Welcome to the 2013 World Series of Poker

Welcome to PokerNews' coverage of the 2013 World Series of Poker! For the next seven weeks, the PokerNews Live Reporting Team will be on the tournament floor at the Rio providing live updates from all 62 events as the next chapter in World Series of Poker history is written.

Like last year, things will kick off with the $500 Casino Employees event. Chiab Saechao topped a field of 732 entrants to take down a first-place prize of $70,859 to get this started last year. We expect a similar-sized field to take part in the opening festivities today as the quest to crown the first bracelet winner begins here at the Rio.

The Rio Pavilion is the setting today and Tournament Director Jack Effel is on the stage getting the proceedings started. Be sure to keep it here throughout the day as the 2013 World Series of Poker gets underway!