Expect long hours, World Series of Poker players

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Players hoping to stick around awhile in the World Series of Poker main event can expect a long marathon — about two weeks of full-time work if they’re hoping for a win.

It took last year’s winner Jonathan Duhamel nearly 80 hours spread over 10 sessions to win $8.94 million in last year’s no-limit Texas Hold ’em showdown.

Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi says the main event is about “survival,” having good instinct each day and making strong decisions each hand.

Hundreds of players began a second flight of play Friday, each putting up $10,000 to enter poker’s most prestigious event.

The field included famous card players such as Mike Matusow, Eric Lindgren, Allen Cunningham and John Racener, last year’s second place finisher.

Cunningham says players are used to long hours.