Las Vegas is the epicenter of bricks and mortar gambling – with all manner of card, table and video slot games ruling the roost. But deep in the heart of Vegas beats the pulse of Poker. This is the game that pundits the world over are all too eager to play. The 2010, 41st annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) is soon to kick off and the anticipation is extraordinary.

Come Thursday May 27, 2010 the Rio Hotel and Casino is going to be abuzz with activity. The good news is this majestic Poker tournament lasts until Saturday July 17, 2010.

The WSOP was first held in 1970 at the Horseshoe Casino at the behest of Benny Binion. Ten years later there were 52 participants. By 1987 there were over 2,000 participants in the series. To think that number quadrupled by 2006 to 8,773 players is astounding.

Players can count numerous worldwide tournaments sponsoring big Poker paydays and the like. But the WSOP is the benchmark of Poker excellence. The winner of each event receives the coveted WSOP bracelet and a huge cash prize. Naturally the Main Event bracelet is the most sought after prize in the game.

But what makes the WSOP most enthralling is the feature event – the $10,000 NL Hold’em Main Event. This is Poker at its most riveting. Harrah’s Entertainment plays host to this prestigious event and as the days begin to count down, the anticipation reaches fever pitch levels.