off with a few photos of some of the more important pieces of PokerStars news going on today.


$5000 No-Limit Hold'em final table

First and foremost, PokerStars player Steve Zoine is still playing in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Event. Six players remain [Update: Four players remain and Steve has a lot of chips]. Steve bought in with his W$ and now figures to cash big. More on his status later tonight.


Steve Zoine

Next up, PokerStars' Isabelle Mercier is showing well today in the $1500 Limit Hold'em Shoot-out. When I left her a few minutes ago, her starting table was down to three players. First place at the table vaults her into the money. [Update: She didn't make it, and that makes me sad]


Isabelle Mercier

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that my fellow PokerStars marketing man Rich Korbin has made it into the top 20 of the $1000 Stud Hi-Lo event. His stack was sitting just below average last I looked, but I'm not worried, as Rich already holds a WSOP bracelet. [Update: Rich busted out short of the final table, but made us proud today]


Rich Korbin in the middle of a hand

I have to get back out on the tourney floor. Hopefully I'll have some good news for all our players later tonight.

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