To say the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has come a long way since it's 1970 beginning is a considerable understatement. What began as a curiosity with a comparative handful of players evolved into its present state, a poker extravaganza involving thousands of players, the best of whom have become poker superstars due to unprecedented media and internet coverage.

The current 2006 WSOP tournament is an excellent example of how far this event has come. The tournament began on June 26th at Harrah's Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and as of this writing more than 8,000 participants have entered with the requisite $10,000 buy-in. Contestants will play down until nine players remain. These players will compete at the final table on August 10th for the WSOP championship, the gold and diamond encrusted bracelet, poker immortality, world-wide fame, and last, but certainly far from least, millions of dollars in prize money. For example, last year's WSOP champion, an Australian, Joseph Hachem collected $7.5 million, and this year's champion is expected to take home more than $12 million.

Additionally, side games and tournaments within tournaments, such as HORSE, as well as satellite tournaments with world-wide participation, and daily lesser tournaments with lower buy-ins continue throughout the World Series of Poker event.

All participants must be at least 21 years of age and have the requisite buy-in funds

Casino employees are not exempt from the WSOP tourney, and a special casino employee no-limit event requiring a $500 buy-in was held on June 26th. The 1,232 entrants nearly doubled last year's 662 players. After eight hours of play, The number one spot among the nine finalists was Chris Gos. Who was awarded the grand prize of $127,496.

The June 27th WSOP no-limit hold 'em tournament ($1,500 buy-in) attracted 2,776 entrants, and concluded June 29th. Brandon Cantu topped the remaining nine players, taking home $757,839.

On June 28th, the WSOP featured a pot-limit hold 'em with a $1,500 buy-in, and 1,102 entrants vied for a chance at a WSOP bracelet. The top ninety-nine players would receive payouts. By the third and final day, nine players remained. Rafe Furst won his first World Series of Poker bracelet with the highest two pair, and took home a neat $345,984.

World Series of Poker Event #4 featured a no-limit hold 'em game requiring a $1,500 buy-in, and began with 1,068 players, as some of the largest crowds, and most numerous entrants in WSOP history contributed to the continuing excitement.

After three days of intensive play, an Iranian-born student from Los Angeles won first place with two pair, and earned $335,289.

The World Series of Poker continues to generate unprecedented interest, with the best players besieged by well-heeled sponsors eager to cash in on the WSOP phenomenon, the world-wide interest in poker, and poker tournaments. As an example, midway through the WSOP tournament Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson appeared to promote the July 21st launching of her new Internet poker site, pamelapoker.com.

And the circus continues!