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The 2012 WSOP October Nine

In 2012, the final table for the Main Event will be held in October rather than November. The excitement of this final table action is expected to be thrilling. Previously, the final table action would pass quickly, and most people only heard about it after it took place.

Benefits of the delay

With the several-month delay in hosting the final table, entrants have lots of opportunities to prepare for it. Viewers can now see it on TV close to when the action takes place, adding more excitement since it’s not too difficult to avoid spoilers.

Avoiding spoilers

The results do get posted on the internet, so the plan is to avoid spoilers, although it’s also exciting to read the play-by-play blogs. It’s not quite the same as watching live video broadcasts, but if your country offers this coverage, it’s the most fun way to view the final table action.

High stakes

First prize this year will total almost $9 million. There is a lot to play for, in addition to the bracelet and the title of World Champion. Winning the WSOP Main Event catapults players into successful careers as top poker pros.

Meet the October Nine

Jesse Silva

Age: 26, USA, 48,715,638 chips (first).
Background: Jesse has a substantial chip lead and aims to become well-known by winning the WSOP Main Event. Already a poker pro, he also has ambitions in the film industry.

Andras Koroknai

Age: 30, Hungary, 29,375,638 chips (second).
Background: Andras is a former WPT winner and the only non-American at the final table. An accident led him to discover poker, which he quickly excelled in.

Greg Merson

Age: 24, USA, 28,725,000 chips (third).
Background: Greg has had a fantastic year, with one bracelet and three other cash finishes. He hopes to win the 2012 WSOP Player of the Year award.

Russell Thomas

Age: 24, USA, 24,800,000 chips (fourth).
Background: A good friend and former roommate of Jesse Silva, Russell is an insurance company analyst. He hasn’t played poker since Black Friday but has proven his skills this year.

Stephen Gee

Age: 57, USA, 16,860,000 chips (fifth).
Background: The veteran of the table, Stephen started playing in the 70s. After winning a bracelet in 2010, he successfully transitioned to a full-time poker pro.

Michael Esposito

Age: 43, USA, 16,260,000 chips (sixth).
Background: A commodity broker who plays poker a few times a year, Michael has finished in the money at the WSOP Main Event twice before.

Robert Salaburu

Age: 27, USA, 15,155,000 chips (seventh).
Background: Despite limited live poker experience, Robert has played poker for a living for several years. He knows what he’s doing and is not to be underestimated.

Jacob Balsiger

Age: 21, USA, 13,115,000 chips (eighth).
Background: The youngest player at the table, Jacob could become the youngest WSOP Main Event winner ever. Despite limited experience, he’s shown he has what it takes.

Jeremy Ausmus

Age: 33, USA, 9,805,000 chips (ninth).
Background: Although Jeremy has the shortest stack, he brings a wealth of WSOP experience with eight cashes this year. He’ll be doing everything he can to move up.

So there you have it, your October Nine for 2012. Once this World Series of Poker tournament is finished, I will provide you all with a recap of how it all went down.