WSOP Europe Underway in Cannes

The World Series of Poker Europe began play on Friday, as the €2,680 No-Limit Hold'em Six-Handed saw its first day of action. A total of 360 players entered the tournament, up considerably from last year’s total of 244 players for the most similar event in last year’s series.

This year’s WSOPE has a new home in Cannes, France. In addition to the ability to accommodate more players, the new location has changed the currency used in the buy-in amounts for each tournament event. That means this year’s tournaments won’t cost exactly the same amount as last year’s; for instance, the 2010 WSOPE had a £2,500 buy-in for its six-handed no-limit tournament, which is slightly more than this year’s buy-in.

However, the increase in attendance more than made up for the slightly lower buy-in, creating a prize pool of €864,000. In total, 36 players will make the money, with the winner taking home €215,999, and all players cashing being guaranteed at least €4,536.

Towards the end of the first day of play, several players made bids for the chip lead. Benjamin Pollak appeared to grab the lead right before the end of play, but at the last moment, Guenan Flavien jumped out on top by winning a bit pot after calling a pure bluff by Alessandro Speranza.

The WSOPE will be taking place from October 7 to October 20, with a total of seven bracelet events taking place over the course of the series. There are five hold’em tournaments – including the Main Event Championship – along with two Pot Limit Omaha events. In addition, there is a non-bracelet Ladies Event, as well as the Ceasars Cup, a challenge event between top professionals from Europe and North America.

This year’s WSOP Europe may take on additional importance for some players due to its potential impact on the WSOP Player of the Year race. While Ben Lamb currently leads the competition (based on the points he would receive for finishing at least 9^th in the WSOP Main Event), Phil Hellmuth is certainly in position to retake the lead in Europe, which could force Lamb to need to finish well when the November Nine reconvenes to play out the Main Event final table. Other players who could be within striking distance with exceptional performances in Cannes include Brian Rast, Chris Moorman and Bertrand Grospellier.