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With the 2009 World Series of Poker well underway in Las Vegas, part of the intrigue lies in the national pride that evolves with each new bracelet winner. Last year, Peter Eastgate became the pride of Denmark with his Main Event title. A couple of years ago, shouts of 'AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI!' rained down as Joe Hachem took down the title. And the same home country pride is evident with every event, not just the Main Event. Every country watches their poker heroes close in on final tables with the hopes that a title will make its way to their homeland.

And here in Canada we are no different. With one exception: it won't take a long shot, miracle or Cinderella story for us Canucks to have a rooting interest. No, we're fortunate that we have a group of very talented poker players that have both won bracelets and will win bracelets in the near future. Here's a breakdown of seven players that share two things: enough skill and talent to win a WSOP bracelet, and the word 'Canadian' where it says 'nationality' on their bios.

Sorel Mizzi: At the tender age of 23, Toronto's Sorel Mizzi is both a young gun and a veteran. Mizzi had been destroying the online game for several years, and his success in the online game has been translating onto the felt as of late. Without a title to his name, Mizzi is hungry for that big live win. The Betfair sponsored pro is a great pick to break through this year.

Scott Montgomery: Hailing from the poker hotspot of Perth Ontario (pop. 6,000), Montgomery burst onto the poker scene in a huge way with a fifth place finish in the WSOP main event in 2008, earning himself three million dollars. Montgomery is aggressive, and is playing a lot, so his chances of making it through a field with a lot of chips are increased.

Kara Scott: Okay, Kara is currently residing in England, but she's still a prairie girl at heart. A deep run in last year's Main Event was followed up by a second place finish at the Irish Open, proving that the gorgeous Scott is more than just a pretty face. Her day job is presenter for the European Poker Tour broadcasts, so she spends a lot of time around card tables. And, the fact that she lost a prop bet to me and had to do her television spot at the San Remo EPT dressed in a bunny suit locks her in as a personal fave.

Mike Watson: 'Sir Watts' has done very well in the past couple of years, while keeping a low profile north of the border. Watson has seven WSOP cashes, and a WPT title, so he knows how to get the job done. Representing Newfoundland proudly, don't be surprised to see Watson take home a bracelet this year.

Nenad Medic: Hailing from the honeymoon city of Niagara Falls, Medic already has one WSOP bracelet in his jewellery box (the pot limit hold 'em World Championship). Add a WPT title to his resume and you can see why Nenad is constantly floating around final tables at the WSOP. Taking home another series title would be a surprise to no one.

Gavin Smith: Gavin may be the runaway title holder of 'most fun guy to hang out with in poker', but he's also a hell of a good player. Thirteen finishes in the money of the WSOP helped him bring home a whopping $4,600,000.00 in career earnings. A bracelet has so far eluded Smith, but the odds on him winning one in the very near future are extremely good.

Daniel Negreanu: Four. That's the number of WSOP bracelets that Toronto's Daniel Negreanu has strapped to his skinny wrists so far. The one he took home last year was worth far more than the million or so first place money, since Negreanu has a slew of bets on every bracelet win. Because of that, Daniel will slap his Pokerstars logo on and dig into every tournament he can in 2009. Will he win number five? He just might...

So there you have it: a quick rundown on the most likely Canadians to step to the top of the poker podium and win a WSOP event in 2009. Even I will be taking a run at a couple of WSOP events this year, including the main event. I don't think Vegas will be laying a lot of action on ME winning a title. But...hey... let's go Canada!!