Scott Diamond

Well its become the year of the Professional Poker Player at this years WSOP. I have to congratulate John Phan for winning his second bracelet.Whenever John see's me he always makes sure to say hello and ask me how my play is going. John is not only the life of the table at any event is he is a super gentleman and does some amazing charity work for his home country, Vietnam.

I would also like to say to Chris Bell, I know you must be disappointed with your 2nd, but it was your second final table this year and with the fields that have been playing this year it is a great accomplishment and I know all of your friends and family are proud of you, I know I am. Thank you for allowing me to sweat you for the 6 hours Sunday!!!!

Also, congratulations to Eddie Villareal, Little Eddie as he is called at the Bicycle Casino by all of us who know him. Eddie is a daily fixture at the Bike playing the Nooner tournaments on a daily basis. He busted 13th in the Seniors Event when his AK was beat on the Turn by AQ on a flop of 10-J-8 and the turn was a 9 giving his opponent a straight. Nice showing Eddie, 17k will let you play a lot of Nooner Events this year. To go through the 2218 people to make it so close to the final table is a great accomplishment. Surviving beats like that are very hard to do in any tournament.

Today all eyes in the Poker World will be watching the 50k H.O.R.S.E. Event. Supposedly this is the Pro's main Event and it has been honored by the WSOP as the Chip Reese Event, rightfully so.Freddy Deeb took this one down last year and there is no doubt in my mind this event will not disappoint us Poker enthusiast, good luck to all of you.

If you have yet to make it out to this years WSOP, you should really try too. It is an amazing spectacle and there are so many games going on. Caesar's is having huge turnouts for their events and the Venetian and Binions are also doing well. The Main Event starts next Friday and the convention center at the Rio should have it annual Poker Show as it has the past several years. You can pick up almost anything there from coin protectors to pictures with your favorite player.

You cannot tell this country is in a supposed recession by the throngs of people in Vegas. I was truly amazed at the crowds as the weather is beginning to get HOT. I still see some great Hotel rates at some of the dot com sites so shop around a few of them if you can make it to Vegas.

Wishing everyone the best and if someone out there has an extra $1500.00 they want to get rid of, the last $1500.00 NL Event starts Monday at noon. I am on Vacation starting Monday......for 12 days......(:

Take Care...Be Safe...and congratulations to all of the people who won bracelets and made final tables at this years event. A great accomplishment and you all should be very proud of yourselves!!!