Thousands of players are expected to begin arriving today when the World Series of Poker circuit comes to Maryland for the first time — an event that Steve Dannenmann says is a true meritocracy.
Dannenmann should know. The Anne Arundel County accountant won $4.25 million as an unknown at the World Series main event in Las Vegas in 2005. He'll be among those participating at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore during 12 days of play ending on March 9.
"The circuit events are great," Dannenmann said. "It lets everybody have a chance."
The circuit stop — one of 22 across the country — is considered a signature event for Horseshoe, which opened Aug. 26.
The main event, which costs $1,675 to enter, starts on March 6.
The overall points and main event winners will get their entry fees paid to the final circuit stop — a national championship event at a still-to-be-determined location this summer.