1. PAUL WASICKA WSOP 2006 (won $6.1m)

Can the Texan come anywhere close to his performance at this year’s World Series? His previous results suggest he’s no one-hit wonder.

2. STEVE DANNENMANN WSOP 2005 (won $4.25m)

Went on a roll after his second place to Joe Hachem in the main event. This year he’s struggled, with tournament winnings totalling only $20k.

3. DAVID WILLIAMS WSOP 2004 (won $3.5m)

A revelation since 2004. Three WPT final tables, earning over $1m. This year he won his first WSOP gold bracelet in the $1.5k seven-card stud.

4. SAM FARHA WSOP 2003 (won $1.3m)

Always at his best in high-stakes cash games, but has proved devastating in tournaments as well, beating Ivey in 2006’s WSOP $5k Omaha hi/lo.

5. JULIAN GARDNER WSOP 2002 (won $1.1m)

Solid but unspectacular since 2002, though a third place in this year’s WSOP $2k NLH proved there’s still plenty of gas in the tank.