With all four Day ones now completed at the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event, entrants to this- the most prestigious poker tournament of the year, are finally able to find out exactly what they've been fighting for.

Thanks in large part to yesterday's massive 2,809 person sellout Day 1d field, this 40th anniversary Main Event ended up attracting 6,494 players and can boast a total prize pool worth $27,219,668.

With such a substantial prize pool, an impressive 648 players will be able to say they cashed in the 2009 Main Event and all nine of the final tablists will earn at least $1.2 million.  The winner of the tournament, along with the jewel covered WSOP Main Event bracelet, will pocket $8,546,435, instantly placing them in the top 20 on the Hendon Mob's list of all time poker tournament money winners.

Last year's winner, Peter Eastgate, currently sits in ninth place on that list, thanks in large part to his 2008 Main Event cash worth $9,152,416. 

That event attracted 6844 players, beating this year's by nearly 400, however some have speculated if Harrah's hadn't been forced to close Day 1d registration (once they reached capacity) this year's Main Event may have even surpassed that impressive number, perhaps showing the current poker economy is more rubust than some may think. 


Story by Mark Anderson