The 2014 World Series of Poker Asia-Pacific is correct across the corner, kicking off Oct. 2 and running through Oct. 18. With 10 gold bracelets events lined up with buy-ins starting from AU$1,100 to AU$25,000, the poker action might be exciting and it'll be intense for 17 days straight Down Under.
Last year, the poker world was treated to a couple great stories coming from Australia within the first installment of the festival. To begin, the primary event turned out to be an enormous affair with over 1,000 players. Then, Phil Ivey won his ninth WSOP gold bracelet. Finally, Daniel Negreanu captured the WSOP Asia-Pacific Main Event title and his fifth bracelet.
While the development might be attended by quite a few big names and there'll undoubtedly be many new faces that emerge into the spotlight, some stories stand out a bit greater than others. PokerNews want to indicate those who we predict are the highest three things to look at for on the 2014 WSOP Asia-Pacific, and we'll begin with the close WSOP Player of the Year race.
1. POY Race Hot and Heavy
Sitting atop the present 2014 WSOP Player of the Year standings is Brandon Shack-Harris with 752 points, but he's trailed very, very closely by George Danzer with 745.2 points. Following those two, there is a drop off of nearly 200 points before John Hennigan (557.88) and Daniel Negreanu (519.08) are available because the only other players above 500 points.
Last year, Negreanu claimed the title with 890.22 points. In 2012, Greg Merson won with 981.13, and in 2011 Ben Lamb was the victor with 909.05.
We was told that Shack-Harris and Danzer will both be attending the festivities in Australia, as will Negreanu, but the various other players within the top 10 are not, and Hennigan might besides be the flip of a coin as to if or not he'll occur. Daniel Colman — fifth with 452.4 points and winner of the $1,000,000 Big One for One Drop — confirmed that he won't be playing anymore WSOP events this year. Others within the top 10 that won't be attending are Justin Bonomo and Brock Parker.
While it'd be discouraging that such a lot of within the top a part of the race aren't going, the confirmations of Shack-Harris, Danzer, and Negreanu are good enough to maintain the Player of the Year race extremely interesting. All three players can play all sorts of poker, and there is 10 different events the players can get their feet wet with. Originally, we might've said the massive AU$25,000 High Roller would help Negreanu make up probably the most points gap, but Shack-Harris has confirmed with PokerNews that he'll even be playing that event, and Danzer is understood to take some shots in big buy-in events.
With the race between the highest two being so close between Shack-Harris and Danzer, and how Negreanu have been performing as of late, these three are those we peg as in all probability to stroll away with the title — for Negreanu it'd be his second WSOP Player of the Year title in a row and third overall. Of course, a dismal horse could emerge from the remainder field and it might be a hard to do so, but we aren't against it spicing things up.
Another interesting tidbit is the truth that 2014 WSOP November Niner Bruno Politano might be heading to Australia. Politano isn't anywhere to be found at the WSOP Player of the Year leader board, but he's guaranteed no less than 100 points by finishing within the top nine of the principle Event and will go directly to win as many as 500 points if he wins come November. That said, it might be very interesting if Politano is in a position to prepare a pair very deep runs while in Melbourne and provides himself an actual shot.
Whatever happens, it will be one heck of a narrative to observe unfold and we're hoping it goes all the way down to the wire.
2. Double the Bracelet Events, Plus a High Roller
This year, there are 10 WSOP Asia-Pacific gold bracelet events. Five of them are brand new, two are somewhat new, and 3 return from last year. The brand new bracelet events are highlighted by the AU$25,000 High Roller to be able to attract a top-level field of competitors. Then there's the AU$2,200 No-Limit Hold'em, AU$5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha, AU$1,650 Terminator No-Limit Hold'em, and AU$1,650 8-Game Dealer's Choice which can be all up to date additions to the schedule.
Last year, the festival held a AU$2,200 8-Game Mixed event and a AU$5,000 Six-Max No-Limit Hold'em one, but this year the buy-ins might be swapped for those two events, making for a AU$2,200 Six-Max No-Limit Hold'em and a AU$5,000 8-Game Mixed.
Of course, the AU$10,000 Main Event would be the granddaddy of them all, but it's quite the treat with the intention to feast on 10 more piece of gold as we lead into the November Nine. Seeing which players will emerge victorious and write their place in poker's history books is something everyone will also be excited for.
3. Negreanu Returning for Back-to-Back Chances
Last year, Daniel Negreanu ignited his run to a second WSOP Player of the Year title at WSOP Asia-Pacific. He final tabled one event after which went directly to win the primary Event for AU$1,038,825 and his fifth gold bracelet. With the success Negreanu has already had in the course of the summer's WSOP in Las Vegas, there are two possible back-to-back stories that we have to keep a watch on.
First, Negreanu could have the risk to stay because the only player to win the WSOP APAC Main Event if he's capable of defend his title. While being the only winner from a field of 400-500 players is thought of as a protracted shot, one must pin Negreanu as some of the favorites so as to win. Just have a look at his success over the years, but more importantly his success within the recent year. Hint, it's amazing.
Second, as outlined above, Negreanu has the risk for a back-to-back WSOP Player of the Year title and his third overall. Although he's about 200 points off the pace, Negreanu can really make anything happen if he's in a position to deliver. Everyone knows "Kid Poker" has numerous "intentions," and also you best believe he intends on winning another bracelet and capturing his third Player of the Year title.
The two players Negreanu is chasing the toughest are Shack-Harris and Danzer. We already know that every one three players can play the entire games very well, but Negreanu may get the top of the cap in the case of no-limit hold'em. With six no-limit hold'em events at the schedule, and certainly one of them being a large buy-in of which Negreanu regularly excels in, that is where the six-time gold bracelet winner can make up essentially the most ground.
Don't forget, the 2014 WSOP Asia-Pacific kicks off on Oct. 2, so buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride.
For additional information at the final RunGood.com Poker Series stop in Season 1, visit RunGoodGear.com or take a look at our article with everything it's a must to know at PokerNews.com.
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