05-31-2009 15:16 UTC-8

Welcome to the Champions Invitational!

[user33020]

It's nearly showtime for a special event in the 2009 World Series of Poker lineup, the "Champions Invitational" made-for TV event. Ceremonies involving the previous winners will delay the start of play for a short while, with either 19 or 20 previous winners expected to take part. 2004 ME champion Greg Raymer sits nearby with a healthy stack at the $40,000 "40th Anniversary" final table, though play in that will be paused for the opening ceremony here.

Today's entrants will play in perhaps the WSOP's most ceremonious event ever, witha beautiful cherry-red, vintage Corvette Stingray, and the inaugural Binion Cup -- honoring the WSOP's longtime home -- awaiting the winner. Seat assignments soon!

Tags: Peter Biebel