As a poker journalist, I should remain objective about my views regarding the relative merits of the November Nine. I should point out what a great story it would be for short stack Kelly Kim, if he could climb to the top of the mountain. A win by a young pro like Craig Marquis, David “Chino” Rheem or Scott Montgomery would launch their careers to stratospheric heights. An unknown like Darus Suharto, who cashed in at this event two years ago, would make a wonderful ambassador for the game, as would long-time tournament pro Ylon Schwartz. Poker could further expand its international appeal if the bracelet came to Gus Hansen disciple and fellow Dane Peter Eastgate or to the young Russian pro Ivan Demidov. Demidov also could cement his reputation as superstar of the game by winning this event after his third-place finish in the WSOP Europe main event last month.

Each of these skilled, intelligent, talented players has a wonderful story to tell.

Screw them all!

My pick to win is Dennis Phillips, an account manager for a trucking company in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, US of By God A! He’s not young (53). He’s not brash or loud. Until now, he’s had as many cash finishes in major events as I have (1). He has refused to trade in his company shirt and autographed St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap for those with poker site logos, despite the money these sites are throwing his way; his loyalties to his friends, his coworkers and his hometown team are not for sale. He is, as Wicked Chops Poker described him, an “everyman”.

After watching all of the disgraceful, disgusting and ridiculous behavior we’ve seen during this year’s World Series, the sight of a triumphant everyman, similar to the site we witnessed five years ago, would be a pleasant and refreshing change of pace.

However, since Harrah’s and the WSOP still choose to bow at the feet of the four-letter network, I do have a suggestion for how the final heads-up battle should unfold. Ideally, the contestants in this fight would be the tough, gritty American Phillips and the young, cagey Russian Demidov.

Before the match, the two combatants shake hands and Demidov coldly glares into Phillips’ eyes as he whispers, “I must break you.”

Phillips returns the stare and replies, “Go for it.”

During the match, the sneaky Russian has the proud, plucky American almost down to the felt. In spite of his adversity, Phillips refuses to go down as he staggers and stumbles against the Russian’s relentless onslaught.

Phillips goes all in and Drago Demidov doubles him up. Phillips repeatedly doubles up until he establishes the chip lead. The entire crowd is chanting “USA! USA! USA!”

After a long, valiant struggle, Phillips finally puts away the Russian when he flops a nut straight and Dragodov misses his flush draw. The crowd cheers, the Stars and Stripes wave in the breeze of the air-conditioning vent and grown men weep in exultation. A battered, bloody Phillips, Old Glory draped on his shoulders, accepts his championship bracelet and the thanks of a grateful nation!