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A new chapter in poker history begins today. The first event of the 2010 World Series of Poker kicked off at Noon with the $500 Casino Employee’s Event. Jack Effel, Tournament Director for the World Series of Poker, kicked off the event with introductions and a couple of brief announcements. He then “attempted” to get the room to join him in the obligatory “Shuffle Up and Deal” call, but in reality it was just Jack that made the call.

$500 Casino Employee's Event

Beyond the fact that it is the opening event of the World Series of Poker, most people really do not care about the Employee’s Event with the exception of those actually playing in the event. I know this sounds harsh, but it is true. I saw several colleagues that were there “covering” the event, but they were either training new bloggers or reporters or the event or they were “easing their way into working the series.” About the only real point of interest that I saw in the event was that Anthony Yeh was playing. Anthony used to work with me for another company covering the WSOP in 2008. He is quite the player and even has a WSOP Circuit final table to his belt. He is likely one of the better players in the field.

Oh Yeh!

It is interesting how perspectives can change in a year. Ever since I have been coming to the WSOP, the Amazon Room has been perceived as a massive poker room. For years, all of the cash games, satellites, and tournaments were held in this room, including the final table. The satellites were moved out a couple of years back, but the cash games and tournaments remained. A couple other rooms were used to carry the overflow, but the Amazon Room was the top dog.

This is the room that never ends...it just goes on and on and on...

Not anymore. The Pavilion Room is just absolutely sick. For those that have been to the WSOP in the past, take the Amazon Room, multiply it by four, and then add a stage. You then have the Pavilion Room. You have never seen such a massive poker room. I literally want to stand on one side of the room when it is empty and see if I can get an echo going. The Amazon Room seems like a closet in comparison. Right now, the Amazon is being setup to handle Day 2’s of events as well as final tables. There are multiple final table areas this year at the WSOP, so you do not have to worry about playing your final on Green 15 surrounded by railbirds wondering if it is an actual event.

The other event for today is the $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship. The event is an 8-game mix and replaces the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event. This event is going to be jammed with big named pros and is scheduled to take place over five days. Out of all the events at the WSOP, this is the one I am most looking forward to. This is the true World’s Championship of Poker and the winner of this event must be proficient in all poker disciplines, not just NL Holdem.

On a personal note, I am playing in tomorrow’s $1,000 NL Event. Table 83 Seat 1 is my starting table over in the Pavilion Room, also known as the “room that never ends.” If you are out and about Vegas, feel free to stop by and rail me. Otherwise, follow me on twitter at @compncards.

My Seating Card for Event #3

I’ll be back a little later today with some updates from the $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship. Stay tuned to PokerJunkie.com for continued coverage of the 2010 World Series of Poker.