LAS VEGAS (AP) Nine card players from five countries have returned to Las Vegas in search of life-changing riches at the World Series of Poker main event.
Some finalists hope the prize money will allow them to turn poker into a hobbyist's pastime. Others hope to fatten their bankroll for future games.
J.C. Tran, the chip leader going into the final table, plans to retire as a professional grinder if he wins and turn his attention to raising his two young children.
Five Americans, plus finalists from France, the Netherlands, Israel and Canada, topped a field of 6,352 entrants at the no-limit Texas Hold 'em main event in July. They return to the table Monday evening at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to settle the title over two days of play. A champion will be crowned Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.
The finale will play out nearly live on ESPN, airing with just enough of a delay to satisfy Nevada gambling regulators that the players don't have any way to tell what their opponents are holding.