The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the biggest event of the year for poker players and fans all around the world. It can be compared to the greatest events in any sports field. An analogy with the bicycle world's Tour de France is apt. in fact, this comparison has brought about a new twist, somewhat amusing at that, but nevertheless serious and demanding attention.

The Tour de France, in the not-so-distant past the most famed and widely popular cycling event in the world, is now muddied with a score of doping accusations, suspicions and allegations. With the pursuit of the supremacy, or at the very least an advantage over the competition, the temptation to use performance enhancing drugs arises. This is especially true in an age of modern medicine as our own.

In poker too, such performance enhancers abound. The former programmer and current poker professional player Paul Phillips has come out recently with this testimony over the web, published at Slate.com. Phillips said he was diagnosed with ADHD, a neurological development disorder, an attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder. Medication he received for treating his condition helped him, according to his testimony, win large amounts in later poker competitions he participated in.

Adderall helps the poker player take in information, become an "information sponge" in his words. It helps improve patience and avoid boredom, key elements for the professional poker player. Other medication, which Phillips has since used, includes Modafinil, which stimulates his wakefulness and enhances his focus during games. Of course the drugs have downsides to them, including loss of appetite and insomnia.

How are these drugs different from caffeine, by and large the most popular "drug" among tournament poker players? This isn't clear and seems to be accepted in the game. Whether the poker world will one day administer drug tests for players, only time will tell.