Top poker names from all over the poker world have descended upon London, England, for the Main Event of the second annual World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE).

There’s ancient Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, with his signature white cowboy hat, leather cowboy boots and–like Michael Jackson and his one glove–one crutch.

There’s also creepy geek Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, with his signature black cowboy hat, black clothes, long black hair and beard.

Mike “The Mouth” Matusow and Phil “Poker Brat” Hellmuth Jr. are also on hand, with portly ex-con Mike mouthing off as usual and obnoxious Phil as bratty as ever.

And then of course there’s mousey Barry Greenstein, the Robin Hood wannabe who doesn’t steal from the rich but gives all his poker tournament winnings to the poor (or so he says).

Whiney Daniel “Kid Poker” Negreanu also made the trek across the pond, and is hoping his game has improved since dumping his wife and announcing it on his blog.

Howard “The Professor” Lederer, as aloof as ever, is there too, and so is the ever-wacky Phil “Unabomber” Laak, the only poker pro proud to resemble a mass murderer.

Welcome to the wonderful world of top-level pro poker, with the best and brightest battling tooth and nail over clubs and spades.

Also in London for the 2008 WSOPE Main Event are Phil “Poison”=9D Ivey, Phil Gordon, Ted Forrest, Patrik Antonius, John Juanda, Carlos Mortensen, Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari, Jeff Madsen, Tom Dwan, Jason Somerville, Julian Thew, Stu Fox, Tony Ho, Jen Tilly, Neil Channing, Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot, Josh Arieh, Joe Hachem, Vanessa Rousso, David “Chino” Rheem, Marco Traniello, Andy Bloch, Andy Black, Allen Cunningham, Scotty Nguyen, Kenny Tran, Gus “The Great Dane”=9D Hansen and last year’s WSOPE Main Event winner, Annette Obrestad.

The Main Event began Saturday and is scheduled to wrap up Thursday.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.)