Famed tournament begins today at Binion’s

Friday, April 20, 2001 | 11:24 a.m.

The World Series of Poker, arguably the premier annual tournament in the poker world, begins today at Binion's Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas.

Today's tournament game is a $500 buy-in Texas hold 'em game open only to casino employees. The first public tournament, a $2,000 buy-in Texas hold 'em game, will be held Saturday.

A total of 26 tournaments are scheduled for the World Series, now in its 32nd year. More than 4,100 people are expected to participate, with an estimated $15 million in prize money being awarded to this year's winners.

The World Series concludes in mid-May with its world championship game, a $10,000 buy-in, no limit Texas hold 'em tournament. The five-day tournament will conclude May 18, and Binion's officials estimate a record $1.5 million purse will be awarded to the winner.

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