Clebrities, Amateurs and Professionals Vie For World's Biggest Poker Prize

"I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it," said 25-year-old Larry Kagan. "It's awe-stirring!"  

"Awe-stirring?"

Really. So what is it that could possibly prompt such excitement bordering on gibberish in this young man? Well it helps to know Larry is a self-described "avid poker player" and that he was responding to nothing less than a once in a lifetime chance to compete right alongside professional gamblers and celebrities like Ray Romano and Kevin Pollak in the World Series of Poker to be held at the Rio Hotel-Casino off the Las Vegas Strip.

World's Biggest Poker Prize

During the summer, actors and athletes have the chance to compete alongside professional gamblers for one of the biggest poker prizes in the world. The main event, a $10,000 buy-in with no-limit, started on Saturday and ends today, July 15, when the final nine will be chosen. Play will not continue again until this November, when the competition at the final table will air on ESPN live.

This year, only 6,352 players from 83 nations entered, which is a slight decrease from previous years. The winner will receive $8.4 million and a gold-and-diamond bracelet, commonly referred to as "The Super Bowl ring of gambling."

Ten years ago, Chris Moneymaker (his real last name!), a 27-year-old amateur, received the grand prize. This year, World Series of Poker officials gave Moneymaker a bronze bust commemorating his win in 2003. 

Exciting, yes?  And very easy to understand those goose bumps. To enjoy the thrill of online poker yourself, check out the many different online poker rooms.