One day to go: Name dropping
The attraction of nine WSOP seats, a first prize of R1 million and a total prize pool of R3,5 million, has proved to be a massive incentive and has attracted the most star-studded field to date. Most of the 122 players have at least one All Africa under their belts with very few newbies making the journey to picturesque Swaziland.
Past champions that have already proved their mettle and will be looking to enhance their status in the poker community are: Claude Sacks, Dale Winterstein, Greg Ronaldson, Peter Vermaas, Ryan Eber and Ryan Price.
As if the previous winners aren’t enough of a minefield to negotiate, some notable final table finishers that will also be at the tables are: Andre Johnstone, Darren Miller, David Spangenberg, Ilja Martinovic, Jaime Vilela, Neville Eber, Oliver Berman and Tinus Potgieter.
All three members of Clan Cornelli will be trying to emulate their remarkable previous tournament performance and finish in the prize pool. Gary Lentin, the only player who has been to every All Africa, is still maintaining his 100% attendance and the playing commentators David Dadic and Ryan Brauer are both hoping to commentate on their own brilliant performances.
Last, but of course never least, the biggest South African poker success story to date will be taking his place amidst the other awestruck hopefuls. Team All Africa’s Ray Rahme who finished third in the 2007 WSOP Main event and won over R21 million will be doing his best to add the coveted title of All Africa Poker Tournament champion to his impressive résumé.
Don’t forget to track the progress of your favourite players on the All Africa Poker blog from 8pm on the 29th of May.
