We have made a habit of following friend of clubgowi and Sportmarket owner and poker/sports betting internet entrepreneur, Per Hildebrand, at the World Series of Poker which started in Las Vegas last week and runs until just about the World Cup final in the middle of July. This all started when Per gave an interview to the Gambling and Other Wholesome Interests blog (GOWI) from which clubgowi evolved way back in July 2006. Like everything else posted either on that blog or the current website , it is all still available to view and you can read the interview on this link.

 

Per is still chasing his first bracelet at the WSOP, but has come close several times in recent years and finished second cashing for  $158k + at the $10k buy in No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw event last year and for $300k in the main event the year before the original interview.  A pay day is always nice, but it is the bracelet Per wants and he is well placed in 12th after Day 1 of Event #9: $10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship with 169,500 in chips, 80,000 behind fellow Swede and close friend Chris Bjorin, with what looks like 70-80 players remaining, hard to be precise until all final chip counts are posted, which always seems to take an age. As good friends as the two are, it would surely still pain Per a little to see Mr Bjorin claim his third bracelet before the first goes in the Sportmarket trophy cabinet ! But let's hope one of them takes this down.

 

Per is pictured wearing the Sportmarket logo .

 

 

 

Play has just finished for the day, 22 players remain and both Swedish players are still in contention, Per Hildebrand spent much of the day near the top of the leaderboard , but lost a big pot late on to finish Day 2 in 13th with 316k in chips,  Chris Bjorin lies 7th with 415k,  Eli Elezra leads with 858k.

 

 

All players have cashed (min $14,912), first prize is just under $418k , top four spots all pay six figures, but anything apart from the win and bracelet is a mere consolation prize, albeit a good one !

 

 

 

Six players remain at the completion of play on Day 3, unfortunately, neither of the duo carrying the flag for Sweden made it through. Chris Bjorin did reach the final two tables , but as the short stack and was first player eliminated for 18th place and a cash for $17,488, Per Hildebrand repeated that feat at the final table for 9th and $31,977.