Predictions for Remainder of 2011 WSOP

There are less than two weeks left in preliminary events before the 2011 WSOP Main Event kicks off.  With that said, a lot can happen between now and when the November Nine is reached on July 19th.  Here are a few predictions for the remainder of the 2011 WSOP.

2011 WSOP Main Event field size - 6,247

$50,000 Poker Players Championship Numbers – 107

Last year, 116 players turned out for the $50,000 Poker Player’s Championship.  While most of the Championship events have drawn strong numbers this summer, PokerStars and Full Tilt will not be putting in the pros like they have in the past for this event.  The only reason that I don’t see more dropoff is the fact that the event was put later in the year and will count towards Player of the Year standings. 

There Will Not Be a Multi-bracelet Winner

This seems to be the year of the first timers for bracelet winners.  Very few players have added to their career bracelet totals, and less than a handful have made a final table after winning a bracelet this year.  Sorry, but this will likely be a year without a repeat winner.

A Woman Will Not Win an Open Bracelet

If you had asked me this about a week and a half ago, I would have said without a doubt that a woman would take an open event this year.  However, with maybe one exception, women have failed to get deep in recent events.  The momentum that was gained by three women making finals in about a week’s time has seemed to run out and with so few bracelet events remaining, I don’t see it happening.  This is one prediction that I would not mind getting wrong.

Phil Hellmuth or John Juanda Will Win Player of the Year

Phil Hellmuth is currently leading the 2011 WSOP Player of the Year race and John Juanda is currently in 5th.  Out of the players on the list, I think that Juanda and Hellmuth have the best shot of taking this title.  If Hellmuth can make another final table or even win a bracelet, I think he all but seals the deal. 

The only catch with this prediction is that we have to wait until at least the WSOP Europe has concluded as the stats there count in the POY this year.  Jason Mercier is the only other player that I would give a legitimate shot to winning out of the others in the current top 10.

Main Event Numbers = 6,247

When the 2011 WSOP started, I expected significant dropoff in numbers.  That clearly did not happen, but I still do not think that the WSOP will break last year’s totals.  With that said, I do think it will exceed my predictions from earlier in the summer of around 5,200 to 5,400 players.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Related posts:

• Players to Watch in Bracelet Chase at 2011 WSOP Through 17 events at the 2011 WSOP, there have been a ton of big stories and new bracelet winners. With over 40 events left to play, there is still plenty of time for players to pick up hardware. Here are...
• WSOP Releases Participation and Payout Stats at 2011 WSOP Midway Point The 2011 World Series of Poker recently reached it’s halfway point and recently, some numbers were released in regards to participation so far this year.  Through 29 events, the 2011 WSOP has awarded over $52.5 Million in prize money.  Also,...
• 2011 WSOP Player of the Year Race Heats Up as Ben Lamb Takes the Lead The 2011 WSOP POY race is heating up. It is already one of the most coveted awards in poker, and this year there are many top pros in the running. Phil Hellmuth, John Juanda and Jason Mercier are in contention....
• DeepStack Events Highlight Non-Bracelet Offerings at 2011 WSOP One of the more successful addition to the non-bracelet offerings in the 2010 WSOP has made a return during the 2011 WSOP.  The reasonably priced “deep stack” events have been a major hit among those looking to play at the...
• 2011 WSOP Bracelet Winner Profile – Rep Porter On Tuesday, Rep Porter took down Event #44 of the 2011 WSOP, the $2,500 Razz Event. Porter won $210,615 in addition to winning his second WSOP bracelet. Porter came out on top of a starting field of 363 players. Porter...