Driving in from Los Angeles I was greeted by numerous gigantic Interstate-size billboards with the simple catch phrase, “See History Fold and Unfold,” the three giant black and white chips branded with the World Series of Poker logo and the dateline June 25-August 10 with everything set against a convincing green felt background. Rio, the location for the 2006 World Series of Poker, also appears on the sign in that sexy cursive.
The signs couldn’t be more true. Poker history is being made in a big way over at the Rio and players and fans alike can really see it “fold” and “unfold.” I want to see poker history unfold and I want to record my view of this history. I’m there watching because I’ve been taking and sharing photos of people playing poker for a long time, because I come from a family that has a documented history of using poker and handguns to make a living for the last 150 years and I like being around poker players. Problems are preventing many of us from recording or even wanting to record this chapter of poker history. Once the tournament is down to 150 players I must watch history unfold from behind the velvet rope, on back behind the crowds of spectators to a spot where I have to jump up and fire away for the fraction of a second I’m airborne. But, that’s one of the “New Rules.” Problem is, I’m getting too old to jump; but, I did manage to jump enough to get the following photos Sunday…click below.
All of the photos were shot on location at the 2006 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon.