WSOP Events 11-15 Recap

Event: 11 Buy in: $5,000 Game: 7-Card Stud

High stakes cash game specialist David Oppenheim entered the final table chip leading. He relinquished his lead as it came down to a heads up battle between Chris Reslock and the dangerous Phil Ivey. Ivey is better known for his NL Hold'em and PL Omaha play, but grew up playing 7-stud in the Atlantic City casinos. Ivey won the 2002 stud event, but could not duplicate the feat as Reslock won just a few hands into heads up play. Reslock received $258,453 for the win while Phil took home $143,820. The difference between first and second was actually far greater for Phil Ivey. Ivey is one of a number of pros who has a $100,000 bet with Eli Elezra. Elezra agreed to bets in which pros would receive 5-1 odds on winning a bracelet in the 2007 WSOP. Thus, the difference between first and second for Ivey, was a difference of over $700,000. This was Reslock's first bracelet. His past accomplishments include a circuit event victory and a fourth place finish in last years Tournament of Champions.

Event: 12 Buy in: $1,500 Game: NL Hold'em 6 handed

Young Canadian Jason Warner outlasted a field of 1,427 to win his first gold bracelet. Warner's victory was his first cash in a WSOP event. Joe Awada, the casino game designer with a successful WSOP resume, finished in 8th place.

Event: 13 Buy in: $5,000 Game: PL Hold'em

While talk of the bracelet race usually includes the names Johnny, Doyle, and Phil, soon people might have to start mentioning Allen. At only 30 years of age, Allen Cunningham won his fifth bracelet, also marking his 30th WSOP cash. Last year's WSOP Main Event fourth place finisher continues to impress and solidify his name as one of the top pros in today's game.

Event: 14 Buy in: $1,500 Game: 7-card stud

German Professional Michael Keiner wins just short of $150,000 as he takes down the $1,500 buy-in 7-card stud bracelet. The tournament's final table included top pro Barry Greenstein and 2004 Main Event champion Greg Raymer. Raymer, who is highly respected for his tough tournament play finished 6th, demonstrating that his skill is not limited to no-limit hold'em.

Event: 15 Buy in: $1,500 Game: NL Hold'em

It is nearly impossible to discuss the WSOP without bringing up Phil Hellmuth's name. The Poker Brat, who never grows tired of the attention, has given people something new to talk about. Phil outlasted a field of 2,628 to become the first player ever to win 11 WSOP bracelets. Amazingly, all 11 of Hellmuth's bracelets have come in Hold'em. Hate him or love him, Hellmuth keeps giving us a reason to talk.

-Benjamin Ryan