Final three banter for the media a few hours before sitting down at the final table

There were a few lighthearted moments Tuesday afternoon as the three Main Event finalists met with the media, a few hours before play began to determine poker’s world champion of 2012.

Greg Merson, Jesse Sylvia and Jake Balsiger seemed to enjoy the friendly banter.

When asked by Nolan Dalla what it would mean to win the $10,000 buy-in, No Limit Hold’em World Championship, more than $8.53 million and a specially made $100,000 gold and diamond bracelet, Sylvia smiled and looked across the podium at Merson.

“Once a month, I’d be able to text Greg and ask him how many Main Event bracelets he’s won,” Sylvia said.

Merson said, “I don’t know how to top that.”

Merson and Sylvia are considered the favorites to play heads-up tonight. However, some aren’t counting out Balsiger, who at 21 would become the youngest-ever world champion.

Sylvia and Balsiger said they hired coaches in the 103 days between qualifying and Monday final table of nine. Sylvia said he brought aboard two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Vanessa Selbst

“She’s the best closer in the game,” Sylvia said.

Merson said he didn’t hire a coach because there was nothing different he would change in his game.

Meanwhile, Balsiger, a senior at Arizona State University, speculated there would be several watch parties on campus tonight to see how he performs.

“I was hoping for fifth place so I’m happy,” said Balsiger, who began play Monday in eighth place.