Annette Obrestad to face Doyle Brunson


(Source)

The reigning Queen of WSOPE, Annette Obrestad and Poker legend Doyle Brunson and will battle each other Sept. 26 in a best-of-three No-Limit Hold'em heads-up match that World Series of Poker organizers are billing as "King vs. Queen."

Both Brunson and Obrestad are considered two of the most elite poker players in the world, but their introductions to the game couldn't have been more different.

Brunson traveled the dusty backroads of the U.S., playing in numerous illegal games, honing his game prior to winning 10 WSOP bracelets, which forever secured his status as the godfather of poker.

Obrestad, of course, is from the online generation and built her bankroll from virtually nothing, eventually becoming one of the most dominant online tournament players in the world. Obrestad shocked the world by taking down the WSOPE Main Event last year, in doing so becoming the youngest player to ever win a bracelet.

A U.S. player has never won a WSOPE event, so the timing is excellent for a little U.S.A. vs. Europe action. Many are calling the contest poker's version of the Ryder Cup. Perhaps Brunson will take the lead from Jim Furyk and the gang and win at least one poker event for the United States.

The heads-up match will kick off at 1 p.m. London time at Empire Casino on Sept. 26, with spectators welcome, and Brunson will be signing copies of his book for guests at the end of play.

The WSOPE is currently being held in London and PokerListings.com is on location with Owen Laukkanen and Rod Stirzaker providing the latest live updates.