Unknown amateurs have won the main event at the WSOP for the last five years. It only makes mathematical sense that an amateur would win it, as they far outnumber the professionals. Ever with the skill advantage that the professionals hold, they’re outnumbered at least 6 to 1 by the thousands of online satellite winners and wealthy amateur players.

But this year certainly has a pro feel to it, already producing seven big-name professionals winning bracelets. So far Erick Lindgren, Daniel Negreanu, Mike Matusow, Barry Greenstein, David Benyamine, Layne Flack and John Phan have taken home the gold in ‘08. There have also been a lot of other professionals that have made final tables.

If I had to pick a pro to win the main event, I’d pick David Pham. We haven’t heard from him yet this year, and he always makes his presence felt at every major poker tournament.