There are only nine men who can win the World Series of Poker.  While they won’t be the only people to sit down at the final table this November under the bright glare of television lights they will feel that glare most heatedly.  Before we move on, if you don’t know who else will be sitting at the table you can’t forget about the dealers.  Anyway, because this is a gambling event it only makes sense to gamble on it, so what are the odds? 

As a result early lines have come out with the top nine listed from most likely to win to least likely to win.  As it stands chipleader Jonathan Duhamel is offering the worst odds.  Perhaps, oddsmakers forget that he had some great luck to get his stack, or maybe they remember and know that luck can carry the day.  Not that we’d diminish the skills of anybody capable of making the final table, even Darvin Moon was more than the “Aw-shucks” lumberjack he portrayed himself as last year, but still in terms of skill with chip stacks ignored for the moment, probably Duhamel is not the favorite but we aren’t giving betting tips.

Second favorite is John Dolan, who we recently profiled.  His play at the final table bubble showed the courage it takes to win an event such as this and he is probably right in line with where he should be.  If we were betting men we might consider betting Dolan and expect his odds to get closer to Duhamel as the event nears.  Dolan has experience winning events which is important at a final table because a lot of people know how to get there but not too many know how to walk away with the prize. 

Third favorite to win but certainly not third in chips, and the first player to diverge from chipstack ranking is Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi.  Yes, he’d likely be number one by all the punters if all chips were even.  Even though he has to beat eight other players he’d still offer shocking odds.  When you consider the Grinder has overcome incredible odds just in this year, overcoming a short-stack should be short work for him.

Recently, it was splashed in mainstream American media the multi-tournament winner was bankrupt and having trouble paying his debts.  Things looked doom and gloom for the Grinder then he started off the World Series of Poker exorcising his demons (a lack of a World Series of Poker bracelet)  and eliminating his debt by taking down the Players Championship.  Suddenly, the Grinder was back.  At his worst moment he played his best poker.

He continued that strong redemptive play throughout the month and it was a shock to few to see him advance day after day.  Still, as the final table neared the Grinder went from one-time chip leader to a short stack and he did what he does best and grinded.  Before he knew it he was in the final nine with a fighting chance.  While Phil Ivey in his moment of glory last year couldn’t overcome a bad beat many will expect the Grinder to dodge his just like he did his financial trouble.

Next up is Joeseph Cheong who many tip to be a dark horse.  John Racener, who we also profiled, is offering pretty decent odds squarely in the pack.  He is followed by Matthew Jarvis and Filippo Candio.  The longest odds are Soi Nguyen who has gone on record saying he barely plays poker and embraces his naivete to the game.  Maybe a good story but doesn’t make for a good bet(though Nguyen is usually a good bet at the Main Event of the World Series) and lastly, Jason Senti.