Extended Introduction
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This tournament is clearly a centerpiece of the 2010 World Series of Poker. It was prefaced by fifteen minutes of introductions.
Tournament Director Jack Effel got things started by welcoming everyone in the room to the 2010 WSOP. "The big day has arrived," he said.
"We've had four winners of this event to date. I'd like to ask them to stand and be recognized." Those four winners are Chip Reese (now deceased), Scotty Nguyen, Freddy Deeb and David Bach. Bach, as reigning champion, was brought to the dais next to the David "Chip" Reese trophy, presented to the winner of this event.
"I know Chip carried himself with a lot of class and grace," said Bach. "It's been an honor to be the champion for the last year."
Effel then offered an effusive introduction of Doyle Brunson, who also said a few words.
"Chip was the best player I ever played with. But more than that he was a class act. Everyone respected and admired him," he began. "But I guess life moves on. A poker writer came up to me today and asked me who was the best I ever played. I said Chip. He replied 'Who?'
"It reminded me of a plaque I have in my office. It says achievements and accolades are buried with their owner."
The lights were then dimmed so that a 3-minute video on the legendary Chip Reese could be shown to the assembled crowd (which already numbered three deep all along the rail). When the video was finished, Effel took back the mic.
"It's time to live on that edge and play the highest buy-in event at the WSOP," he said. "Let the gold rush begin."