Anticipation!
As we walk around the main lobby we can literally feel the nerves in the air. Most people are wandering around on their own taking sips of the complimentary water and freshly squeezed orange juice.
At the front of the main lobby Spanish Football Star and Friend of Pokerstars Poli Rincón is signing copies of his new book. There are a few people in line but he is vying for attention with the poker tables lining the main hall so he is up against it.
A few minutes ago the main hall was full of empty tables and bored looking dealers. Now they are full of shade wearing, hoodie wearing and I Pod wearing wannabee's and you can feel the buzz of anticipation. The room is cool and the light that permeates the air comes from four huge chandeliers dangling from the high ceiling.
As we walk in between the masses of people riffling chips, the sounds of Kasabian fill the air and the plasma screens come alive with the images of previous EPT winners. I have no doubt for a moment they grabbed the attention of most of the people in the room and for a fleeting second they crossed their fingers and made their own wish.
Good luck at the tables were the final words spread across the plasma screens and as the music ended Tournament Director Thomas Kremser began the tournament.