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Michael J. Morusty Wins WSOP Circuit Event and $39,731 Top Prize

2010-03-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

If ever there was a poker tournament where two champions deserved to be crowned, it was the $560 buy in No Limit Hold'em event which recently completed at Caesars Atlantic City. Two players Michael J. Morusty (Ithaca, NY) and Luis Nargentino (Queens, NY) dominated the competition from start to finish. They ultimately ended up together in a showdown in what some observers described as a duel that was as foreseeable as it was inevitable. After 23 hours of combined play over two consecutive days, the two New Yorkers faced off for the WSOP Circuit title.

Coming out on top was the elder amateur player Morusty, who was ecstatic following his first major tournament victory, after several near-misses. He is a 54 year old union plumber who plays poker recreationally. However, Morusty has done quite well as a part-timer. He was the runner up in a tournament held recently in Las Vegas. Morusty also finished fourth in the 2009 Seniors World Championship which took place at last year's WSOP. He pocketed over $100,000 for that finish. But this experience was all the sweeter by virtue of the sweet taste of victory. Morusty officially collected a cash prize totaling $39,731 plus his first gold ring, which is the ultimate token of achievement presented to all tournament champions who win WSOP Circuit events around the country.

This was the second of 12 WSOP Circuit events on this year's Caesars Atlantic City schedule. The tournament attracted 256 entrants. After most of the field was eliminated on day one, which clocked in at 14 hours, three tables of survivors returned on day two and played another lengthy session, lasting another 11 hours. The top 27 finishers collected prize money from a $124,160 prize pool. Among those who finished in the money were two former WSOP gold bracelet winners, Chris Reslock (2007 $5,000 buy in Seven Card Stud cahmpion), an Atlantic City local who finished 20th, and Michael "Little Man" Sica (2003 $3,000 buy in No Limit Hold'em), who came in 24th.

Final table play began on a Friday evening inside the Palladium Arena at Caesars. Dapper dressed Micheal J. Morusty, adorned in a blue suit and tie with a black fedora, arrived at the finale with a slight chip lead over rival Luis Nargentino. The remaining seven players were outchipped by more than 2 to 1 by the two big stacks.

The final hand of the tournament can be seen here: http://www.twitvid.com/ED96F

Michael J. Morusty, a union plumber from Ithaca, NY was the champion. This marked his first major tournament victory following a number of notable high finishes. Morusty was not only the best-dressed poker player in the $560 buy in No Limit Hold'em tournament, he was also the most skilled and most fortunate player over the two day duration. Morusty won a well-deserved victory at Caesars Atlantic City and earned a hearty round of applause from the large crowd, as he tipped his trademark fedora in gratitude.

An interview with the new poker champion, Michael J. Morusty can be seen here: http://www.twitvid.com/C66E9

The WSOP Circuit at Caesars Atlantic City continues through March 14. This year's schedule includes 12 gold ring events, along with multiple second-chance tournaments, single table and mega satellites, plus cash games going around the clock inside the Caesars Poker Room. This marks the fifth straight year that Caesars Atlantic City has been a part of the WSOP Circuit. This is the seventh WSOP Circuit stop of the 2009-2010 season following previous tournaments held in Chicago, Southern Indiana, Lake Tahoe, Harrah's Atlantic City, Tunica, and Council Bluffs.

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by Nolan Dalla

Fred Walker Wins Circuit Event #23, H.OR.S.E., in 15-Minute Final Table

2010-03-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight's event went rather quickly. Fifteen minutes at most. Only four players started. Fred Walker quickly knocked out two of them, took the chip lead, made an offer to his final opponent, and event #23, H.O.R.S.E, the final one before tomorrow's championship final table at the Horseshoe Council Bluffs WSOP Circuit, was in the books.

First officially paid $2,421, but the two finalists chopped evenly, with Walker throwing in an extra $400. This has been a great series for Walker, 73, a retired pool hall owner. He's had four cashes and three final tables, the others being a second in another H.O.R.S.E tournament, and a fifth in Omaha hi-lo. He also has four WSOP cashes: a third in both 7-stud and razz, a 9th in razz, and a 47th in stud hi-lo.

Walker 73, a retired pool hall owner from Omaha, has been playing poker all his life, and obviously is a stud specialist. He plays hold'em now only out of necessity because stud has gotten so scarce. His key to the game, he said, is keeping a close watch on his opponent's open cards to see what cards he needs are still available. Tonight he had a good run and was never short chipped. He also had high praise for the way the tournaments here have been run. "Very high class," he said.

This event had 26 players and a $5,055 prize pool. When it got to four, Frank Dukich had the lead with 80,000 chips.

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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Liver Transplant Survivor Tim McReynolds Plays First H.O.R.S.E. Tournament and Wins

2010-03-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Here's one for the books: a liver transplant that not only saved someone's life, but his poker game as well.

Tim McReynolds is an attorney from Omaha who used to do corporate mergers and later had his own law firm. Four years ago his liver began failing, along with his mental acuity. He started playing poker two years ago, but was terrible at it because his mind wasn't working very well. Then, last August, he had a liver transplant. He rebounded in health, and his mind immediately regained its sharpness, along with his poker game.

Tonight he tried playing H.O.R.S.E for the first time, and thanks to his new liver and rejuvenated brain, he won it. McReynolds' operation was in August. Afterwards, the doctors told him he had six months to live. That date arrived Feb. 15, McReynolds still feels great, so every new day is a freeroll for him. He also went back to doing corporate mergers.

Before poker, McReynolds used to be a blackjack card-counter until he got thrown out of three casinos. Until tonight he played only hold'em, and came third in a tournament at Caesars Palace recently. In any event, despite his win tonight, he still considers himself a novice. First place officially paid $5,028, but most of the money had been distributed in two deals.

This event had 36 players, a prize pool of $10,476, and only four players for the final table. Before that, the final nine made a deal allowing everyone to get back his buy-in.

Heads-up, McReynolds had 165,000 chips to 55,000 for Ray Babb. Soon after, Babb doubled through in a stud round with 12,000-24,000 limits, making two pair against McReynolds' pair of 8s.

The match continued for about a dozen hands after that. Finally, the two made a deal: chop the remaining money evenly and deal one hand, with the winner getting the title. Babb started with (8-7)6 and his next two cards were 7s, giving him trips. That's how he ended after a queen and jack were dealt to him. McReynolds began with (A-K)10. He picked up a 10 on fourth street and another on the river, and his three 10s beat Babb's three 7s. Babb, 68, is a rancher from Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Second officially paid $2,829.
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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Former Commercial Diver Turned Pro Tim Morgan Chops, Wins $500 No-Limit

2010-02-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

Timothy Morgan has had a lot of cashes, 19 along with nine final tables in 2009 alone, but no wins. He came close a number of times, including a second in the Southern States Poker Championship. Tonight he got heads-up in the 18th event of the WSOP Circuit tour at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, $500 no-limit hold'em. At that point, he had better than a 2-1 chip lead, but was afraid of bubbling a win again.

So he made an even-money chop in order to bring home his first title along with the diamond-and-gold trophy ring. "I did it for my wife Lisa," he said. "She's put up with my shenanigans for a long time." First place paid $24,045, but he and Joel Wassom got $18,330 each for their split in this event.

Morgan, 57, is a full-time player from Pompano Beach, Florida. He used to be a commercial diver in the New England area doing salvage, bridge and underwater demolition work. He later bought a marine salvage and towing business which his wife now runs. He's been playing poker for 20 years, seriously since the Moneymaker revolution.

This $500 event attracted 153 players. The prize pool was $74,205. The second-day final table was totally dominated by Danny Walker until the very late stages when Morgan began grinding him down, sometimes three-betting him, until he finally knocked Walker out by flopping two small pair to beat Walker's pocket kings.

As a side note, Doug "Rico" Carli had tournament payouts the past two days, extending his world's record for Circuit cashes to 42.

The final table began with blinds of 1,500-3,000, 15 minutes left. About four laps ahead of everyone else in chips was Walker, with 423,000.

Three-handed, Walker still led, but by now not nearly as much, and after losing a couple of pots to Morgan, dropped back into second place behind him. Soon after we had another confrontation between the two players. When the flop came Q-8-6, Walker bet 55,000, Morgan made it 120,000 to go and Walker, with pocket kings, moved in. Morgan turned up 8c-6c for two pair, and won after a jack and deuce came. Finishing a disappointing third, Walker settled for $7,421. Walker is a 25-year-old gambler from Omaha. His cashes include a win and a second in Circuit events here, three final tables at the L.A. Poker Classic, and a 30th in a $1,500 7-card razz event at the WSOP.

Despite being well in front, with about 800,000 chips to around 350,000 for Wassom, Morgan agreed to the chop and first-place honors. Wassom, 40, is from Dickens, Iowa, where he is a security/safety director.

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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

23-Year-Old Natasha Barbour Wins WSOP Circuit Tour Event at Horseshoe Council Bluff's

2010-02-26T05:21:00.000-08:00

Natasha Barbour was a college student at the University of South Florida studying microbiology, but her heart was really in poker. She would even take her books with her into the casino, playing while studying. Then, a year ago, after doing well at the tables, she decided to drop out af school and pursue her real love.

Tonight she struck gold in the form of a gold-and-diamond championship ring when she joined a handful of women, perhaps seven or eight, ever to win a WSOP Circuit open tournament. Her victory, in event 10, $300 no-limit hold'em, was worth $12,444. The effervescent 23-year-old from Miami could barely contain her excitement and delight throughout the final table, her first ever as she follows the Circuit tournament trail. Her previous best tournament finish was a 30th in the Bayou Poker Challenge at Harrah's New Orleans.

Heads-up, Barbour enjoyed a lead of better than 3-1 over Dale Johnson. He quickly doubled up and drew about even when his pocket deuces beat her A-6 suited. But the crusher came a couple of hands later. She looked at pocket aces on the button/small blind and just limped. Johnson bit and moved in with Qc-3c and was down to 61,000 after losing the pot. On the next and final hand he pushed in with Ks-7h and she called with Jd-9d ("My favorite hand," she said.) The board came 10-4-5-9-Q to give her a winning pair of 9s, and the young lady became the newest member of a very elite group. Johnson, cashing $6,530 for second, is a 62-year-old truck driver from Columbus, Nebraska.

Tonight Natasha said she played a very steady game and was able to make big laydowns.
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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Computer Programmer Carl Haney Wins WSOP Circuit #12 After Long Heads-Up Match

2010-02-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

After exactly two hours of heads-up play and numerous chip-lead changes, Carl Haney, a 46-year-old computer programmer from Des Moines, Iowa, captured the 12th event of the WSOP Circuit tour at Horseshoe Council Bluff's $300 No-limit Hold'em.

The final table got going with blinds of 1,500-3,000 and 300 antes, 22 minutes left. We had two big chip leaders. Scott Westphalen had 197,000 of the 822,000 chips in play, and Tucker Stone had 173,600.

With blinds now 5,000-10,000 and 1,000 antes, Hinrichs had a 2-1 chip advantage over Haney, but after he pulled even they made their deal and began playing their 10-minute rounds. They both played carefully during the long match, with not many all-ins. On the final deal, Hinrichs committed his chips with Qh-Jc to Haney's Qs-5h, losing when a board of Q-4-A-3-2 gave Haney a wheel. Hinrichs, 27, is a salesman from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

First place officially paid $12,919. However, when he and Mitch Hinrichs were just about dead even half-way through the match, they agreed to take out $9,000 each and play for the remaining $1,696 and the diamond-and-gold trophy ring. They also agreed to speed things up by playing 10 minute rounds, and by the time they were through, the limits had bounced up five times to 20,000-40,000 with 5,000 antes. It ended when Haney, holding Q-5 to Hinrichs' Q-J, sucked out by hitting a runner-runner straight.

Haney, who's played poker for more than 20 years, prefers tournaments over cash games, playing mostly online and averaging one live event a month. He had a cash in a $500 event earlier this week and was the "bubble boy" in another $500 event here last year. He describes himself as a conservative player ("Even if I'm not I want them to believe it," he added), and his strategy at this final table was to let the wilder players knock each other out.

This event had 137 players and a $30,867 prize pool.
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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Elton Nolde Wins WSOP $500 No-limit Hold'em Circuit Event

2010-02-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

Elton Nolde is a 40-year-old golf superintendent from Ogallala, Nebraska who wrote on his bio sheet that he's won satellites but never a tournament. That changed tonight when he was the victor in the third event of the WSOP Circuit tour at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, $500 No-limit Hold'em, which brought him $26,086. "A lot better than winning tournament chips in satellites," he remarked.

Besides winning the majority of his races tonight, he credited his win to changing his style of play. Early in the event, he said, he found himself chasing and playing "stupid" cards. He re-analyzed himself and reformed, vowing to play very tight and avoid getting into situations where he was not in control, a strategy that was to work well for him. The key hand came when was heads-up with Jon Chovanec, starting with roughly 450,000 chips to about 750,000 for Chovanec. A few hands later he won a big pot, holding A-Q to Chovanec's K-Q, He won easily with aces-up to take a big lead and soon nailed down his win.

This event had 166 players and an $80,510 prize pool. Second-day final table action got underway with blinds of 3,000-6,000 and 500 antes, 30 minutes left. In front with 325,000 chips was Fred Winter, holder of two Circuit rings.
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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Tom Wentzel Wins WSOP Circuit Event #2

2010-02-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Aided by a rooting section of two friends (one of whom finished eighth tonight), and getting hit by the deck in the late stages, Tom Wentzel won the second event of the WSOP Circuit tour at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, $200 limit hold'em. It paid $4,611.

(This 4 p.m. tournament was a one-day event. The opening tournament,, $300 no-limit, is two days, with 11 remaining players coming back on the second day.)

Wentzel, 41, is in sales for a consultant firm and hails from Plymouth, Minnesota. He has two prior WSOP final tables, one at Tunica and one here. He's been playing poker since he was a kid, about eight years seriously. He splits his online time between tournaments and cash games, and in casinos, mostly tournaments, about 10 a year. This is only his second limit hold'em event, but he plays enough live limit to have felt comfortable. Tonight he was down to about 4,000 chips with four tables left, but started building from there.

This event drew 66 players who made a prize pool of $12,804. The final table started at midnight at level 14 and three minutes later moved up to level 15 with blinds of 2,000-4,000 and limits of 4,000-8,000.In a near-tie for the chip lead were Adam Clayman with 98,000 and Wentzel with 97.500.

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by Max Shapiro - WSOP Media Director

Paul Wasicka Wins WSOP Tunica Poker Championship

2010-02-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

At 28, Paul Wasicka admits that he was a bit affected by his huge success at the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event.

"It's weird experiencing that much success that young in your career," he said. "It toys with you a bit, you lose motivation and question why you're playing."

Wasicka looked to Sam, a mindset coach who consults with players and mixed martial artists. "I want to give Sam credit, he's done wonders for my game both on and off the felt."

Freshly signed on with newly-launched Victory Poker, a rejuvenated Wasicka hit the road and says he has been living out of his suitcase following various tournament circuits over the last few months.

Wasicka's path led him to the mid south for the Harrah's Tunica Circuit Main Event.

He started the second day of the $5,150 buy-in event seventh in chips with 35 remaining players and had the chip lead going into the final table.

Heads up play began four hours into the final table. With blinds and antes at 5,000/10,000/2,000,

Wasicka's and Gurney's comparable stacks set the stage for what could have been a long night, but after winning a 270,000 pot, the game started to go Wasicka's way.

He eventually built up more than a 5-1 chip lead. Shortly after the next level, both players saw a flop of 8s-9h-6c. Gurney moved all-in for his remaining 300,000 with pocket fours. For the tournament win, Wasicka called with 8d-9d.

It was still a bit suspenseful even after a benign 2d hit the turn but it was all over after a 5c on the river.

The 2006 Main Event runner-up had come to the mid-south and staked his claim as the new reigning WSOP Harrah's Tunica Circuit Event Champion.

"Other the heads-up championship, this was my first major tournament win," said Wasicka. "This is something that I've been searching for, for a very long time."

"This is just awesome, it was always about the money but now it was about just taking one down."

Wasicka admits that he was a bit affected by his huge success at the '06 Main Event.

"It's weird experiencing that much success that young in your career," he said. "It toys with you a bit, you lose motivation and question why you're playing."

Wasicka looked to Sam, a mindset coach who consults with players and mixed martial artists. "I want to give Sam credit, he's done wonders for my game both on and off the felt."

Freshly signed on with newly launched Victory Poker, A rejuvenated Wasicka said that he has been living out of a suitcase, following various tournaments and that he won't be off the grind anytime soon.

After his Circuit Event win, Wasicka said that he is heading back to the road.

"Its not going to stop for the next month, heading to LA now and then I'm going to hit the Circuits "

Event #19 concludes the Circuit stop at Harrah's Tunica. The next Circuit Event begins February 18th at Horseshoe Council Bluffs.
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by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Robert Hahs Survives 7 All-in's to Win Circuit Event #15 at Harrah's Tunica

2010-02-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Tournament director Kevin Ferguson said it was the second biggest comeback he had ever seen in his twenty years in poker. Down to less than two big blinds at one point during final table play, Robert Hahs survived seven all-ins to win Event #15 at the World Series of Poker Circuit Events at Harrah's Tunica.

Hahs is a farmer from Jackson, MO. Through day one, he relied mostly on skill to make it through the 230-player field, but it was a bit of luck that helped him during the final table.

Final table play began with blinds and antes at 3,000/6,000/1,000. Lee Efford took a 200,000 chip stumble after he ran his K-Q into Rusty Farrin's pocket kings on a queen high board. Soon after, Efford moved his remaining stack all-in after flopping top pair with Kc-10c on a Qc-Kh-7s flop.

He got a call from David Dao who showed 7h-Qh for two pair. A three on the turn and ace on the river resulted in the first elimination of the night. Efford collected $1,341for ninth.

This was Hahs' first major tournament victory.

"I feel great," said Hahs. "It's a beautiful ring and I'm proud of this win."
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by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Hold'em strategy: The TAG fish disease

2010-02-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Online poker, like most other sports, is a continuously evolving entity. What works today as far as success at the green felt is concerned, may not work the same tomorrow. A couple of years ago, being a Tight Aggressive Player (TAG) was the definition of cool. Tight Aggressive players ruled the roost, felting clueless rookies left and right armed with nothing but basic ABC poker knowledge.

These days though, being a TAG player is no longer such an obvious advantage. As people continue to wise up to ever more intricate strategies, TAG players are everywhere. As matter of fact, there are TAG players now who find it difficult to break out of the break-even and losing molds. Thee guys act and look like successful players. They buy in for the maximum allowed amount every time, they top up every hand and they play the purest form of TAG poker there is. Yet, they're long term losers or break-even players at best. These guys are TAG fish. There's nothing funny or fun about being a TAG fish.

Due to the fact that they play reasonably well, it's tougher for these players to find the mistakes in their own approach and to improve by eliminating these setbacks. They just stick to being TAG fish and keep on losing, thinking that Lady Luck has a personal bone to pick with them.

Being a TAG fish is such a subtle disease that it barely has any sort of symptoms. If you think you're playing your best yet you fail to show anything for your efforts at the end of the month, you may be a TAG fish yourself. Here are a few of the more subtle symptoms of the disease, to help you find mistakes in your approach and to eventually help you overcome your condition.

TAG fish are usually so confident in their skills, often they don't bother signing up for rakeback. After all, rakeback is for those who have trouble turning a buck at the table. Wrong! Rakeback (the best such deals, including some excellent poker prop deals are on offer at Rakemeback.com,) is for everyone. Winners increase their profits and losers diminish their losses through it, and if you are indeed a TAG fish, you need it to get you over that illusive red line.

Tag Fish often overestimate their implied odds. A clear example in this respect is cash game set mining. A TAG fish knows the theory well, and he knows that despite the apparently EV- nature of the move, the implied odds will come through for him in the end and bail him out. These guys fail to take it into consideration that sets are sometimes defeated too which means there are no guarantees the implied odds will work as well as they do in theory.

This takes us to another TAG Fish symptom: the misapplication of various poker skills. As said above, TAG fish are good at poker theory, practice is an entirely different thing however, and that's where these guys have serious deficiencies.

A TAG fish will learn that giving up on a C-bet is bad, so he'll keep at it every time he fires one out. The problem with TAG fish is that they're rather clueless how and when to apply the skills they've learned.

There are other TAG fish symptoms as well, like having post-flops leaks in your game, tilting too readily, not considering subtle position differences and ignoring your own perceived range. If you recognize one or more of these problems in your own play, chances are you're a TAG fish yourself. The good news is, once it has been spotted, these problems can be addressed and eliminated one by one.

Poker Allstar Bio: Jennifer Tilly

2010-02-04T00:50:00.000-08:00

Born in Harbor City, LA, in 1958, Jennifer Tilly is first and foremost known for her career as an actress. She's starred and played in several movies, among which in several cult classics like Bride of Chucky, Stuart Little, The Cat's Meow, etc. She was a voice-actor in Family Guy, where she voiced the Bonnie Swanson character. She's currently involved in 2-3 movie projects and she's appeared in no fewer than 5 movies last year in various more or less prominent roles.

Tilly's original name was Jennifer E. Chan, after her father, who was a Chinese American salesman. Her parents divorced and she moved to Canada with her mother. Following her mothe's second divorce, the family moved to Victoria. They eventually ended up in Missiouri where Jennifer's acting career began when she was a teenager. The acting talent apparently runs in her family as her sister, Meg Tilly, is also a well known actress and Academy Award Nominee.

Though her movie industry achievements far eclipse her poker career, Jennifer is also known as a poker player and she's proved her worth numerous times at the poker table. She has a WSOP bracelet to show which, let's be frank about it, only a handful of successful poker players can boast. She became a member of this exclusive club after she took home the gold in the 2005 Ladies No Limit Texas Holdem event (pocketing a handsome $158,625 prize with it).

Her win wasn't just a flash in the pan either. She followed it up the same year with a win in the WPT Ladies Invitational Tournament at the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles. That win netted her a nice profit too, taking her lifetime tournament winnings to around $450,000. She's had a total of 4 WSOP money finishes, and 6 WPT cashes.

She appeared on Poker Superstars in 2006, but she never made it past the preliminary rounds. In the Celebrity Poker Showdown, she made it all the way to 3rd place where Ida Siconolfi eliminated her on a K,K vs A,K match-up, when Tilly's Big Slick failed to improve.

In 2007, Tilly was made into a video game character by Activision, for their game: World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions 2007 Edition. She currently dates poker professional Phil Laak. Although at one point in her career, Tilly had stated that she was more preoccupied with her poker career than the one in acting, in 2008 she retired from professional poker. She said that while she would continue to play poker, she'd view it as a hobby rather than a career, because achieving greatness through poker had proved more treacherous than she'd initially assessed.

Though she will probably not go down in history as the greatest female poker player, she is beyond doubt the most successful movie star ever to achieve this level of success at the green felt.

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Donna Jetter Wins "Tough" Harrah's WSOP Tunica Circuit Ladies Event

2010-02-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

While a severe regional ice storm forced the closure of area schools, libraries and other public services through Monday, the ladies event attracted a modest field of 162 non-males, each vying to become the 2009/2010 Harrah's Tunica Circuit Ladies Event Champion.

After real estate appraiser Lisa Craven was eliminated all-in with A-8 vs. Anne Manning's A-J, heads-up was between Manning with 1 million in chips and Donna Jetter with 600,000. Jetter went to work, bleeding Manning's stack to just below 400,000.

The final hand saw the two all-in with Manning showing 6h-6c and Jetter turning over Jh-Jc. The board came 10c-4s-7c-Kh-Qh, giving Jetter the win. Jetter pocketed $7,091 for first along with the gold WSOP Circuit Event ladies pendant. Manning collected $4,367 for second.

The 2009/2010 Harrah's Tunica WSOP Ladies Circuit Event champion was still shaking a bit as she made her way to the payout table.

"I'm pretty nervous, excited," Jetter said.

Jetter is a poker dealer from Nashville, TN., and has been playing poker for two years.

She notes that for her, women's events are a lot harder than open events because it is harder to put women on a hand.

"You can read em' a little better," Jetter said about playing against men. "You can tell if they got the hand or not."

However, Jetter says her observation has more to do with experience rather than gender.

"A lot of women playing in ladies events are new to poker and they tend to chase more hands down to the river."
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by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

"Nice Guy" Luther Lewis Finishes First

2010-02-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

Country musician and local favorite, Luther Lewis wins Circuit Event #10 at Harrah's Tunica.

As tournament director Kevin Ferguson announced the name of the player in seat nine, a sudden burst of applause and cheering burst out in the event center at Harrah's Tunica.

The unexpected barrage of loud whistling, clapping and shouts of encouragement from the room when Luther Lewis' name was read was in stark contrast to the standard obligatory hand clapping.

Lewis, a 39-year old country singer and songwriter was probably the most surprised, seemingly taken aback from the crowd support.

"Lewis is the nicest player in this room," said Rose Cooney, who plays regularly with Lewis at the Horseshoe in Tunica and says she's never seen him berate a player after taking a bad beat or even go on tilt.

"And he's polite to the ladies."

In addition to home court advantage, Lewis had something else going for him heading into the final table of the $440 buy-in no-limit hold'em event, the chip lead.

"This is amazing man, I can't believe it," said Lewis, whose musical stylings can be heard at his website http://www.lutherlewis.net/

When asked about nice guys finishing last: "Well, I guess I've proved today that it's not always true," replied Lewis, smiling.
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by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

51-year old "whippersnapper," Rogers Patterson wins Seniors Event at Harrah's Tunica

2010-01-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

Tourney draws unexpectedly large turnout with 67% increase over last year's event.

The past few years in poker have been marked by incredible accomplishments by players just old enough to participate in the game.

During the 2006 WSOP a young Jeff Madsen took down two bracelets. In 2008, Peter Eastgate became the youngest player to win the WSOP Main Event title, while in 2009 Joe Cada overtook the honor just a year old enough to play at the World Series.

51-year old Rogers Patterson followed in that trend Monday, January 25th after outlasting a field of 409 players to win the 2009/2010 World Series of Poker Seniors Event at Harrah's Tunica.

Last year's seniors event attracted 274 participants. This year's numbers marked a 67% increase.

The seniors event is open to players 50 years of age and over, making Patterson just a year old enough to play.

Patterson, a database administrator from Bryant, AR, chipped his way through the mammoth field of well-refined and experienced competitors to face a final table of his elders.

"Fantastic, absolutely fantastic," said Patterson about how he felt to win the tournament.

Despite his young age, Patterson seemed mature enough to handle his newly found success pretty well.

"I'm surprised they didn't card me," joked Patterson. "I guess I look older than I am."
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Shawn Brown Claims Third Event of Harrah's Tunica Circuit

2010-01-26T00:22:00.000-08:00

First time WSOP Circuit Event cashers 3-3 so far at Harrah's Tunica. Final table not the only place to find a full house in the packed events center at Tunica.

While over 600 players were in the early rounds of event #4 in the packed event center at Harrah's Tunica (with 200 more in the poker room), the third event of the 2009/2010 Circuit Events at Tunica was in its final stage.

The remaining nine players of the $550 buy-in no limit hold'em event battled it out for a first place prize of $32,397 and the coveted World Series of Poker Circuit Event ring.

The highest buy-in event of the Circuit so far attracted a field of 286 entrants, generating a final table of disciplined and skilled players.

Brown, a 28-year old screen press company owner from St. Louis, MO says table image was critical to his win. "I was playing like a maniac when we were down to two tables," said Brown.

"They thought I was the worst player, but after a while they figured out that that wasn't the case."

Brown's Circuit Event win was also his first cash. The winners of events #1 and #2, Michael Crump and Jonathan Elliott were also first time Circuit Event Cashers.

Brown was ecstatic.

"Oh this is great man," said Brown. "Halfway through the tournament, I told myself I was going to win the ring. I refused to take anything other than first in this thing."

Still to come are 16 more events and single-day non-ring $230 and $340 buy-in events which begin at 4 pm and 7pm. The WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Tunica runs through February 10th.
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Michael Crump wins first event of Harrah's Tunica WSOP Circuit

2010-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

Mark "Pegasus" Smith falls short of record fifth Circuit Event championship

The first event of the 2009/2010 World Series of Poker Circuit at Harrah's Tunica drew to a close Thursday evening with Michael Crump emerging as the victor.

Crump is a 47-year old insurance broker from Morrison, IL. His win not only marked his first WSOP Circuit Event ring but also his first cash in a major poker tournament.

Crump survived a field of 304 entrants to make it to the final table. Among the remaining nine players was four-time Circuit Event champion, Mark "Pegasus" Smith, who had his sights set on a record fifth gold ring.

Smith's chip stack was critically low early in the first day, however his short-stack management not only saw him through day one, but also the end of day chip leader with 367,000 in chips.

Day two of the $340 buy-in no limit hold'em event began with 21 players. The first final table of the Harrah's Tunica Circuit was decided shortly before 3:30 pm after the tenth place finisher, Mike Bowling, was eliminated a few hands after running his Ks-Qs into the pocket aces of William Ryan Enis.

Only a few hands into play, Rogers was all-in after the turn on a board of 2c-9d-ah-10h.

Crump made the call with As-9h. Rogers showed 10s-5d.

A Qs on the river sealed the victory for Crump, earning him $20,185 and a gold ring. Second place paid $12,277. First and second places were impressive results for both players, who have been playing poker for only about two years.

"I was able to double up early after getting some good cards and afterwards picked my spots," said Crump about his play.

"To be honest with you, I've had very little sleep the last couple days and got a bit aggressive later which ended up working out for me," he said.

When asked about how he felt to be the owner of his first Circuit Event Ring, Crump said, "I'm not sure, it hasn't sunk in yet. I have to absorb this all for a minute."

Still to come are 18 more events and 23 nightly (single-day) non-ring $230 and $340 buy-in events which begin at 4 pm and 7pm. The WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Tunica runs through February 10th.

___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Jay Darish Wins WSOP Circuit Event #16

2009-12-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

Jay Darish of East Windsor, NJ is the winner of event #16, the $300 + (40) buy-in no-limit hold'em event at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. The event's modest field of 296 players was due in large part to a severe snow storm the night before.

Darish attributes his math background combined with his reads for seeing him through the nearly 300-player field to make it to the final table.

Shortly before 4 pm, the final nine players of event #16 joined two other final tables taking place simultaneously in the ballroom at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. About 25 minutes into play, Jeffery Greenstein, a 29-year old math teacher was escorted to the payout table to collect his $2,153 ninth place prize.

22-year old NFL assistant player benefits administrator, Patrick Reynolds was eliminated in eighth place a short while later. Eighth place paid $3,015.

Rohan Singh, a 36-year old real estate agent was eliminated after moving all in with J-Q suited against Kenneth Owens' A-10. The board completed the straight for Owens and Singh was forced to settle for seventh place and $4,307.

Owens was eliminated by Jay Darish after re-raising Darish's 47,000 bet pre-flop all-in. Darish hit a flush on the board, trumping the pocket nines of Owens. The 62-year old retiree from Bordentown, NJ took home $5,168 for sixth.

The fifth place finisher was 33-year old union electrician, Paul Molinari. Molinari cashed for $6,030.

Patrick O'Sullivan finished in fourth place and collected $6,891.

Darish soon eliminated Sachin Ramrakhani, and with well more than a 10-1 chip lead over Matthew Chin heads-up, made his opponent an offer he couldn't refuse.
"An extra thousand and I take the ring," said Darish.

At first, Chin was hesitant, but eventually decided to take the thousand along with his other $11,284 for second. Darish earned $19,811 (minus a grand)

"I feel great," said Darish after winning taking the last ring event of the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Circuit. "This was my second major tournament since 2006."
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Mukul Pahuja wins event #15 of Harrah's Resort AC Circuit Event

2009-12-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Mukul's brother, Vineet joins him along with event #8 winner, Josh Smith and Brock Parker at the final table.

Mukul Pahuja of Hicksville, NY is the owner of a new Circuit Event gold ring after winning event #15 of the World Series of Poker Circuit Events at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City.

The second of two deep stack events offered at the WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Resort AC, the $2000 + (150) buy-in tournament attracted 112 entrants, including notable players such as Michael Binger, Liv Boeree and Brock Parker, who shipped two bracelets during the 2009 World Series of Poker.

Pahjua's win was especially impressive given that the 23-year old financial analyst finished fourth in the Harrah's AC Main Event the week prior.

Even more impressive is that Mukul's brother Vineet, also made it to the final table, giving a new meaning to the term "family pot."

Ninth Place- $6,518

The final table began at 2:10 pm with blinds and antes at 500/2,000/4,000. With the short stack holding 40 times the big blinds, action was slow in the early going. It wasn't until over an hour into play that the first elimination took place. Alan Colon, a 62-year old CPA from Oceanside, CA, moved his remaining chips all-in from the small blind and got a call from Manny Minaya in the big. Colon was behind with A-K vs. Minaya's pocket queens. Three jacks, a nine and a three on the board were no help to Colon and he was out.

Eighth Place- $8,691

Robert Kalteux was the next to be eliminated after getting it all in post-flop against Mukul Pahuja. M. Pahuja's top two pair was good to take the pot and Kalteux's run was over. Kalteux is a 21-year old online pro with over 500,000 in online tournament cashes. Eighth place added a live cash of $8,691 to his total.

Seventh Place- $10,864

Eugene Castro raised UTG to 16,500 and Mukul Pahuja re-raised from the button to 50,000. Brock Parker made it 115,000 to go from the big blind and Castro folded. M. Pahuja moved all-in and Parker called with his remaining 73,000. Parker showed Jh-Jd, but M. Pahuja was ahead with Ah-Ac. An ace on the flop and no help on the turn ended Parker's chance to accessorize his dual bracelets with a ring.

Sixth Place- $13,037 & Fifth Place-$15,210

Action slowed when it came down to six players, but a major hand developed when Minaya fired out 20,000 and Vinny Pahuja moved all-in as did with event #8 winner, Josh Smith. Minaya made the call and turned over pocket aces. V. Pahuja showed kings while Smith flipped over 8's. The board missed all three players. V. Pahuja was eliminated in 6th place while Smith took 5th.

Fourth Place-$17,382

The next elimination was dealt to Dean Schultz of Akron, OH. A flop of 3s-2h-7s had Shultz all-in with Ad-5d against Minaya's As-7c, an Ah and 10h on the turn and river were of no help to Schultz and his tournament day was over.

Third Place- $23,901

All-in preflop with 9-10 vs. the pocket 6's of Minaya, Eugene Castro saw a six hit the flop and was eliminated after no help on the turn or river. Castro, co-founder of Poker Players International, an agency representing players such as Matt Glantz and Robert Mizrachi, perhaps will look into representing himself after a strong third place showing.

Second Place- $30,419

Play came down to two at about 10:42 pm with blinds and antes at 1,000/5,000/10,000 and Minaya holding a marginal chip lead over M. Pahuja. Heads-up play lasted over four hours. After the first hour of play and with little ground having been made between M. Pahuja and Minaya, the two decided to make a deal. While the terms were not disclosed, it was decided that they would play on for the WSOP Circuit Event gold ring. The next three hours was a colossal battle as Minaya was unable to build on his marginal chip lead.

The stalemate finally began to break with blinds and antes at 3,000/10,000/20,000. Having already narrowed Minaya's chip lead, M. Pahuja raised pre-flop to 80,000 and got a call from Minaya. After a flop of 6c-2d-10d, Minaya check-called M. Pahuja 119,000.

The turn came 4s and Minaya check-folded after M. Pahuja fired out 470,000. A few hands later, Minaya raised pre-flop to 120,000 and was re-raised all-in by M. Pahuja. Minaya folded, and was down 2-1 against M. Pahuja with less than a million in chips.

Minaya managed to double up on M. Pahuja to come back, but M. Pahuja squeezed his opponent to regain his dominant chip lead. Finally, after 3:00 am, the final hand saw both players all-in with M. Pahuja turning over Ad-9h and Minaya showing Qs-Kd.

The flop was 7c-8d-Qh, giving Minaya the lead. A harmless 5c hit the turn, but an Ac on the river ended the grueling duel with M. Pahuja the victor. First place officially paid $51,169 and a WSOP Circuit Event ring. Second paid $30,419.

"I'm exhausted," said M. Pahuja after the win. "And unfortunately, I have to go to work in four and a half hours, but that's what the sugar-free Redbulls are for."

"Minaya was way way tougher than I though," said M. Pahuja of his opponent.

"Coming into this final table, I thought isolating pots with Manny would be a good idea, but he was owning me, absolutely owning me the whole beginning of the final table, so he was the last guy I wanted to go heads-up with."

Mukul credits his brother, Vinny for helping him improve his game. "Whether it's a brother or close friends, it's good to be in circle of good players to bounce ideas off each other and help improve each other's game."
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Trish Marks Wind Back-To-Back Bayou Ladies Poker Championship At Harrah's New Orleans

2009-12-20T23:53:00.000-08:00

Winning one poker tournament is tough enough. But winning back-to-back championships during consecutive years is even more of a rarity. Trish Marks, from Covington, LA, just won the 2009 Bayou Ladies Poker Championship, held at Harrah's New Orleans. She collected $4,772 in first-place prize money, plus a gold and diamond pendant, which is traditionally presented each year to the lady champion. Marks also received a custom-designed trophy, donated by the High Heels Poker Tour, an organization which promotes women in poker.

With her victory, Marks became the first player ever to win two Bayou Poker Challenge events. This is the fourth year of the Bayou poker series, which is played each December in New Orleans. Last year, she topped a field of 113 players. This year, Marks was the last woman sitting among a starting field size of 41 players.

The runner up in this year's ladies championship was Daphne Taylor, from Richmond, TX. Last year, she became the first woman in the six-year history of the World Series of Poker Circuit at Harrah's New Orleans to win an open event.
___________________

by Nolan Dalla

Chris Klodnicki Wins Main Event of Harrah's AC Circuit

2009-12-18T00:39:00.000-08:00

Chris Klodnicki, whose pedigree includes 2nd and 3rd place finishes at WSOP events in 2008 and 2009 and a deep run in the 2008 Main Event, added a major accomplishment to his resume when he took down the 2009/2010 Harrah's Atlantic City Circuit Main Event Champion Tuesday, December 15th.

The 24-year old poker professional from nearby Voorhees, NJ made it to his second Harrah's Resort AC Circuit Main Event final table in as many years, but faced a tough group of competitors, including WSOP bracelet winner, Farzad Rouhani, Kyle Bowker who finished 37th in the 2006 WSOP Main Event and Grayson Ramage, who finished 35th in the 2009 WSOP Main.

Name Hometown Seat Chip Count

Grayson Ramage Red Hook, NY 1 1,552,000

Chris Klodnicki Voorhees, NJ 2 927,000

Farzad Rouhani Germantown, MD 3 1,776,000

Eugene Fouksman Brooklyn, NY 4 327,000

Mukul Pahuja Hicksville, NY 5 652,000

Kyle Bowker Walton, NY 6 240,000

Charles Furey Bridgewater, NJ 7 570,000

Ryan Karp West Chester, PA 8 770,000

Wayne Lewis Galloway, NJ 9 260,000

The final table of the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Circuit Main Event began play at precisely 3:00 pm with blinds and antes at 4,000/15,000/30,000.

Ninth Place- $27,505

Eugene Fouksman was the first elimination of the day after moving all-in preflop with Jd-Jh. Ryan Karp made the call, turning over pocket queens. A board of Kh-6h-9d-A5-9h was of no help to Fouksman who was escorted to the payout table.

Eighth Place- $36,673

2008 WSOP mixed 7-card stud/Omaha Hi-low bracelet winner Farzad Rouhani found himself in a quarter million pot on a board of 6c-Kd-5c-2s against 21-year old Grayson Ramage. Rouhani moved all-in and after tanking a bit, Ramage made the call. Rouhani turned over 6h-3h for flopped middle pair and a gut shot straight while Ramage showed Kd-9h for top pair. Rouhani missed his six remaining outs and was eliminated.

Seventh Place- $45,842

Kyle Bowker saw a flop from the big blind of 10d-6h-9c along with Wayne Lewis, who limped from early position. Both players moved all-in with Bowker showing 7h-7d and Lewis turning over 10h-Jc for top pair. Lewis' lead increased after a 2h, but a stunning 7c on the river gave Bowker the over million chip pot and sent Lewis to the rail.

Sixth Place- $55,010

The next player to be eliminated was Charles Furey. Furey, who final tabled the no-limit hold'em six handed event at the 2009 WSOP, ran his pocket nines into Chris Klodnicki's rockets. There was no help on the board for Furey and his Main Event run was through.

Fifth Place- $64,178

Ryan Kopp was the fifth place finisher. Short stacked, Kopp moved his remaining chips all-in with Ks-Jh against Klodnicki's A-7 off. An ace on the turn sent Kopp to the rail. The former medical sales rep turned online pro, added a live cash of $64,178 to his over million in lifetime online tournament earnings.

The remaining players went to dinner break and returned with the following chip counts:

Grayson Ramage - 2.7 million

Chris Klodnicki - 1.5 million

Mukul Pahuja- 550,000

Kyle Bowker- 1.2 million

Fourth Place- $73,347

Mukul Pahuja was eliminated not long after the players returned from dinner break. Short-stacked, Pahuja had it in with Ac-2d against Kyle Bowker's pocket 7's. Pahuja bricked board and the 23-year old financial analyst was out.

Third Place- $100,852

Grayson Ramage was the third place finisher. Having come into the final table the chip leader, Ramage saw his stack down to just over a million in chips. All-in with Ad-10h, Klodnicki made the call with pocket 8's and the race was on. The flop came Jh-9c-Ks. A 5h on the turn and 9s on the river both missed Ramage and he was eliminated

Second Place- $128,357

Heads up saw Klodnicki with over an 8-1 chip lead over Kyle Bowker. The one-on-one match-up did not last very long. The final hand had Bowker all-in with 5-7 off, dominating Klodnicki's 4-7, however a four on the flop and another on the river sealed Bowker's fate as the runner-up and Klodnicki was crowned Harrah's Resort Atlantic City's WSOP Circuit Main Event champion.

Klodnicki earned $215,915 for first, a $10,000 buy-in into the 2010 WSOP Main Event as well as the diamond-encrusted WSOP Circuit Main Event championship ring.

Klodnicki, who finished 12th in the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event, commented on the lessons he took with him from that experience going into the Main Event at Harrah's AC.

"You gotta forget about what happened before, any bad beats, because you're gonna get them in a big tournament like that," he said. "Be patient, be ready to make the big lay downs and get information on your opponents, it's not like internet poker."

On how he felt to win the Harrah's AC main event. "I feel great, I was having a pretty off year and this ended the year on a great note. I was starting to lose my confidence and this picked it up a lot."

"I'm definitely open to it," said Klodnicki regarding any possible future sponsorships.

"Maybe this win would help with that."

Still to come are 7 more events and 12 nightly (single-day) satellites which begin at 3 pm and 7pm.

The WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City continues through December 20th.
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Josh Smith wins event #8 in final table full of fellow poker professionals

2009-12-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

Many question the use of the term "professional" when describing a poker player's occupational status. While names like Patrik Antonius and Scotty Nguyen come to mind when describing a poker pro, the term professional quite simply, refers to someone who earns a living from a particular activity.

The players at the final table of event #8 at the World Series of Poker Circuit Events at Harrah's Atlantic City certainly fit that bill. One of the nine, Alex "Argentinaboy" Queen amassed over $100,000 in online earnings in 2009 alone, having just come off of a major online tournament victory in November. Another player at the final table, Josh Smith, shipped a major tournament back in March and has cashes in a numerous more.

Many of the players among the 352-player field of the $1,000 WSOP Circuit Event at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City shared similar backgrounds. With the largest buy-in of the WSOPC at Harrah's AC so far, the event drew a much more competitive field than the Circuit's earlier events.

The 54 day-two starters dwindled down to a final table of nine at 6:40 pm which pitted restaurant owner, Jeremy Maher against a table packed with players who earn their livings on the live and virtual felt. Although Maher had cashed in this year's WSOP main event and was near the top of the leader board, the lone non-pro was up for a challenge.

The final nine quickly became the final six, with the first three eliminations taking place within 20- minutes of play. After short-stacks Eric Cohen and Jesse Klein claimed 9th and 8th, Paul Richardson was next to be escorted to the payout table after suffering a monstrosity of a bad beat.

After a flop of Qc-9c-8h, Richardson called Maher's all-in. Maher revealed top pair with Jh-Qd, but Richardson turned over the flopped set of 8's. The table got roused a bit after a Qs hit the turn but went into an uproar after a Jd hit the river, giving Maher runner runner boat. The British-born Maher got the luck he needed, but not without taking a bit of flack from his opponents.

"Ship the Queen's chips did you now Gov'na?!" mocked Andrew Malott as most of the table and audience erupted in laughter. Maher took it in good fun however, and play resumed.

Sixth place went to Alexander Deutsch. Deutsch re-raised Maher all-in preflop with K-10 suited against Maher's pocket 6's. A six on the turn ended Deutsch's run. Deutsch earned $20,603 for sixth.

Andrew Malott busted in fifth, shipping his chips to Alex Queen in the process after moving all-in with pocket 3's vs. Queen's 6h-6d. The board was insignificant, busting Maher in fifth which paid $24,037.

Next out was Fatmir Cukovic. Cukovic, a 31-year old pro from Staten Island, lost a race to Josh Smith with 9's vs. A-Q suited after an ace hit the turn. A disappointed Cukovic walked away with $27,470.

The three remaining players were Maher, Smith and Queen. Maher busted after being dominated all-in with K-Q suited vs. Queen's A-Q. Maher did not improve on the turn and river and settled for $34,338.

Heads up had Queen with a massive chip lead over Smith but Smith got a little lucky after catching a king on the turn all-in with K-10 off vs. Queen's pocket 8's.

Down in chips, the final hand saw Queen all-in vs. Smith after the turn on a board of Ah-8s-Kd-8c-7h. Smith showed Qd-8d for trips, Queen mucked and it was over. Queen earned $41,892 for second while Smith banked $75,544 and the WSOPC ring.

Having come back from a huge deficit, and after getting a bit of luck after catching the king on the turn to cripple Queen, Smith's victory was a bit humbling for him.

"I feel a bad that I got a little lucky in that hand, Alex is my friend and he deserved to win."

But not too humbling.

"It still feels good to win the ring," he said.

Still to come are 9 more events and 17 nightly (single-day) satellites which begin at 3 pm and 7pm.

The WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City continues through December 20th.
___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

Peter Campo Hits a Professional Milestone with First Major Tourney Win

2009-12-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

The fifth event of the World Series of Poker Circuit Events at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City came to an end shortly before midnight Wednesday, December 9th when Peter Campos, a 30-year old former military man turned online cash game pro defeated Poker Pro Magazine writer, Cris Belkewitch heads up for the win.

The two-day event attracted a field of 385 players, each looking to win a coveted WSOP Circuit Event ring and the $41,080 first place prize.

The final table began just before 6 pm with blinds and antes of 3,000/10,000/20,000 and action picking up right out of the gate with Stanley Kivel in the middle of much of it. A few hands after hitting his gutshot straight to double up his chip stack, he saw nice portion of it go to Peter Campo after calling him down to the river for a total of about 200k.

Minutes later, he moved all-in after a flop of 9c-7s-Jh with Ah-10h suited. Mike Beasley made the call with top pair, Jc-Kc. The turn and river missed Kivel sending the cigar-wielding 64-year old retiree from Long Island, NY out in ninth. Kivel earned $5,602.

Next to go was Ilya Soyfer. The 31-year old software integrator from Old Bridge, NJ suffered a major glitch when his aces all-in got cracked by the pocket fours of Peter Campo when a four hit the flop. No help on the turn and river sent Soyfer to rail in seventh along with $9,336.

A short while later, Peter Campo called the all-in raise of Charles Beck. Campo's jacks gave him a huge lead over the pocket fours of Beck. The 22-year old was unable to improve on the board and settled for sixth place.

With play down to five and antes and blinds at 4,000/15,000/30,000, the short stack, 83-year old David Ebedenbaugh decided to make some moves.

Ebedenbaugh, who had once proudly served in the US Army and saw through both the great depression and a world war, survived three all-ins. After his second all-in showdown, Ebedenbaugh got up to shake his opponent's hand before the table pointed out to him that he had actually won the hand.

"I won the hand?" he said, surprised.

The handful of spectators cheered Ebedenbaugh on. "Let's go pops!" yelled one railbird. Ebedenbaugh was finally eliminated however after his 6h-6s failed to hold up against the 8s-5h of Peter Campo.

Ebedenbaugh earned $13,071 for his fifth place finish; an amazing accomplishment for the octarian, not just because of his age, but also because he only began playing poker one year ago.

"Just a lucky dog, that's all," Ebedenbaugh quipped as he went to collect his earnings.

The fourth place finisher was Greg Fishberg, a 33-year old who formerly owned a business in the golf industry. His 10d-Qh failed to improve over Campo's 7's all-in. Fishberg took home $14,938.

With comparable chip stacks, the three remaining players starting talking deal, but Chris Quan, as astute a poker dealer you will find, held fast to New Jersey gaming commission regulations and wanted none of it.

"Guys you're going to have to step away from the table", he declared. "I don't want to see nothing, I don't want to hear nothing."

Gaming regulations are stringent in New Jersey compared to other places like Las Vegas. While deals and chops are a staple of tournament poker, state gaming operators cannot be involved in such arrangements in any way shape or form.

The three stepped away and returned a short while later. While the details were not disclosed, Mike Beasley said, "We just softened it up a little bit, that's all. We're playing for the money and the ring."

Play resumed with blinds at 5,000/25,000/50,000. After shipping a sizable portion of his stack over to Campo, Chris Belkavich, a 28-year old professional player and writer for Poker Pro Magazine, mixed it up with Beasley. Belkavich put Beasly in the tank for a while after moving all-in for 800,000. Beasley decided to make the call and showed As-10c with Belkavich turning over Ac-Jd. Belkavich held his lead through the river.

Beasley was crippled to under 200,000 which went to Belkavich after Belkavich caught a river straight with A-3 off vs. Beasley's A-10 suited. The strip club owner from Hollywod, FL officially collected an $18,673 house fee for the night.

Heads up was between Peter Campo and Chris Belkavich. The final hand came around 11:40 pm after the flop came 3c-Jd-Kd. Campo lead out for 150k and Belkavich made the call. The turn was a Qc and Campo moved all-in. After much though, Belkavich called with the rest of his chips and showed flopped middle pair, Jc-5c.Campo turned over Kh-4d for top pair.

The river missed Belkavich, earning Campo victory and the ring. First and second officially paid $41,080 and $22,780.

The Waterford, CT resident was indifferent about winning a WSOP Circuit Event ring, but had a change of heart after donning the beautiful piece of jewelry.

"You know, it wasn't a big deal to me at first, but it's kinda exciting to actually win one." he said.

"I've come so close in a few other tournaments so this is really nice"

Still to come are 12 more events and 23 nightly (single-day) satellites which begin at 3 pm and 7pm. The WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City continues through December 20th.

___________________

by Alan Fowler - WSOP Assistant Media Director

A Short History of the Bayou Poker Challenge at Harrah's New Orleans

2009-12-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

This marks the fourth year of the Bayou Poker Challenge, which is held annually each December, at Harrah's New Orleans. It is one of the South's largest and most successful poker tournaments, and has awarded in excess of $8 million in prize money since its creation.

The first major poker tournament held at Harrah's New Orleans was called the "Cajun Poker Classic," which took place in early 2004. The three-day tournament attracted 536 players and inspired the casino to host more poker events in the future. Later that year, the first Bayou Poker Challenge was held, which consisted of six tournaments.

Next, Harrah's New Orleans became a charter member of the World Series of Poker Circuits, which officially started play in 2005. Since then, New Orleans has hosted the final stop on the circuit each year, which takes place in mid-May just prior to the start of the WSOP at the Rio in Las Vegas. The first two WSOP Circuit championships held at Harrah's New Orleans were televised by ESPN and were among the most exciting tournaments broadcast at the time. They still occasionally appear in re-runs to this day.

WSOP Circuit events in New Orleans proved to be so successful that a second tournament series was created, starting in 2007. This became known as the "Bayou Poker Challenge" (a.k.a. the Winter Bayou Poker Challenge), which has since become a December attraction. This tournament series is categorized as a World Series of Poker Satellite, since its Main Event winner earns an entry valued at $10,000 seat (plus expense money) into the WSOP championship, held the following year. For instance, this year's Bayou Poker Challenge Event Champion will win a seat into the 2010 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.

Bayou Poker Challenge results and statistics are not included in the historical records of WSOP Circuit events. Furthermore, winners do not receive gold rings, which is the customary prize awarded for a victory in most WSOP Circuit events. Nonetheless, the Bayou Poker Challenge (BPC) has proven to be a popular attraction for many poker players, who mostly come to the Crescent City from the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and surrounding areas. The 2007 BPC consisted of ten events. The 2008 BPC included nine events. This year's Bayou Poker Challenge offers a full schedule of 15-events, the most ever offered, including a senior's event for the very first time. In addition, this year's series from December 8-20 includes nine nightly $200 buy-in tournaments, which brings the total number of competitive events up to 22. This does not include dozens of mega, and single-table satellites, as well as live action (cash games) held inside the 23-table poker room which operates 24 hours a day.

Coming up on Friday, December 18th Harrah's New Orleans will be hosting the Poker and Pigskin Showdown. A $550 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tournament will be held starting at 5 pm on Friday event, just prior to a big weekend of football games. Since this will be one of the busiest weekends of the year in New Orleans, football fans are expected to fill many of the seats inside the poker arena. On Saturday night, the (now) undefeated New Orleans Saints will play the Dallas Cowboys at the Superdome. The following night, the New Orleans Bowl takes place between Mississippi State University and Middle Tennessee State University.

All of the poker tournament action takes place inside the Harrah's New Orleans amphitheatre, which regularly hosts many of the most popular performers in music and entertainment. But in December at least, the real stars at Harrah's New Orleans are poker players.

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by Nolan Dalla