The most prestigious event on the European poker calendar the WSOPE has gotten underway today with 329 players taking their seats for the no limit hold’em event.

Empire Casino in London’s Liecester Square is plastered with poker pros from around the globe include Phil Hellmuth, Annette Obrestad, Phil Ivey and Andy Bloch.

After last night’s WSOPE launch party hosted by sponsors Betfair at the casino things have taken a more sober atmosphere at the tables as day 1a of the 4 day event begins to take shape.

The schedule of the 3rd WSOPE is as follows:

Sept 18th (Event #1 – 4 days) – NLHE – £1,000 + £75
Sept 21st (Event #2 – 3 days) – Pot Limit Hold’em/Omaha – £2,500 + £150
Sept 23rd (Event #3 – 3 days) – Pot Limit Omaha – £5,000 + £250
Sept 26th (Main Event – 6 days) – NLHE – £10,000 + £350

In a WSOPE warm up event, Greek amateur Anestis Metsas took down the free Million Dollar tournament held by Betfair at the casino. Facing just 17 other players Metsas conquered the field and took home a cool $1 million.