Predictions for the 2009 WSOP
The WSOP is a little over a month away and some players, including myself, are beginning to try and get in a mindset for the event. Granted, I am not going to be playing the same number of WSOP events as other players, but I do plan on playing a lot of tournaments while I am out there. However, today I would like to make some speculations and predictions for the upcoming World Series of Poker.
Phil Hellmuth Wins 12th Bracelet
I think that Phil has a good shot to win his 12th bracelet this year. He did make two final tables last year which included a 3rd place finish. Could this be the year Hellmuth wins a non-Holdem bracelet? I doubt it. He will likely win another Holdem bracelet. While this may be a stretch, don’t be surprised if he wins 2. I think 1 is likely and 2 is possible.
Erik Seidel Wins 9th Bracelet
If you look at Erik Seidel’s recent bracelet wins, you will notice he skips years between wins. He won a bracelet in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007. He did not win one in 2008, so he should win one this year based on his prior history. Seidel did make two final tables at the 2008 WSOP. (I covered both tables for PokerNews.com.) Expect Seidel to tie Johnny Moss for 3rd on the all-time bracelet lead this year.
A Major Female Player Takes Down an Open Field Bracelet
By major player, I mean someone of the caliber of Cyndy Violette, Annie Duke, Jennifer Harman, etc. I am not discounting the wins of Vanessa Selbst or Katja Thater, but their names do not resonate the same as others. I would love to see Cyndy or Jennifer win a bracelet.
How will Benyamine and Phan do?
David Benyamine and John Phan both had stellar years at the 2008 WSOP. It should be interesting to see how their 2009 campaign unfolds.
Scotty Nguyen Will NOT Win a Bracelet in 2009
Don’t get me wrong, I love Scotty, but I think there will be too much pressure on him. Granted, I hope I am wrong on this prediction and that he wins a bracelet. I would love to see him win the $50k H.O.R.S.E. again.
Phil Ivey Will Win a Bracelet if He Applies Himself
I was witness to Phil’s play at the 2008 WSOP and it didn’t seem he was really into the WSOP as a whole. He did well in the 7 Card Stud World Championship and showed up for the H.O.R.S.E. events, and that is about it. I really would like to see him win the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. Event. My dream match up would be him against either Doyle Brunson or Ted Forrest. The reason I say Forrest as my alternate to Doyle is because of his stud ability.
Attendance Will Drop for the WSOP
I think that the WSOP as a whole will see a drop, and perhaps even a sharp drop in overall attendance. The $1,000 Stimulus Event and the $1,500 NL events will be huge, but I think there will be drop-off elsewhere. Several events have had their buy-ins raised and the attendance at other poker series have seen drops. Last years Main Event just barely saw growth. I think we see shrinkage this year.
I will revisit my predictions at the end of the WSOP to see which ones came true. Until next time, good luck to you at the tables.
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