After walking the red carpet into Pure nightclub Thursday night for the bracket drawing, players in the fourth National Heads-Up Poker Championship began competition today at Caesars Palace.

Last year’s champion, Paul Wasicka, and last year’s biggest underdog story, Shannon Elizabeth, were eliminated in early play.

Wasicka lost to Freddy Deeb in first-round action, ensuring a new champion will emerge from the 64-player field to win the $500,000 top prize. The single-elimination format is similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, except for the championship match, which is best-of-three.

Elizabeth, who lost to Wasicka in the semifinals in ‘07, lost today to Andy Bloch, one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Play continues through Sunday’s final table at Caesars, with free viewing for fans available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tournament is taped for broadcast by NBC Sports (KVBC Channel 3) on seven consecutive Sundays starting April 13.

Posted at LasVegasSun.com

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