2010 WSOP Highlights

True to its promise, the 2010 World Series of Poker has turned into a surprising event where the favored players are out of contention and surprising players remain.

Phil Ivey, who attracted a crowd when he first arrived at the tournament, found himself out of contention over the weekend. The player who is seen as a huge celebrity in poker circles found himself out of the tournament within one hour of the second day of play.

Other surprises include the ouster of Doyle Brunson, who received an ovation from the crowd as he left the Amazon room at the Rio Casino in Las Vegas. Other notable surprise exits include Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, J.C. Tran, Freddy Deeb, Cyndy Violette, Joe Cada, and Alexander Kravchenko.

Poker legend Johnny Chan is still alive.

While some of the celebrities from the non-poker world did well on days one and two, many of them have been eliminated from play. Still in the hunt, however, is actor Gabe Kaplan, known best for his role as the teacher in the sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter”. He holds the distinction of being the celebrity from the non-poker world who has placed highest at any WSOP. He came in 13th at the 1991 WSOP.

Actor Hank Azaria was also still doing well by Wednesday in the 2010 WSOP Main Event. He was ranked at the middle of the pack.