Predictions for the 2012 WSOP
The 2012 WSOP kicks off on Sunday, which means that it is time for me to give my predictions yet again. Last year’s WSOP went better than anyone could have imagined. This year’s event will have a lot of focus on the BIG ONE for ONE DROP event, but outside of the event there will indeed be several stories to watch.
The 2012 WSOP kicks off on Sunday.
With the amazing turnout from last year’s event, this year is almost sure to see dropoffs in events across the board. Some events may see improvements, but some are going to see some solid dropoffs. The Poker Player’s Championship will be lucky to break 100 and I think that number will be closer to 90.
With that said, you probably will see an “increase” in the total number of players at this year’s WSOP, but that will probably be after factoring in non-bracelet events, etc. The increase in number of total players will be somewhat small and may be as small as 2,500 new bodies.
I also predict that a big name pro will take down the BIG ONE event. You are looking at either Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, or Jonathan Duhamel in this one. Honestly, it will be best for poker’s image for Duhamel to win as he will serve as a great ambassador. In regards to ratings, you will want Negreanu or Hellmuth to win.
My gut tells me that either Shaun Deeb or Viktor Blom aka Isildur1 is going to take down a bracelet this year. Deeb is on fire right now and Blom is beginning to show that he can play live poker at a high level. If the right set of circumstances fall into place, we could see either or maybe both at the bracelet ceremony.
I don’t know why, but I think we will see one lady take down an open bracelet event this year. Everyone was calling the last couple of years the Year of the Lady, but I think that someone is going to get the job done this year. Vanessa Selbst is always a threat but you may see someone like Liv Boeree take one down. It will either be a total superstar or a total unknown. Your Tiffany Michelle’s of the world will not take one down.
Action at the 2012 WSOP kicks off Sunday with the Employee’s Event and continues through the middle of July. There will be a lot of action in the weeks ahead, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
