LAS VEGAS — Online vs.
live pros is a debate has raged for years now. Live pros maintainin that poker isn’t poker without staring a man down online pros hold that their more advanced comprehension of betting patterns and math and stronger fundamentals make them the superior model. The problem facing them in the court of public opinion however, is that television is the realm of the live player, with their familiar faces repeatedly adorning television screens. “TV shows the same faces over and over,” said Justin Bonomo, who enters the final table of the $40,000 Event sixth. “It’s really hard to break through and get the desired recognition.” Bonomo started making a dent a year ago with his runner-up finish to Erick Lindgren a year ago in the $5,000 mixed hold ’em event. Now, with the final table roster determined and Bonomo still alive, he’s ready to make another one. Not that he’ll do it without a fight from some extremely talented onliners. The ESPN Poker Club is giving away a seat to the 2009 WSOP main event and now, we’re giving you the tools to win. Check out Poker Wingman, free with your Insider subscription and revolutionize the way you play poker. ESPN Poker Club In Bonomo, chip leader Isaac Haxton, Alec Torelli and Daniel Stern, we have four prominent members of the online fraternity amongst those competing at today’s final table. That’s before even talking about Noah Schwartz and Lex Veldhuis who have also earned recognition in cyber space. In a tournament many expected to produce a final table reminiscent of the 2006 HORSE classic that included Chip Reese, Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey, the final table only has two prominent members of the live guard still standing. Greg Raymer stands fourth while Ted Forrest sits last amongst those remaining and will be hard-pressed to survive for long. “The results kind of show that the online players are taking over no-limit hold ’em,” reflected Bonomo. “The live players have HORSE, but in hold ’em they have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Just hoping to play well,” said the 2004 WSOP champion. “And planning on having fun no matter what.”