Europeans should watch out for an American backlash at the second hosting of the World Series of Poker Europe, writes Rob Eddy.

London Clubs International's casinos at St James (Fifty), Leicester Square (The Casino at the Empire) and Marble Arch (Sportsman) will again be home to the best poker players in the world (September 19 to October 1).

"We look forward to again serving as hosts for this prestigious event," said Michael Silberling, COO, London Clubs International. "A first class tournament at our first class properties promises to bring out the best poker players in the world."

Plenty of big names turned out for the first running of the event in 2007, including former WSOP ME winners and poker legends Phil 'The Poker Brat' Hellmuth, Doyle 'Texas Dolly' Brunson and Johnny Chan.

However, it was online pro Annette Obrestad from Norway who transferred her internet prowess to the tables by coming out on top.

Her victory was worth a cool £1million ($2,013,102) and was the largest poker prize ever won by a woman.

Another relative unknown, John Tabatabai, was second, collecting £570,150, and he showed that his finish was no fluke by landing the 12th All Africa Poker Championships earlier this year.

Germany's Thomas 'Buzzer' Bihl became the first person to win a WSOP bracelet outside of Las Vegas at last year's WSOPE with victory in the HORSE event, while Italian Dario Alioto took down the Pot Limit Omaha tournament.

World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack is expecting another fascinating tournament, but anticipates the American challenge will be better this time around.

"It was a clean sweep for the Europeans last year," Pollack said. "There are many, many talented players in the European poker community and I think it caught some of the world's best known poker players by surprise. It's safe to say the pros haven't forgotten about last year and the young guns should expect a tougher fight in 2008.