LAS VEGAS - The Rio is experiencing a full house for the 42nd Annual World Series of Poker.
"It's been unbelievable. Some of the best players in the game are playing," said World Series of Poker Vice President of International Poker Operations Jack Effel.
Players come here in pursuit of fame, fortune and the title of world champion.
"On top of it being a convention, it's also the annual Woodstock of poker. It's the biggest poker event of the year, and if you've never seen it, you've got to see it," Effel said.
Last year, the World Series of Poker attracted 73,000 participants from 117 countries. This year, organizers have even higher hopes.
Steve Krasner comes from Long Island every year to play for the coveted World Series of Poker bracelet.
"I'm going to be playing tomorrow, day one," he said. "It's a great chance to really capitalize. I think it's a great opportunity to make it. It's your shot."
The poker enthusiasts, their friends and family also provide an opportunity for Las Vegas' economy.
"It obviously brings a lot of business to the city. It keeps the hotels full, the restaurants full," Effel said.
Denny Man traveled to Las Vegas from Holland. "It's a city where you're meant to spend a lot of money, I feel like," he said. "A lot of good shows, good clubbing. Yeah, I love it."
He may have had a down day on Thursday. "Not so great, I got trips under trips and lost like half of my stack, but I'm confident I'll get it back," he said.
But along the way, he'll help boost our economy.
Nearly 900 pokers players competed on the first day of the main event. By July 19, only nine will remain, and they'll return in November to play for two days before a winner is crowned.
