World Cup Fever at the WSOP 2010

UNITED STATES – The poker boom began with the explosion of popularity in the game after the 2003 WSOP, and in the last seven years numerous international stars have arrived on the scene.

A great majority of poker’s big names, however, are still from the U.S., and the list of all-time WSOP bracelet winners is dominated by Americans. Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Erik Seidel, Phil Ivey – take your pick.

ENGLAND – The recent wave of British poker success has continued to roll in 2010, with Praz Bansi and James Akenhead of the London-based Hit Squad bringing home big-time results in the past 12 months.

Liv Boeree has become one of the most recognizable faces in the game, while Roland de Wolfe, Dave “Devilfish” Ulliott and Neil Channing are also amongst England’s finest.

AUSTRALIA – Jeffrey Lisandro might have very well cemented his legacy as the best ever from down under with his 2009 WSOP Player of the Year performance.

In addition to the four-time bracelet winner Lisandro, Australia also claims 2005 Main Event Champ Joe Hachem and the iconic Tony G amongst its ranks.

DENMARK – The most famous poker player from Denmark happens to be Gus Hansen, who’s one of the biggest names in poker.

Hansen’s crazy/aggressive style has created something of a stereotype for Scandinavian players, but also hailing from Denmark is 2008 Main Event champion Peter Eastgate, who we haven’t heard much from lately.

FRANCE – The French claim a number of poker pros, including three of the game’s biggest names.

Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier has emerged as one of the world’s top players, along with High Stakes regular David Benyamine. Vanessa Rousso also has dual citizenship in France and the U.S.

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Giants of the WSOP

In poker, however, the guys that look like giants on TV really are giants.

PL.com has been on the floor throughout the day for the $10k Seven-Card Stud Championship, and even after busting out early in the event, Mike “The Mouth” Matusow has been stopping by to chat with Phil Hellmuth.

Whenever Hellmuth stands up, however, the 5’9” Matusow has to crane his head upward at a remarkably upright angle to have a close-proximity, hushed-tone conversation with the Poker Brat.

With that in mind, and the  NBA Basketball Finals going on in the U.S., here’s a list of some of most towering people of poker:

Phil Gordon 6’9”: Gordon is probably the tallest person in poker, but the Full Tilt pro is also one of the nicest people in the game. Too likable for his height to be intimidating.

Phil Hellmuth 6’7”: The Poker Brat can be intimidating in numerous ways – with his poker resume, his trash-talking table image and his formidable height. Hellmuth’s blow-ups are even worse when he’s standing at his table, furious.

Huck Seed 6’7”: The former Main Event champ has been known to show off his long-range shooting with big bucks on the line. His quiet demeanor and tall, lanky frame add to his intimidating table image.

Erik Seidel 6’7”: He’s an eight-time bracelet winner and a pro’s pro. Seidel’s consistency as one of the world’s best makes him a scary opponent for anyone.

Howard Lederer 6’5”: The Professor’s large frame and large intellect makes him a huge presence in any room he walks into, and the effect is even bigger when Lederer is at the poker table.

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Washington Post

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