47th WSOP Preview: Getting You Ready for an Exciting Summer

May 30th, 2016 | by Kaycee James

Does Phil Ivey have any interest in competing in the 47th WSOP? (Image: reviewjournal.com)

The 47^th WSOP starts on June 1 with the $565 casino employees event. Only those working in a casino are eligible to enroll in that tournament.

But, for the rest of you, Colossus II, also a $565 buy-in, will be your first opportunity to compete in the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Like the 2015 Colossus, thousands of players are expected to compete. Last year, there were over 22,000 entrants, and there very well could be more this time around.

As we are now merely a couple of days away from the start of this prestigious summer poker series, it’s time to take a look at some of the most intriguing story lines heading into the 2016 WSOP.

Where in the World is Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan?

Phil Ivey has 10 career WSOP gold bracelets but has been mostly a no-show at the Rio the past couple of years. Only Phil Hellmuth has more bracelets.

But Ivey is, apparently, content with his 10 bracelets for now and isn’t motivated to catch the Poker Brat. He’s been busy playing in some of the biggest cash games in the world over in Macau. It’s unlikely he will show up to compete in many events, but will he even come to Sin City for the Main Event?

Tom “Durrrr” Dwan has been M.I.A. for quite some time now. It’s unclear exactly where he is and what he’s been up to. But the poker world would definitely love to see him compete in some WSOP events.

Is Lederer Really Going to Play?

Speaking of no-shows, Howard Lederer has been absent from the series the past four summers, but for different reasons than Ivey and Dwan. The Professor isn’t exactly welcome around card rooms anywhere anymore.

However, some expect him to play this year. The rumors of Lederer’s intent to play began just days before he released a public apology for his pre-Black Friday actions.

After five years of refusing to accept responsibility, he apologized for the way he handled his business in 2011. That apology isn’t good enough for many in the poker world. But that may not stop him from signing up for some WSOP events.

Will Colossus II Set a New Record?

At last year’s WSOP, the first ever Colossus broke the world record for most players in a live poker tournament with 22,374. That record very well could be broken in Colossus II.

Event #12, $565 buy-in pot-limit Omaha, could also set a record. This one for most participants in a live Omaha tournament. It’s the cheapest PLO event in WSOP history and most expect more than 3,500 players to enter.

The 47^th annual World Series of Poker begins June 1. Summer play concludes with the Little One for One Drop ($1,111 buy-in) on July 12. The Main Event starts on July 9.