LAS VEGAS — The World Series of Poker has thrust nine millionaire winners into the spotlight as they wait nearly four months for the end of the no-limit Texas Hold ’em main event.

They hung on to win at least $1.26 million as poker’s richest tournament played at an unexpectedly brisk pace, and now must decide how to best spend the next four months to set up a run at the $8.55 million crown.
Seven-time gold bracelet winner Phil Ivey says he’s going to actually start watching some poker on television to prepare for his opponents.
Ivey is guaranteed his best finish yet at the $10,000 buy-in main event after placing 10th in 2003.
He’ll start in November with 5 percent of the chips in play and a goal of winning them all to take the title.