AOL sending 12 players to WSOP

The world's biggest ISP will be funding the $10 000 buy-ins of 12 competitors in the World Series of Poker main event on July 6 this year, positioning them for a run at the likely $15 million winner's prize.

Nicole Opas, programming director for the ISP's AOL Games says that nine of the sponsorships have already been won, with the remaining three up for grabs until Father's Day.

"The World Series of Poker is all about the average man - or woman - becoming a champion," Opas said.

To win an AOL-sponsored seat, players compete online in daily tournaments against up to 5 000 other pokerheads. The top 100 players in those tournaments move on to Sunday championships where the winner gets the seat. In the sponsorship arrangement, AOL pays the $10 000 entry fee for the event and pays for a hotel room and airfare, Opas said.

"Poker's a little bit of luck and a lot of skill," Opas said. "The people who win are smart and keen."