As we do every year, poker writers like to make predictions about the upcoming WSOP tournament. I’ve got a couple of my own on how things will play out this year, so here goes.

Daniel Negreanu will win a bracelet this year. He’s motivated to win because he’s taking all bets under $100,000 at 5-1 that he’ll win. When he’s focused he always does well, so I predict that he wins event #18 or #22. I’ll also say that his buddy Mike Matusow will not win one this year, but he will get close.

If anyone of the big three (Brunson, Hellmuth, or Chan) are able to add to their WSOP bracelet total of ten, I predict it will be Doyle. With more bracelets up for grabs that aren’t no-limit hold’em, Doyle stands the best chance to win one because he is highly skilled in all variations of the game. Hellmuth is a one-horse hold’em specialist, and if Chan does get close to a bracelet it will most likely be in a Seven-stud or Pot-limit Omaha event, but he won’t win it.

No women will win bracelets other than the women’s event, although Annie Duke will get close on a couple of occasions. Also, there will not be a woman in the last 20 players left in the main event either. Sorry ladies, but that’s how I see it.

I’m going way out on a limb and I’m going to say that John Juanda is going to win two WSOP bracelets this year and will be 2007 WSOP player of the year. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling it will be John’s year.

David “Chip” Reese will amaze this year as he repeats as the H.O.R.S.E champion. He will also compete with Juanda in the overall WSOP player of the year race. The problem with Chip is that he makes more in cash games than he wins playing tournaments, and a day at the WSOP is usually a pay cut for him.

Put your money on an unknown for the Main Event. All I know is that it won’t be an American this year, perhaps Scandinavian or German, but not from the States.

So go place your WSOP prop bets, and you’re welcome – for all the cash you’re going to win.