The most recent World Series of Poker Circuit tournament concluded today in dramatic fashion. Erhart “David” Edquist, a 46-year-old tax consultant and recreational poker player from San Diego, pulled off a near-miraculous upset against the experienced poker pro, Habib Khanis. At one point very late in the tournament, Edquist seemed absolutely doomed. He was all-in holding pocket tens against Khanis pocket kings. Even Edquist realized he was dominated and drawing slim. But a ten thundered down giving Edquist a full house, which assassinated Khanis kings. Moments later, Edquist went on to achieve his first tournament victory and was the ecstatic recipient of $37,344 in prize money and his first gold ring, which is the coveted token of achievement for winning events on the WSOP Circuit.

This was the final tournament before the start of the championship event at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort. This $1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament was the tenth “gold ring” event on this year’s Rincon schedule, which attracted 154 entries, generating $149,380 in total prize money. Only the top 18 finishers collected payouts. All the action took place inside the Rincon Pavilion Showroom.

After 145 players were eliminated on the first day, nine survivors took their seats at the final table. Khanis started off with a decisive chip lead. In fact, he had his closest rival covered by more than a 2 to 1 margin. It was fitting that he would play all the way down to a final showdown versus the far-less experienced Edquist. Only this time, David (Edquist) defeated Goliath (Khanis). This final table was also unique in that it was the first finale with multiple female players. Kim “Ice Beer” Wooka and Esther “E-Tay” Taylor became the second and third females to make a final table appearance at this Rincon series.

The winner David Edquist was cheered on by his wife, who vowed never again to watch another live poker tournament. “This was excruciating sitting watching this,” she said. Of course, her viewing experience was made far more enjoyable by Edquist’s victory.

“I don’t like to win that way, by getting lucky,” Edquist stated. “But, I’ll take it.” Partly by luck and partly by skill, Edquist earned his victory. But to Edquist’s credit, he has only played in two events this year at Rincon. In impressive fashion, he made the final tables of both. That’s not luck – that’s skill.

With 11 gold ring events now completed at Harrah’s Rincon, the tournament has attracted 4,392 total entries and has awarded $1,222,680 in total prize money. Still to come are two more events, including the $5,000 buy-in championship which starts at noon. The WSOP Circuit at Harrah’s Rincon continues through April 1st.

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by Nolan Dalla