poker pros

If you were in search of more evidence to the growing popularity of poker, the Venetian has announced that the poker themed stage show "the Real Deal!" will open in the fall. While it's not quite Blue Man Group meets the felt, audience members will not only get to watch some of the biggest names in poker history on the main stage, but play against the pros from their seats for cash and prizes.

The cast of pros includes Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Jennifer Harman, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, Todd Brunson, Gavin Smith and Eli Elezra. The cast has combined tournament earnings nearing $50 million, 35 total WSOP bracelets and eight WPT titles.

Following an announcement that the 2008 World Series of Poker main event will be delayed three months from the rest of the WSOP play, poker professionals reacted to the news differently.  Some loved the idea, others flat out hated it.