Sunday's match is the biggest poker moment ever for at least one of the challengers.
BENDER118, a 28-year-old from Russia whose real name is Andrey, has been playing poker since 2010 and got his start playing on Full Tilt.
He said winning this freeroll was the greatest thing that's ever happened to him as a poker player.
“I chose to play against Gus Hansen because I like his style and enjoy watching him play on TV,” said Andrey.
46-year-old German chris_munich was the shortstack when he reached the final table of the qualifier, and is now getting ready for a chance at the biggest payday of his poker career.
He'll be taking on Viktor Blom and said he's been playing poker for the last 10 years. He started as a blackjack player but preferred poker once he gave it a try.
“I watched a lot of high-roller games on Full Tilt before just for fun and I'm sometimes really wondering how these guys play, in a good and also bad way,” said Chris.
“But its always easy to give comments as a spectator. The situation changes completely as soon as you play on your own.”
None of the qualifiers said they have a concrete plan but everyone agrees that playing for $50,000 against one of the best players in the world will be an experience to remember.
Aleksleon, a 33-year-old from Russia named Aleksander, was a man of few words but wished his opponent Gus Hansen a happy new year and good luck in Sunday's matches.
When we asked BENDER118 if he had a message for Gus he said simply, “Be gentle.”
Tune in to Full Tilt Poker on Sunday at 12pm ET to watch Round 1 and check back here on Monday for the results.
