The World Poker Tour's World Championship began this week at the bellagio Hotel and Casino.

The prize pool has hit $15 million - with the winner of the no limit hold'em taking home $3.5 million.

The championship, with its $25,500 buy-in has brought out all the familiar names in the poker world, including Men Nguyen, Phil Ivey, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak, and Doyle Brunson. It runs through to April 24.

The WPT's three previous Player of the Year winners - Gus Hansen, Erick Lindgren and Daniel Negreanu - are also in the tournament. The final table and tournament highlights will be shown June 28 on the Travel Channel.

Live updates can be found on the WPT website

Article: $15M pot brings out poker faces