42nd annual WSOP to hold Main Event rematches

In its 42-year history, the World Series of Poker has experienced many magical moments and has dealt millions of hands and paid more than $1.2 billion in prize money. But now, the annual tournament series will revive some of the most memorable Main Event moments, and final heads up matches that contributed to increase the Series popularity over the last two decades.

The inaugural WSOP Rematches will bring famous players Chris Moneymaker, Sammy Farha, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth, Jonathan Duhamel, John Racener, Jamie Gold, Paul Wasicka, Greg Raymer, David Williams and Erik Seidel, to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to replay the heads-up duels to see what the outcome would be today.

“Winning the WSOP Main Event was a life altering moment. Even though I’m agreeing to run it again against Sammy, I have been assured they can’t take away my title if my bluffs don’t work as well this time.”said Moneymaker.

The special one-of-a-kind rematches will be held during the 2011 World Series of Poker will work as follows:

MATCHUP #1

• 2003 WSOP Main Event: Chris Moneymaker vs. Sammy Farha – Best 2-out-of-3 format.

o First match: Exact starting chips they had when they started heads up play in 2003. (Moneymaker: 5,490,000; Farha: 2,900,000)
o Second match: Reverse starting stacks.
o *Third Match: Even starting stacks. (*if necessary)

MATCHUP #2

• 1989 WSOP Main Event: Johnny Chan vs. Phil Hellmuth – One match.

o Match to feature even starting stacks

MATCHUP #3

• Fan Choice – One match.

o Match to feature even starting stacks
o Winning matchup from fan vote will be invited to participate. If for whatever reason, participants in initial matchup are unavailable, we will move on to second pairing, etc.

o Match will feature one of the following four pairings:

- 1988 WSOP Main Event: Johnny Chan vs. Erik Seidel
- 2004 WSOP Main Event: Greg Raymer vs. David Williams
- 2006 WSOP Main Event: Jamie Gold vs. Paul Wasicka
- 2010 WSOP Main Event: Jonathan Duhamel vs. John Racener