Author: Matt Pelc | Article Posted at: June 4, 09 - 11:26 am

Three WSOP Events In The Book

Spoiler warning!!!

If you are looking forward to watching the just completed events of the 40th World Series of Poker later this summer on ESPN, do not ready any further.

If you will watch no matter what or are just curious as to the winners, please continue.

The second, third and fourth events of the World Series of Poker, which began last week, have drawn to a close.

Winning the second event was Vitaly Lunkin from Russia. This event, a $40,000 No-Limit Hold’em was a new entry unto the schedule because of a high demand for a high buy-in.

Lunkin captured the first place prize of $1.9 million over a field of 201 and was followed by others, like him, who are well known to die-hard poker attics.

Capturing $1.1 million and finishing in second was Isaac Haxton, followed by Greg Raymer at third, winning $775,000. Justin Bonomo won $413,000 and rounded out the top five.

Lunkin won last year, for his first WSOP victory, as well, in the $1500 no-limit even.

The third event brought in a much more manageable buy in fee and as such, increased the number of participants of a significant amount, so significant that a new record was set in the event, an Omaha Hi/Lo 8-of-better.

Thang Luu was the repeat champion in the event that attracted a record of 918 participants. Luu also finished second in the event two years ago.

Finally, another new feature in the 40th edition of the World Series of Poker was a champions invitational. Every winner of the Main Event was invited back to play in the tournament and it was won by Tom McEvoy, winner of the 1983 Main Event. Robert Varkonyi, 2002 champ, also had a great run and finished second.

As the winner of the WSOP Champions Invitational, McEvoy won a vintage Corvette and has the honor of having his name carved on the Binion’s Cup, which will commemorate each winner in this now annual event.