Carlos Mortensen won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2001. Six years later he captured the World Poker Tour WPT Championship and became the only poker player to have both titles. Now he’s looking to add another win, and a shiny red Corvette, to that in one of the craziest freeroll fields of all time.

Mortensen leads the WSOP Champions Invitational after the first day of play and when the ten-handed final table kicks off on Monday afternoon he’ll find himself ahead of 1983 champion Tom McEvoy by over 10,000 chips. But while Mortensen leads the chip count the real story was the parade of previous champions who showed up for the event.

No fewer than 20 former World Champions found their way to the Amazon Room for a chance to be honored by their peers and play in amongst their piers for a shiny red Corvette - completely restored to look the way it did when it rolled off the assembly shortly before the first WSOP was held at Binion’s Horseshoe and the new Jack Binion Cup.

Whether it was the recent winners like Peter Eastgate, Jerry Yang and Jamie Gold or the superstars of the 90s like Phil Hellmuth, Dan Harrington or Huck Seed the three tables set aside for the event were packed with the game’s biggest names. Also making an appearance was Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Berry Johnston, Brad Daugherty, Jim Bechtel, Robert Varkonyi, Chris Moneymaker and Joe Hachem.

Greg Raymer, who was playing at the final table of Event #2 ($40,000 No Limit Hold’em), also squeezed in as many hands as he could while on break. The oldest-surviving champion Amarillo Slim Preston was also in attendance.

Ten players were eliminated before play broke for the night leaving ten to return Monday afternoon. Mortensen leads with 42,375 while Phil Hellmuth sits dead last with only 1,125. Players began the day with 10,000 in chips.

The event is being filmed by ESPN for broadcast later this Summer. Follow all the Live Updates and Chip Counts throughout the day.

WSOP Champions Invitational Final Table Chip Counts

1. Carlos Mortensen - 42,375
2. Tom McEvoy - 31,000
3. Jim Bechtel - 30,475
4. Doyle Brunson - 20,250
5. Dan Harrington - 19,975
6. Peter Eastgate - 18,425
7. Huck Seed - 15,400
8. Robert Varkonyi - 13,450
9. Berry Johnston - 7,625
10. Phil Hellmuth - 1,125

Related posts:

1. WSOP: Tom McEvoy Outlasts Champions Invitational Final Table Tom McEvoy presented with 1970 Corvette and Binion Cup....
2. WSOP Champions Invitational Airs Tuesday Night on ESPN For two hours Tuesday poker fans will get a unique...
3. Final Table Ready To Go At WPT Invitational The LA Poker Classic main event is in the books,...
4. WSOP: Brandon Cantu Dominates Day 2, Leads Final Table Brandon Cantu controlled the action for most of the...
5. BluffMagazine.com’s 40 Greatest Champions Down to Top Ten The 40 Greatest Champions is down to the final...