Amid all the WSOP hysteria, many players were venturing into the Bellagio in order to tackle their daily $1,000 comps - a highly popular series of events that formed part of the 2006 Bellagio Cup II Tournament.
Stretching from July 24th - August 10th, people turned up in their hundreds day in day out and, with large fields, a great atmosphere and structures that lured many a player away from the apparant chip-throwing contests of the early stages of WSOP Events, this was to prove a very popular and accessible festival indeed.
Although playing every comp would prove a very costly affair indeed, giving the odd $1,000 Freezout a shot was an affordable option whilst simultaneously offering a more realistic chance of taking home some gold.
With the likes of Richard 'Squelch' Redmond (2nd), Bruce Atkinson (1st) (right), Jim Kerrigan (3rd) and Nick Slade (3rd) winning $74,730, $47,375, $42,115, $41,190 respectively, these side Events proved a more than lucrative outlet for various members of the British contingent.
But it was the $10,000 Main Event that every one had their eye on. 324 players stumped up the money (or qualified via satellite), yet when it came down to the nitty gritty, it was a young American who took the lion's share of the spoils.
American hotshot, Shannon Shorr won a mouth-watering $650 for 1st when he agreed upon a three way chop before seeing off eventual runner-up, Danny Wong. Previously studying civil engineering at Alabama University (he has now dropped out to concentrate on poker), Shannon Shorr is proving to be one of poker's hottest assets, not just winning this Event but also finishing strongly in several other comps. In addition to collecting $126,585 in July 26th's $1,000 Event, the 21-year old whizzkid also made big bucks in 2005's Australian Crown Open ($199,129) and the 2006 Canadian Poker Championship ($75,265), not to mention his many many online victories.
With the likes of Shorr, Madsen, Lodden and co taking the poker world by storm, is it time we acknowleged their ruthless style of play as the future of poker? A fearless attitude that has reaped rewards in the form of millions.
What it does show is that these guys aren't just one hit wonders. They can play! Lodden is renowned online and is reported to have made several million, whilst Madsen (left) became 2006's WSOP player of the year with two final table finishes and two bracelet winning performances - an incredible feat that was unmatched throughout the whole Series.
One thing's for sure, these guys are winning left, right and centre, and it looks like they're going to continue doing so...
[Ed Note: To see the final result of this comp, please click here]