Pokerstars EPT HIgh Roller Event starts

10/01/2009

At $20 000 to play, the PokerStars European Poker Tour High Roller event in the London Poker Festival is not for the faint-hearted, but that did not deter an entry field of 75 players that included some of the best players on the planet.

Among those who coughed up the necessary cash for a chance at the $542 000 main prize was Joe Hachem, Barry Greenstein, Bertrand "ElkY" Grosspellier, Dennis Phillips, Greg Raymer, Chris Moneymaker, Vanessa Rousso, Vicky Coren, Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson and John Juanda.

The field had been whittled down to only 32 by the end of Day 1, which saw Internet high stakes player Ilari Sahamies in the lead, having eliminated players of quality like Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier to bag an overnight chip trove of 373 800. Nearest rival is Uruguayan poker pro Adolfo Vaeza on 319 500, who was in pole position throughout most of the day until Sahamies attacked.

Other notable departures included Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Chris Moneymaker, Greg Raymer, Devilfish Ulliott, Barry Greenstein and Vanessa Rousso.