The main event at the World Series of Poker saw its first decline in participants since 1992. The final tally of players at this year's event is 6,358, down 28% from last year's 8,773.

"Whether it's 4,000, 6,000, 8,000, or 10,000, this will still be the biggest, richest, most prestigious poker tournament in the world," WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack told USA Today. "Whoever wins will walk away a multimillionaire, lives will be changed and some great poker will be played."

Many blame the Unlawful Internet Gaming Act of 2006 for the decline in participants. The law, passed by Congress last fall, prohibits banks and credit card companies from making payments to online poker sites. This resulted in Harrah's making the decision not to accept third party registrations from poker sites where players won a seat. Unlike previous years where sites like PokerStars.com would wire the money directly to the casino, satellite winners were paid their "seat money" directly. It was then up to the winners to buy in to the main event themselves. Letting go of the $10,000+ proved to be easier said than done for many players.

The winner of this year's main event will take home $8.25 million. Last year the big prize was over $12 million.