Thousands Of Poker Players Prepare For 2009 WSOP

A large number of participants are expected at one of the world's major poker tournaments

Thousands of poker players are expected to descend on the Rio in Las Vegas for the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP), which is a little more than three weeks away.

Event organisers are expecting around 6,000 participants at the event, which is now in its 40th year.

WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack said that high numbers are anticipated despite the ongoing economic difficulties.

"We have an obligation to create an annual festival and improve every aspect of the tournament that we can," he explained.

"We have to ensure that whoever shows up is given the best possible experience."

The WSOP will begin on May 26th, while two additional poker tournaments will start on May 28th and 30th respectively - the first of which is a $40,000 buy-in, no limit hold'em competition.

This year will also feature a Champions Invitational event, with 27 former WSOP winners competing for the Champions' Champion mantle.

WSOP first took place in 1970 and has grown rapidly since 1982, when it drew just 52 participants.