2007 WSOP Main Event – Who Do You Like?

To most poker fans out there, eight of the nine men competing at today’s 2007 WSOP Main Event final table are unknowns.  This does not mean the final table won’t be a good one, but it does mean that it will be more difficult for people to become interested in the proceedings, particularly in the early stages this afternoon. 

So, to help you choose a rooting interest, here are the reasons why you should root for each player.  Pick you horse and go! 

John Kalmar – he wanted to head home before the Main Event, but when the airline told him he would have to cough up an extra $600 to change his flight, he said “screw it,” entered a satellite, and won a seat.  Would he be “flying by the seat of his pants?”  Plus, while he doesn’t look the part, he used to be in a punk rock band.   

Lee Childs – he’s in his mid-thirties and is just now trying to make a career out of poker.  He’s obviously got guts, determination, and an awesome (or rich) wife. 

Philip Hilm – he actually chose to live in Poland for two years.  Plus, he’s the chip leader, so all you bandwagoners have your front-runner to latch onto. 

Jerry Yang – how can you not cheer for a guy who is donating ten percent of his winnings to charity?  You heartless bastard.  On top of that, he has the Yang charity to fund, namely his six children. 

Raymond Rahme – if you are a member of the AARP, you are contractually obligated to back Rahme, as he has the next oldest player at the table beat by two decades.  For all of you who root for Doyle Brunson, Rahme looks like the next best thing.  Plus, he used to run a bed and breakfast – he’s got to be a nice guy. 

Tuan Lam – don’t hold the fact that he lives in Canada against him.  Lam was born in Vietnam…during the Vietnam War.  That and he used to be a laborer for a metal company.  This guy needs a chance to relax with a pile of money. 

Alex Kravchenko – everybody loves an underdog!  Kravchenko is the short stack, so only those who want the tournament to end quickly would root against him.  The Cold War is over, folks.  It would be a great story to see the first-ever Russian bracelet winner (earlier in this WSOP) become the first-ever Russian World Champion. 

Lee Watkinson – he’s the only “name” pro remaining, so for those of you who want a big name to win, here’s your guy.  He dresses like Phil “The Unabomber” Laak, but without all the histrionics.  When not playing poker, he rescues chimpanzees (seriously).  This HAS to make him a good guy.  It HAS to. 

Hevad “Rain” Khan – you’ve got to respect anyone who, rather than arguing with a poker site that accused him of cheating, sent them a video to prove his innocence.  If nothing else, we should get some quality television from Khan.  Evidence: when one of his buddies was at the final table of a WPT event, he was part of his rooting section that the cameras would always seek out.  When his friend was in an all-in confrontation, Khan could be seen with the posse cheering the player on.  But, rather than call for a certain card, Khan yelled, “I’m good at basketball!”  Classic.