Summer is here, which in the poker world means one thing, the World Series of Poker is upon us. The 44th instalment of the most prestigious poker tournament in the world looks set to be its best yet. And while Phil Ivey, Erik Seidel and Antonio Esfandiari are all expected to feature prominently who are the rookies hoping to make their mark?
Ole Schemion
Schemion is very much the most exciting rookie heading to Vegas this summer, if bet365 had a market you would back him considerably to claim a maiden bracelet. The German youngster currently occupies the top spot in the Global Poker Index, after winning big in Holland, Lebanon, Monaco, Italy and France this year. Despite being just 21-years-old, he has already claimed $5million in live tournament winnings. His highly aggressive style makes him near impossible to read, just ask Steve O?Dwyer, and as such you can expect Schemion to be undaunted by the more experienced players in Vegas. It would be hugely surprising if he doesn?t leave Nevada with a WSOP bracelet.
Dominik Panka
The Pole has literally come from nowhere this year. He announced himself in January, winning $1.4million at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Main Event. Those who thought his win was a fluke were silenced in Febraury, Panka won another title and took home a further ?272,000, while March saw him make two more final table appearances. His is yet to confirm that he will be at the WSOP but when you?re enjoying the hot-streak that Panka is, it would be crazy for him to stay at home.
Lukas Berglund
The 21-year-old Swede will be making the switch from the virtual felt to the real tables this summer. Playing as ?superkid-bam? the sensation has accrued $3.7million from his online career and he?ll be hoping for more of the same in his first visit to Vegas. Although an online player, Berglund has proven he can mix it in the real world. As an 18-year-old, he became the youngest player ever to win a World Poker Tour event, scooping $206,000 at the Spanish Championship, in what was his first ever career cash. He will need to be at his mercurial best if he is take home a bracelet.
Christoph Vogelsang
Considering he has beaten Phil Ivey, Viktor Blom and Doug Polk expectations are high for Vogelsang. In the last year, he?s taken FullTilt for $2.1million. But he has only two live tournament cashes to his name. That said, one of those cashes was for a third place finish in the EPT London Super High Roller, in which he took home ?383,200. The German has announced that he will play the Big One for One Drop. Is there any better way to start your WSOP adventure than by playing the premier $1million buy-in tournament? A platinum bracelet and $20million prize would certainly put Vogelsang well and truly on the poker map.