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The World Series of Poker Europe just kicked off on Friday at Casino Barriere de Cannes Croisette and the Hôtel Majestic Barrière in Cannes, France.

As usual, I like to make predictions regarding the series, but I am a bit late getting to them this time around.

Here are some of my predictions for this years WSOP-E.

C'mon Phil, let's get #12.

Phil Hellmuth Will Have at Least 1 Strong Showing and May Take POY Lead

Phil Hellmuth has been on a tear at the WSOP this year and I believe that he will continue it through the WSOP-E.

He is already deep in Event #1, the €2,680 Six-Handed Event and I think this will be the first of up to three deep runs.

I think there is a great chance that he not only overtakes Ben Lamb for POY but also wins his 12th bracelet. Let’s go Phil!

Ben Lamb Whiffs the WSOP-E

Ben Lamb was on a monster run at the WSOP earlier in the year, but my gut tells me that his run good may have run out.

In fact, he might want his run good to hold off until the final table as those that have run well in events before the November Nine have failed to take down the big one.

I think he whiffs the WSOP-E.

Team Europe Retains Caesars Cup

While I have the utmost respect for Phil and the players for Team Americas, it appeared that he assembled the team best suited to win this event 10 years ago instead of picking a team to win now.

Granted, the team is highly experienced, but I think the European team is best suited for the modern era of poker.

I think that Phil is going to have to run well and Daniel will have to carry the team in order to win.

At Least One “Best Big Name Will Take a Bracelet”

Sorry for the vagueness of this particular prediction, but I can’t really put my finger on what my gut is telling me. It seems that at least one big name takes down a bracelet at the WSOP-E, but I feel that trend will continue.

Don’t be surprised that a name that hasn’t been heard of in a while or a name that hasn’t broken through the WSOP bubble yet takes down the gold. Note that this prediction is in addition to anything that Hellmuth may or may not win.

That’s all I’ve got for the WSOP-E this year. In all honesty, the event semi-snuck up on me.

It should be a great event and I’m looking forward to all the results.