PokerStars World Series of Poker* 2009

PokerStars players win $7,091,985 at the Main Event

The 2009 World Series of Poker* proved to be another huge year for PokerStars qualifiers and Team PokerStars Pro, as players descended on Las Vegas to compete in the 57 events and play for millions of dollars. Hundreds of PokerStars satellite qualifiers joined the 6,494 players that made up the Main Event field, creating a total prize pool of $61,043,600. Some 113 PokerStars qualifiers and players cashed - for a combined payout so far of $7,091,985.

Current World Series Main Event Champion and Team PokerStars Pro Peter Eastgate made a strong defence of his title, going deep and finishing in 78th place for $68,979, while another Team PokerStars Pro, Dennis Phillips and went even deeper, busting in 45th for $178,857 and almost making a fairy tale return to the final table.

Just nine players now remain from the 6,494 that started the Main Event on July 3, and they will return on November 7 to play for first place money of $8,546,435, the gold bracelet and the title of World Champion. PokerStars sponsored player Kevin Schaffel is sixth in chips, and will no doubt use the 113-day break to plan his strategy for the Final Table.

In other events, there were two bracelet wins for Team Poker Stars Pro, as Jason Mercier and Angel Guillen both took down events. Mercier, the Season 4 EPT San Remo champion, added a WSOP* bracelet to his list of achievements when he won Event 5: $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha, pocketing $237,462 for the win. Guillen, one of the rising stars of Latin American poker, scooped Event 32: $2,000 No Limit Hold’em, finished second in Event 13: $2,500 No Limit Hold’em, and even cashed in the Main Event - for winnings of $846,238 – a stand-out performance from one of Team PokerStars Pro’s newest members.

As ever, the PokerStars Blog was there every step of the way. Take a look at the coverage from our expert bloggers, with details of the tournaments played at the Rio. PokerStars.tv was also there, with plenty of interviews and updates from PokerStars players, during the six action-packed weeks of the series.

Watch WSOP 2009: Close to final table thoughts on PokerStars.tv The 2009 World Series of Poker* was one to remember, and it’s not over yet! The final nine players will return to do battle in November. Keep checking back for all the latest news.

* WORLD SERIES OF POKER and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah's License Company, LLC ("Harrah's"). Harrah's does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with PokerStars.com or its products, services, promotions or tournaments.