Last Winterspring open had 9 people, a few really good players that never qualified (such as MDalton) and some other people.
The one before that allowed people to play after they dropped from the champs, so there was like 17 people or so.
I suspect there will be more than 9 this time since people knew that if they were qualified they can't play in the open and that it is a bit harder to qualify this season.
I would guess like 15 or so, but I haven't a clue!