WSOP Main Event Begins in Vegas

Almost six weeks since the beginning of the 2010 World Series of Poker and following the awarding of 56 bracelets, the event's flagship Main Event finally kicked off in Las Vegas on July 5.

Each of the approximately 7,000 competitors at the Main Event received 30,000 in tournament chips for the $10,000 buy-in event.

The competition was fierce in the first couple of days, with 2004 champion Greg Raymer and 2006 champion Jamie Gold already eliminated. Competing celebrities included comedians Ray Romano and David Alan Grier, and Playboy's 2007 Playmate of the Year Sara Jean Underwood.

The WSOP changed its registration guidelines for this year's tournament following last year's problems in which players were turned away on the final day of registration because of lack of space. This year, players were able to pre-register for one of four starting days.

Only 1,125 entrants participated on day one on Monday, partly because of the preference of many to not begin their campaign on the very first day of the poker tournament.

The Main Event runs until July 17, when the final nine players will be decided. Those nine will then have to wait until November 6.