Players to Watch out for at the WSOP

The World Series of Poker is only a few weeks away and there are a few players I will be keeping my eye out for once it begins.

Paul Wasicka - Last years runner up from the Main Event has been on absolute tear ever since. Wasicka has earned over $1 million dollars since then and some notable finishes include a 12th place finish in the Aussie Millions, a WPT Final Table, and winning the National Heads Up Championship. Don't be surprised to see him at some final tables this year.

Jeff Madsen - Madsen was last years WSOP Player of the Year. He made 4 final tables at last years World Series and won 2 bracelets. Since he's had some mixed results but he did have an impressive showing at the Bay 101 Shooting Star finishing in 8th place, which was good for $100,000. This year when Madsen returns to the WSOP he will no longer be an unknown so it will interesting to see how he reacts now that he's one of the hunted.

Phil Hellmuth - When you talk about the World Series you have to mention Phil Hellmuth. Hellmuth had a very strong showing at last year's World Series capturing his record tieing 10th bracelet and making 4 final tables altogether. Hellmuth was extra motivated last year and expect the same this year as he can pass Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan for sole possession of the bracelet lead.

JC Tran - No one in the game has had a better 2007 so far than JC Tran. Tran made 3 WPT Final Tables, won one, and also took down a preliminary event at the WPT Championship. Tran earned WPT Player of the Year honors for his success. Tran also has made 5 other final tables since last years WSOP and won 2 of them. He is one of the best players in the world to have never won a WSOP bracelet and this could be the year that changes.

Jamie Gold - Last years Main Event winner will try to prove at this years WSOP he's no fluke. Gold has not had any real notable finishes in tournaments since the Main Event but he also didn't play many tournaments. This year we will find out if Jamie Gold is for real. Apparently he's been practicing games besides Texas Hold'em online so we will see if he has any success in non-hold'em events.