The Champ's Perspective
WSOP Main Event winners collide
By Jerry Yang

One of the most exciting and unique events at the WSOP this year was the World Champions Invitational. I was ecstatic when I heard that Harrah’s Entertainment and the WSOP decided to add this event to the schedule.

This special tournament was only for winners of the Main Event and took place in the Amazon Room at the Rio Hotel and Casino from May 31 to June 1. Beginning with reigning champion Peter Eastgate, each of the 20 participants was introduced to the crowd, counting backward from the year of their victory.

We were there to battle not only for the top prize, but also the ultimate bragging rights—being able to say you came out on top against that exclusive group who can lay claim to a Main Event title.

Some of you might not have heard or known about this event, but many fans, poker players, and celebrities came out to watch. People lined up to get a glimpse of their favorite poker idol. It was a great moment for the poker community and it will surely go down in history as one of the most memorable tournaments of the WSOP.

Not surprisingly, it had to be by far the toughest tournament I’ve ever played. I was competing against people like Doyle Brunson, Tom McEvoy, Phil Hellmuth, Huck Seed, Scotty Nguyen, and Peter Eastgate.

I was probably the least experienced champion at the table. My heart was pounding the whole time I was there, yet I was happy to be able to sit among and play against the best in the world. Many of these champions are legends in the poker community. It was a wonderful honor and privilege to be able to play against them.

Unfortunately, I didn’t last very long. To make a long story short, my A-A got cracked by Scotty Nguyen’s Q-Q. He hit his set on the turn and busted me out. I’m looking forward to another event such as this next year.

So who was the winner? Tom McEvoy, the 1983 Main Event champion won it all. He took home a 1970 red Chevy Corvette and the Binion Cup. Jack Binion was there to present the trophy to McEvoy. It was a wonderful moment for the poker community and, of course, for McEvoy.

Robert Varkonyi, the 2002 champion came in second. Here are the top five finishers (descending order): Tom McEvoy, Robert Varkonyi, Dan Harrington (1995), Jim Bechtel (1993), and Carlos Mortensen (2001). In case you’re wondering, I finished 17th.

This event attracted hundreds, if not thousands, of poker enthusiasts. I’m hoping that Harrah’s Entertainment and the WSOP team will continue this tradition for many years to come. Not only does this event attract a lot of poker fans and players alike, it will also boost our poker community in a positive way.

The Champions Invitational will be televised on ESPN on July 28. Only four events will be televised this year. They are the $40,000 buy-in event, the World Champions Invitational, Ante-Up for Africa Charity Event and, of course, the Main Event.

I have always wanted to play with the best and against the best. My dream came true when I was invited to play in the WSOP’s Champions Invitational.

Despite the suckout by Scotty Nguyen, it was still a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I sat with the youngest champion and the oldest champion at the same table and played the best poker I knew how. I hope to see one of you at the same table one day. Dreams do come true if you keep dreaming. Good luck and best wishes to all of you who plan on playing the Main Event this year.