Number of Players in WSOP 2010

The current World Series of Poker Main Event is officially the second largest in history. After players finishing registering Thursday, the total player count stood at 7,319 for a total prize pool of more than $68 million.

The biggest WSOP Main Event was in 2006, when 8,773 players entered play and the prize pool was $82 million. That year, Jamie Gold won the big title and a $12 million payday.

This year, 747 players can win cash prizes. The player who comes in 747th will take home just over $19,000 while the big winner will take home a cash prize of nearly $9 million.

Some players who aren’t known to the poker world are excited to find themselves playing alongside both poker and entertainment royalty. Some have found themselves seated at tables with poker greats like Phil Ivey and Doyle Brunson. Joe Hachem, Andy Block, Vanessa Rousso, Phil Hellmuth, Phil Gordon, Barry Greenstein and many others are also playing in this year’s Main Event.

Some celebrities who have surprised and delighted poker players with their presence include Jason Alexander, Emmitt Smith, Hank Azaria and Shannon Elizabeth. Alexander charmed players at his table with his easy banter and silly jokes. He also called for a massage just 10 minutes into his table play.

Play in the Main Event will continue until mid-July when the final table will be determined.