The ultimate poker event is about to begin in Las Vegas with the World Series of Poker, and as usual it draws all sorts of people from around the world. The buzz is definitely our there online with qualifying tournaments and WSOP poker “classes” and prize packages, and Vegas will be buzzing with side games and all sorts of extracurricular activities as players and fans descend on Sin City.

Las Vegas always draws celebrities, and with the World Series of Poker you have another event that brings in the big names. The latest chatter involves Michael Phelps, who is known to be a poker fan and is now reportedly going to enter the World Series. You have to respect great athletes who take their competitive spirit to other challenges. Michael Jordan is a great example with golf, as is Tony Romo. Yet there are cautionary tales there as well, as Jordan allegedly had some problems when it came to gambling. His legendary confidence and competitiveness was actually a huge problem for him.

Phelps has discussed his very aggressive betting strategy, and while that suits some players well, you have to wonder if he has a ton to learn and whether his ultra competitiveness will be a liability at the poker table.

Still, at the end of the day this is all about fun. If Phelps keeps his head on straight and understands that poker is a skill that has to be developed over time with practice, then he doesn’t have to worry about squandering the millions he’s earned through endorsements. It will also be interesting to see if he can function in the setting of the World Series with all of the distractions that a celebrity must face.

The World Series is such an awesome event, and the celebrities just add to all the hoopla, so I’m glad to see guys like Phelps develop an interest in the game.