The World Series of Poker Circuit, Horseshoe Hammond main event, began today just outside of Chicago, with a record 872 entrants sitting down to play. 

That total bested last year’s numbers by over 500 players, though last year the buy-in was significantly higher at $5,200 as opposed to the $1,600 players put down today.

The impressive starting field, created a total prize pool of $1,245,680, enough to payout the top 90 places and award the victor a top prize of $242,909- about $50,000 less than Daniel Livingston earned in Hammond last year.

Although called the main event, event #8 of the Horseshoe Hammond- despite its impressive start- is sure to end up playing second fiddle to the $10,000 buy-in, WSOP Circuit Regional Championship held here on Monday, a new ring event also expected to attract large fields and create an even larger prize pool.

For more information on the Horseshoe Hammond stop of the 2010/2011 WSOP Circuit visit www.wsop.com.