LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
The main event of the World Series of Poker is officially under way this weekend at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Ellen Deeb, 92, is taking part and she got to kick off things by saying, "Shuffle up and deal!"
Thousands are taking part in the 43rd annual event which will last 10 days. Anyone can play as long as they have the $10,000 to buy in.
Chris Zopp from Orlando, FL, said it's pretty nerve-wracking. "Just keep breathing - one breath at a time," Zopp said.
Thousands of players from 85 countries are taking part including professionals, amateurs and celebrities.
Actor Kevin Pollak said he's looking for tells, "My hope is to not have to play a hand the first couple of hours and just study my opponents."
Vancouver Canucks hockey goalie Roberto Luongo is playing too. He said the key is concentration, "I'm going to be patient. The good thing is that's the type of player I am. I'm used to playing long shifts online and grueling days like that. So hopefully I'll be able to hold up mentally and keep that focus throughout the day."
Players could be seated at a table with anyone, including defending champ Pius Heinz who won $8.7 million last year.
Tournament director Jack Effel said the beauty of this game is that anyone can win the coveted gold bracelet, "It rewards the best play. The players who are playing the best may not be the best players known in the game, but those playing the best have the shot to win. Anyone can enter and anyone can win."
This phase of the main event wraps up July 16 when the thousands of players are whittled down to the final nine.
Those nine players resume play October 28 with a prize pool topping $60 million. The winner could stand to win nearly $9 million alone.
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