Not so very long ago poker was just another card game, but not anymore. Poker has evolved ? thanks to The World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour ? into what might almost be considered a ?sport? attracting unprecedented player participation, and literally ?legions? of fans.

Just think of it, this 2006 World Series of Poker enjoyed the highest player participation in its 37 years of tournament existence, and the prize money was phenomenal. Chip leader Jaime Gold, of Malibu, California left the tournament with a record-setting $12 million dollars in prize money. However, he may not keep much of it. Part of his winnings ? it is rumored up to 50% - will be claimed by Bodog, the online gaming company that reportedly advanced Gold?s $10,000 dollar entry fee, and perhaps other expenses. Jaime?s coach, the legendary WSOP poker champion Johnny Chan (ten WSOP Bracelets), is reportedly due 10% or $1.2 million dollars for his efforts, and what about the $1 million dollars Jaime said he would give to the dealers if he won the tournament ?

All told, that would leave Gold just shy of four million dollars ? before taxes.

The 2006 World Series of Poker Tournament ran from June 26th to August 11th at Harrah?s All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The Tourney had a total prize pool of $82,676,084 million dollars. Twelve of the over 8,000 entrants into the Tournament took home over one million dollars apiece. They were:

* Paul Wasicka $6,102,499* Mike Binger $4,123,310* Allen Cunnigham $3,628,513* Rhett Butler $3,216,182* Richard Lee $2,803,851* Douglas Kim $2,391.520* Erik Friberg $1,979,189* Don Friberg $1,566,858* Fred Goldberg $1,154,527* Lief Force $1,154,527* John Magill $1,154,529

The 2006 WSOP Tournament enjoyed vast exposure. In addition to extensive television and newspaper coverage in the U.S. the games were covered by no less than several hundred reporters representing the newspapers of some twenty foreign countries who diligently tracked the progress of players at the event?s 200 poker tables.

Now, poker may not really be a sport, but playing in a major tournament is undoubtedly a real test of one?s mental endurance and physical stamina. Veteran players are well aware that the long hours of play and the tension accompanying big-stakes poker takes its toll.That is why massage therapists roamed the tournament floor during the 2006 WSOP. That is why some players arrived early to go through a stretching regimen. Experienced tourney players drink copious amounts of water and eat fruit and other nutritious foods to flush the system and supply energy. The smart ones avoid alcoholic beverages, knowing that staying alert and refreshed is a key factor in winning or losing. Being in shape and ready, like any athlete paves the road to success.