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As the 2009 WSOP draws to a close, the completed events are already making history. With the economy in a weakened state, many people were speculating on how the numbers for the various events would hold up to previous years and it seems we are getting a clear picture as most of the events have taken place or in action.

This year a $40,000 NLHE event was added to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the WSOP, 201 entrants played. It is true that the HORSE Event found its numbers down, the 40k event could likely be the culprit with many of the pros already in the hole early on in the Series. Also added was a $1,000 No Limit Hold em event that drew over 6,000 entrants and boosted the numbers of total entrants to a record for this year so far.

The real story so far has been the number of individual players that have excelled in bracelets and cashes. In most years we see one or two players win two events and it was 2002 since a player won 3 in the same year. Already we have seen three players win two events and Jeff Lisandro has already won three. With results from events including the Main Event, the possibility exists for more records to be shattered.

Personal accomplishments seem to be the big story and as this continues to unfold, some old and new superstars are shining. The number of established players who have prevailed has reversed the trend of the past years with a greater number of the unknown Internet players dominating many events. The line between live and Internet players is blurring with both groups crossing over.

On important feature this year has been the added Internet coverage by Bluff Magazine and ESPN of many of final tables of events that will not be shown on ESPN as part of their regular coverage of selected events finishing up with the Final Table of the Main Event.

Many players were dismayed by the decision to not cover many of the favorite events, especially the mixed games and the HORSE tourney in particular. In the previous few years there has been some limited coverage but this year 24 additional Final Tables have been covered live from start to finish. For the hardcore fan, this has been a totally awesome. The few negatives have been that the twelve events shown on ESPN360 are not accessible to many in the USA depending on the cable company. Many viewers were disappointed to not see the hole cards but most of the players/fans that watch and play regularly are appreciated of the coverage we have been given and find it not lacking at all. The additional coverage far outweighs the few complaints by some. To have this extended access to these incredible Final Tables is truly a gift.

For those of us that have not been there in person have been able to see the new stars and the established favorites.....what will we be doing in a couple of weeks when this ends...of course we will be waiting for the November Nine but the daily coverage and seeing and hearing our old favs and new ones will certainly leave us with a lot of time on our hands......maybe we will be playing ourselves or even getting some work done.