WSOP Main Event Starts Today

July 6 - After weeks of non stop poker entertainment, the Main Event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) finally kicks off today.

Ahead of the climax to the world's greatest live competition comes the news that several records have already been broken in this year's competition.

Firstly, a new attendance record has been broken, with over 63,700 poker players entering the 55 events that made up WSOP 2010.

Last year, 60,875 people entered the series and this year's increase means that for the seventh year running, participation numbers are on the rise.

"We're thrilled that poker enthusiasts from every corner of the globe have reinforced the World Series of Poker's standing as one of the most popular competitive events anywhere," said the Vice President of the WSOP, Ty Stewart.

"This year's overall turnout continues to show the player's passion for playing on poker's biggest stage despite the continued sluggish economy," he added.

With the Main Event kicking off today, it remains to be seen whether last year's record of 6,494 entrants to this prestigious event will be broken.

What is sure is that poker enthusiasts will be treated to thirteen days of fantastic poker action before the top players reach the point in the competition where only nine are left standing.

In November, 2010, the last players - the November Nine - will embark on final table action to have the winner of the WSOP Main Event declared.