On Thursday, World Series of Poker (WSOP) officials confirmed 12 more players for the $1 million buy-in Big One for One Drop event, which will award the largest first place prize ever in a WSOP event, and potentially in the history of sports. The projected prize pool is over $35 million, even after $111,111 of every buy-in is taken out and given to the One Drop charity. Among the latest entrants into the high-stakes live MTT that will air on ESPN are Jason treysfull21Mercier (pictured) and Andrew good2cu Robl.

The tournament kicks off on July 1 from the Rio in Las Vegas and will conclude two days later. Here are the latest dozen players to cough up their $1 million buy-ins:

Anonymous (U.S. Hedge Fund Manager)
John Morgan (CEO, Winmark Corporation)
Eugene Katchalov
Jens Kyllonen
Jason treysfull21Mercier
David “Viffer” Peat
Vivek Psyduck Rajkumar
Andrew good2cuRobl
Nick Schulman
Noah fourUhatersSchwartz
Roger Teska
Sam Trickett

The field is capped at 48 players and 42 have officially committed, meaning there are only six spots left for the event. Here is the original list of 30 entrants:

Andy Beal
Anonymous (U.S. Venture Capitalist)
Anonymous (European Hedge Fund Manager)
Anonymous (U.S. Hedge Fund Manager)
Arnaud Mimran
Bertrand ElkY Grospellier
Bobby Baldwin
Bob Bright
Caesars Entertainment Seat
Caesars Entertainment Seat via June 30 $25,300 Satellite at Rio
Carlos Nahas (Loto Quebec/Casino Montreal Satellite Winner)
Cary Katz
Daniel Negreanu
Dan Shak
Erik Seidel
Frederic Banjout
Giovanni “Malibu” Guarascio
Gus Hansen
Guy Laliberté
Johnny Chan
Jonathan Duhamel
Justin Boosted J Smith
MGM Mirage Satellite Seat
Patrik Antonius
Paul Newey
Paul Phua
Phil Ruffin
Richard Yong
Tom Dwan
Tony G

You’ll notice that the entrant list includes several players known solely as “Anonymous.” On the rationale for the listing, WSOP officials explained, “Confirmed players have secured their entry to the Big One for One Drop via advance deposits. Some players have requested, and the World Series of Poker will respect, a player’s right to remain anonymous prior to the tournament so publicity doesn’t impact their personal and professional matters.”

In a conference call held last month with members of the media, WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart asserted that the One Drop event will be one for the ages: “I think people will recall this special $1 million buy-in event that will have the all-time record of a $15 million first prize, which should be the biggest single prize awarded in sports.”

An interesting thread over on Two Plus Two featured posters endorsing their favorites to win the One Drop event. Responses were all over the board and included opinions like “Wouldn’t be surprised to see Dan Shak win it actually. Seems to do well in these high rollers overall” and “Sam Trickett for me. Been running bad and will no doubt turn it around, ship it!”

Others on Two Plus Two pointed to the absence of the “Phils,” Phil Ivey (pictured) and Phil Hellmuth. Another name missing from the list of 42, Jean-Robert Bellande, Tweeted this week, “Yes, I’m going to play the One Drop,” but WSOP officials have not confirmed his participation.

WSOP Vice President of Communications Seth Palansky told PocketFives on Friday that Caesars is delighted at the turnout so far: “It’s terrific. It’s going to be a very exciting event to watch. We’re excited to see it unfold. We won’t be surprised to reach the cap of 48 players. We have other players going through the vetting process now.”

Sources told PokerNews this week that 46 spots for the event had already been filled, but WSOP personnel have only confirmed 42. Possibilities for the remaining spots include Justin ZeeJustinBonomo, Hellmuth, and Antonio Esfandiari. The charity at the heart of the event focuses on safe water.

Who are you pulling for in the Big One for One Drop? Let us know by posting in the PocketFives forums.