2008 WSOP Main Event Final Table Set.

The 2008 WSOP Final 9 on “Hiatus” Until November.

FINALLY!

That’s the one big word that comes into mind when it comes to describing the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event final table countdown…

After the Main Event started play on July 2nd, it took nearly another 2 weeks for the final 9 to hit the felt at this year’s WSOP.

With 6,844 entering this year’s M.E., the prizepool grew to a staggering $64.3 million!  When the final table begins play, first place will be worth a little over $9.1 million, with the last 8 players in the tournament being guaranteed at least a million bucks in prize money.

When the LIVE final table begins play in early November, there should be no shortage of excitement despite the 4-month layoff.  I’m assuming all of the final 9 will be working on improving their game dramatically, as well as the possibility of a few of them hiring poker coaches to step up their game even more when it comes time for the ESPN cameras to televise the action.

Recreational poker player Dennis Phillips will headline the final and bring in a sizable chip stack of over 26+ million in his arsenal.  He holds a slight chip lead over 2nd place Ivan Demidov, who brings in a stack of 24.4 million.  Bubble boy Dean Hamrick would be the unfortunate 10th place finisher, and will no doubt be wondering “what if” over the next few months before the final table is actually played out.  His A J off suit was no match for the pocket Queens of Craig Marquis, whose hand would hold up against the 25-year old, setting the stage for the final 9 players.

Until then folks, we’ll see you all in November!

Here are the seating charts and chip counts for Main Event final table:

Seat 1: Dennis Phillips - 26,295,000
Seat 2: Craig Marquis - 10,210,000
Seat 3: Ylon Schwartz - 12,525,000
Seat 4: Scott Montgomery - 19,690,000
Seat 5: Darus Suharto - 12,520,000
Seat 6: Chino Rheem - 10,230,000
Seat 7: Ivan Demidov - 24,400,000
Seat 8: Kelly Kim - 2,620,000
Seat 9: Peter Eastgate - 18,375,000

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