When a poker pro looks back over the last year there will be one significant name to stand out in their minds, The World Series of Poker. The WSOP 2007 set records on may levels, creating legends, setting the standard, and influencing the way the game is played around the world.

This years tournament event took place between June 1st and July. Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth were tied with 10 bracelets apiece. An impressive feat for any pro poker player, however the tie was broken. The 15 thousand dollar, No Limit HoldEm, event 15, attracted a crowd, but only one man came out on top. What an impressive victory, and proof that poker truly is a game of skill. Phil Hellmuth competed against some of the great names in the game, and once again won a World Series of Poker Bracelet. ‘The Poker Brat’ amazes people is many ways, however this goal was achieved when there was no expectation that it would or could be. Now Doyle chased his 11th bracelet the remained of the event.

Every year, the World Series of Poker holds a Ladies Only event, this year there were two women bracelet winners. Sally Broyer came out on top of the Ladies Event. Strong competition through out event 17, and Sally stood alone with her first WSOP Bracelet. This was a warm up however for another woman, Katja Thater, placed 5th in the Ladies Only event, however when she competed shortly following the Ladies Event in the Razz event, number 29, she proved why women should be respected. There have only been three women to win an open event, one that is open competition between men and women, Annie Duke has one bracelet as the first. Katja Thater became the second when she took the pot in event 29. After moving through 340 other competitors, she proved why she is one of the strongest professional poker players in the world today. Now she’s taken her place in poker history.

The biggest event of the tournament, the NoLimit Texas Holdcm Main Event number 55 was won by a previous unknown. Jerry Yang brought a new dimension the to the poker player perception. This family man, father of 6 and a paramedic, won the main event after only having played poker for the last 2 years. His competition was some of the biggest names in the world of poker, including Phil Hellmuth, Doyle Brunson, both of whom hold records as bracelet winners, and both were knocked out before the final table. When the field narrowed to the top 10 Jerry Yang was in the middle of the chip pack, but he played well, and showed the world, poker players are not all dark alley, back room smokers. There are family men who are true competitors, and breadwinners in the industry.

One of the most amazing aspects of the 2007 World Series of Poker, is the fact that many of the bracelet winners were online competitors, and much younger than what we expected before. The average age for the winners of many events this year were in their early 20’s to 30’s. The competition was stiff, and the players were young international faces. The main event final table was a diverse group of 30 something’s and younger. Many of who, like Jerry Yang, have not been playing the game for a significant amount of time. This proves the value of these online competitors in the international field.

As you can see the face of poker is changing. The draw is largely international, and all want to compete in the greatest test of poker skill in the world. The World Series of Poker is continuing to grow and expand every year. Getting better known and a broader base, the event is already set for next year. May 1st through July 17th 2008 will see the poker world once again converge on the US City of Las Vegas, Nevada. All eyes will be watching closely as the Poker Titians come face to face with the impressive amateurs once again.