The field has just grown to 2,568 players as we enter the second level of play. It is a recreational players dream as they get the chance to sit next to their idols, play cards and have a chat. Here are some players from differing backgrounds.
Scott Geiger is a professor of business who resides in Tampa, Florida. Geiger comes to the World Series of Poker (WSOP) every year with his friends Eric, Brad and Bill. Each year he flicks his $1,000 into the pot in the hope of achieving his dreams of winning a WSOP bracelet. To Geiger this is what it's all about. The chance to play cards with the big boys, have some fun and hopefully make a big score. Geiger would like to wish his father Bill, a very happy fathers day.
In stark contrast to Geiger we have Andre Akkari. Akkari travels the world playing poker for a living and until 2011 was more notable for his online exploits than his offline exploits. Then in 2011, Andre Akkari stood up and said, 'here I am,' when he took down a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event for $675,117. The WSOP bracelet winner has yet to cash at this years WSOP and is hoping that he breaks his duck in Event #33.
Two very different people, from very different backgrounds and this is what makes the World Series of Poker the very in the business.