Well the Americans are coming and it seems to be a pretty strong-looking contingent as well, as our cousins from across the pond try to make up for a disappointing showing in the inaugural World Series of Poker Europe Europe in 2007 with an improved effort this time around, writes Rob Eddy.

There is of course a major change from last year with the announcement that all events will be held in just the one venue, the Casino at the Empire in Leicester Square, instead of the three casinos across London.

There is also the addition of an extra event on last year's schedule, with an extra bracelet up for grabs in a £1,500 No-Limit Hold'em tournament.

A field of 623 took to the tables in the Main Event last year, including plenty of big names from the States, but it was Norwegian youngster Annette Obrestad who walked away with the coveted gold bracelet.

It proved to be Europe's year as Germany's Thomas Bihl had already won the H.O.R.S.E. event, with Italy's Dario Alioto claiming gold in the Pot-Limit Omaha event.

A preliminary player list has been released and the Americans look as though they mean business with the likes of Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson, Erick Lindgren - the WSOP Player of the Year this summer - Jennifer Harman, Daniel Negreanu and Phil Hellmuth looking to extend their bracelet collection.

And Hellmuth is certainly not content to simply make up the numbers as he eyes another piece of poker history.

"Harrah's has obviously put effort into making a lot of improvements to the event," said the Poker Brat. "I would like to make history by being the first American to win a bracelet in Europe."

And who would argue against him, as he has already set the record for the most World Series of Poker bracelets with 11, which included a Main Event win in 1989 in which he became the youngest ever winner, at 24.

He ranks at six in the WSOP All Time Money List but failed to take home any gold at this year's event in Las Vegas, although he was the last former champion eliminated from the Main Event.

As you know, he regards himself as the best poker player on the planet and will be looking to make amends with another piece of wrist candy this year in London.

And his chances have increased with the addition of the extra event as all 11 of his previous bracelets have been won in Texas Hold'em events.