World Series of Poker Event #2 Begins

Below the din, you can hear the whispers.

"Greg Raymer is at my table. Seriously."
They are words hastily spoken into cell phones or spoken softly as players have one last smoke before the cards go in the air.

"There's Moneymaker."
Above the din, the announcement comes. This event, the 2006 WSOP Event #2, a $1,500 no-limit hold'em affair, is the biggest non-main event ever. The official numbers are still to come, but every table is full and the alternates are pacing the hallways like lions at the tail end of a two-month hunger strike.

To be sure, the room is stacked. Pick a poker pro and it is likely he or she is here. It seems nothing can keep people away. The threat of being the 199th alternate and entering the tournament at the 100/200 level with 1,500 in chips is not stopping people. And nothing is stopping the chips from moving. Before I had time to take the first picture I saw quad queens crack pocket aces.

And, I'm sad to report, the first Team PokerStars departure was none other than Steve Paul-Ambrose. Through a smile he said something about his opponent holding 4-5 suited in clubs.

This figures to be a very long day. Although it is a three day event, weeding through this 2,200 player field (enough to make room for tomorrow's event) means we'll be here late tonight.

To get things started, here are a few pictures of Team PokerStars players from around the room. I'll be back with more later.