When last has a pro won the WSOP Main Event?
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Created:
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7/29/2008 2:07:27 PM
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With the reoccurring trend of the relatively inexperienced players taking the World Series of Poker Main Event bracelet the question on the Poker community’s lips is: “When can we expect another professional poker champion?” The big guns on the poker scene have surely shined at the side events of the 2008 WSOP, to such an extent, that 2008 has at some stage been dubbed “The Year of the pro.” However, the final table for the Main Event of 2008 WSOP has been named, and one has to wonder: “Where are the pro’s??” As a matter of fact, the last time that an established poker pro has claimed the ultimate victory, was in 2001, by Carlos Mortensen!!
One of the most celebrated events that spurred interest in the World Series of Poker for many poker hopefuls from around the world, was the meteoric rise of Chris Moneymaker, from a newcomer to the scene, to a poker star that outshone the best of the best. Moneymaker grabbed headlines by taking the 2003 WSOP Main Event bracelet… A feat that had him pocket a prize of two and a half million dollars at the time!
His accomplishment made everyone realize that you don’t have to be a seasoned poker professional to win big, and the number of participants in the tournament has grown exponentially. In just the very next year the competitor field had multiplied threefold and the stakes had doubled! And ever since then, there was just no looking back, as for the last three years has there has never been less than five thousand entrants!
No doubt the professionals have been having a hard time with the astonishing volume of competition. And one has to wonder- will a true poker pro ever win the Main Event of the WSOP again…??
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Joe
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8/7/2008 3:11:15 PM
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Yes, I Agree
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The November Nine Unmasked
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Created:
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7/23/2008 11:04:32 AM
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Surprisingly, there is a complete lack of truly seasoned poker professionals who made it to the final table of the 2008 WSOP. It is rather nine relative amateurs who outplayed the huge field of 6,844 from across the globe and who are preparing themselves for the final table in November. The lives of these nine players, now known as “The November Nine,” will never be the same again. Almost overnight, they will be elevated into poker stardom, scrutinized by everyone who is anyone on the poker scene and their every move will be followed by journalists and ESPN-cameras. Yes, for the next few months, these nine newcomers will be watched under a microscope, as they prepare themselves for the battle of their lives in their fairly short lived poker careers. So let us look at who they are:
Dennis Phillips will have the comfort of entering the final table as the chipleader, with a staggering $26,295,000 sized chip stack. Phillips who works as an account manager at a commercial trucking company, will be the oldest of the group in age, but one of the least experienced.
With a hefty chip stack of $24,000,000 and some tournament experience the Russian Ivan Demidov could be the favorite for this year’s bracelet. Ivan boasts a final table finish in the 2006 Russian Poker Championship, a 3rd place finish in the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic and a 11th place finish in a $1,000 No limit Hold’em in this year’s WSOP.
Before this year, the Canadian Scott Montgomery’s poker profile left allot to be desired… But after a very successful run, 2008 has brought him the spotlight of the poker world. He kicked of the year by playing his way into the final table of the World Poker Tour’s L.A. Poker Classic. He now hold’s a stack of $19,690,000. Right after the play at the WSOP ceased, he made his way over to the Bellagio Cup IV where he made the final table.
The youngest player to make the grades for the November Nine, Peter Eastgate, will have whatever time he has left before November to make up in skill what he lacks in age. The Scandinavian youngster has a $18,375,000 stack which he’ll have to utilize cunningly to claim the “Youngest Bracelet Winner” title, a record which Phil Hellmuth currently holds.
Perhaps one of the most colorful characters to grace the November Nine, is chess player turned poker player Ylon Schwartz who played his way into the final table exploiting the field of novices. The New Yorker sits on a $12,525,000 chip stack to enter the final table with.
Darus Suharto might be on the wrong end of the chip stack with his $12,520,000 but the Canadian poker pro (who had won his way into the Main Event through a satellite) might still gain the edge on his game to become this year’s champion.
Most likely the most well known player at the Final table this year (with five cashes behind his name), the 28 year old David “Chino” Rheem will enter the November Nine with a $10,230,000 chip stack.
Not many players can boast a seat in the final table with only around 18 months of poker experience. The Texan Craig Marquis will have to pull out some tricks from under his sleeves to play his way out of the ‘underdog’ spot in November.
Sitting with an alarming chip stack, business analyst turned poker pro Kelly Kim will need a strong dose of luck coupled with diligent play to not be busted first with his short stack of a mere $2,620,000 in chips.
That sums up the faces to be seen around the Final Table in November, where one lucky player will go home with the bracelet and US$9 million cash prize, to become the envy of every poker professional in the world!
Watch this space for any related updates on the November Nine who will be playing the final table of 2008 WSOP in just a few months.
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The November Nine
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Created:
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7/16/2008 8:39:51 AM
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15/07/2008 This year’s World Series of Poker main event came to an abrupt halt, when the field of 6844 eager hopefuls was reduced to a mere nine players. The tenth place finisher Dean Hamrick would not go out without a fight, standing his ground for three hours before he was eventually eliminated by Craig Marquis.
His final hand would see him pushing the last of his chips all in, losing to Marquis’s pocket queens holding Ace (spades), Jack (clubs).
The remaining nine players are:
Seat 1: Dennis Phillips - 26,295,000
Seat 2: Craig Marquis - 10,210,000
Seat 3: Ylon Schwartz - 12,525,000
Seat 4: Scott Montgomery - 19,690,000
Seat 5: Darus Suharto - 12,520,000
Seat 6: Chino Rheem - 10,230,000
Seat 7: Ivan Demidov - 24,400,000
Seat 8: Kelly Kim - 2,620,000
Seat 9: Peter Eastgate - 18,375,000
These surviving players aka “The November Nine” will for the first time in the WSOP history, not be able to battle it out immediately, but will have to wait until November 2008, before they can face each other in the arena again. No doubt it will be a nerve wracking session ahead, as all poker fanatics from around the world will keep a close eye on them until such time that that coveted title as well as the impressive 9.1 Million Dollar first place prize have been claimed! For any interesting news on any of the “November Nine,” building up towards the final, televised table later this year, keep your eye on this spot.
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Andre “Shuffle” Johnstone cashes at 2008 WSOP
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Created:
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7/14/2008 10:10:30 AM
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14 July 2008. This past weekend ended on a high for 3 Piggs Poker regular Andre “Shuffle” Johnstone, who finished in an impressive 316th position at the Main Event of the 2008 WSOP. This is no small feat, as the Shuffle had to outplay a record field of 6,844 entrants from all around the world. For his efforts, he cashed in around $32,000.00!
“This was great for my confidence, I achieved my dream of 3 years ago of playing in the main event and cashing,” said Johnstone enthusiastically. Shuffle managed to win his package to the 2008 WSOP through 3 Piggs Poker's WSOP Loyalty Program.
Here is how the Shuffle recalls the action during the final hand, as noted in the Facebook Group “Where in the world is Shuffle.” A solid player raised to 17k in mid position, after which the button called. Johnstone called from the big blind while holding 2d2c. The flop showed Kh3c2h. He then decided to check raise the flop if anyone bet. The player who raised originally, bet 24k. The one on the button folded and Johnstone re-raised to 68k. Unfortunately he did not count on getting re-raised by 90k when he only had 224k left. He moved in and was called by 33. Needless to say he couldn’t improve, and was eliminated in the top 5% of positions.
Andre commented on how grueling the tournament was with its emotional intensity and mood swings, but when asked if he will do it again, he immediately answered: “absolutely!” The 3 Piggs Poker Team wishes to congratulate Johnstone on this achievement. “Shuffle, you have truly made us proud!” says Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak Group of Casinos.
..adios"
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PokerNews Cup Australia announced
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Created:
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7/8/2008 11:04:23 AM
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8 July 2008. Mr. Justin Huxley, Vice President of PokerNews Ltd, officially announced the dates for the 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia, which he describes as “the return of the most successful PokerNews event ever." This coveted tournament is set to occur from the 12th to the 20th of October at the Crown Casino, which is renowned for being Australia’s largest and most impressive luxury entertainment complex.
Eight events will be featured, with buy-ins from $175, building up to the $2,200 Main Event- with a magnificent guaranteed first prize of at least $250,000.00. The coveted poker occasion is anticipated to not only attract Australia’s best, but also top poker professionals from around the globe. This will be also make for a perfect opportunity for our local players to showcase their poker prowess against that of the rest of the world. For more news and updates on this event later this year, keep your eye on this spot.
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Second largest payout in poker history at 2008 WSOP
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Created:
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7/8/2008 10:15:20 AM
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7 July 2007. The number of poker players who officially registered for the 2008 WSOP Main Event, has already surpassed the figure of 2007 WSOP. Day 1d’s field comprised 2,461 players, bringing the 4-day total of the Main Event to 6,844. This record number of enrolled players results in an enormous prize pool. This year 666 players will finish in the money and the winner of the first prize of the Main Event will cash in $9,119,517!
Seen amongst these players who enrolled for this major poker event, are a number of 3 Piggs Poker regulars: Darren Kramer; Andre Johnstone; Ryan Dreyer; Ryan Brauer & Melanie Banfield. Still early days into the WSOP Main Event though; and chances are great that we could be reporting back with some good news on the performance of these players soon- so keep you eye on this spot.
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Stars flock to Sin City for Charity!
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Created:
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7/3/2008 9:43:22 AM
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03 July 2008. Around 88 top celebrities brought their “A-Game” poker faces to donate to Darfur charities in the “Ante Up for Africa” poker tournament yesterday. Charles Barkley also player even after recently pledging to take a break from gambling. The 45 year old former NBA star was recently sued in May by the Wynn casino for failing to pay back gambling loans. Barkley said that he would donate any winnings to charity and was not planning on staying in Las Vegas for long. He paid back his markers shortly after the casino filed a civil complaint against him. “I can’t gamble, so I gotta drink”, Barkley joked with Phil Hellmuth, 11 time bracelet winner, shortly after he was invited by Phil to join him for a cocktail.
The celebrity players donated their prize money from this, the second “Ante Up for Africa” event to charities working within the Darfur region of Sudan. The tournament benefited two charities in particular:
• ENOUGH – a project co-founded in 2007 by the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress
• Not On Our Watch – a group co-founded by Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, George Clooney and Brad Pitt
Cheadle, one of the founders of the event remarked at the be start of the event, “It’s great to see everybody”, “Don’t expect to win, because it’s mine.” Unfortunately Cheadle was eliminated by Alica in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell when his pair of jacks could hold up to Centrell’s queens.
Poker icon, Annie Duke said “Charity doesn’t have to be boring, it doesn’t have to be a burden. We want people to have a really good time.” The total prize pool at the beginning of the tournament was US$418,000. The inaugural “Ante Up for Africa” event last year raised more than US$500,000 for the charities, with the top two finishing players pooling their US$350,000 winnings and donating it to the cause.
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Breaking news: Kyri cashes in Vegas!
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Created:
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7/3/2008 9:09:47 AM
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Breaking news ....... Kyri Patsalos, 3 Piggs Poker player and All Africa Poker Final Table finisher has just won US$20 000 by finishing 3rd in the Venetian Tournament. On site is Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager for Piggs Peak Casino - she will be forwarding us more details shortly!
Keep watching this spot for more up to the minute updates!
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J.C. Tran wins first WSOP Bracelet
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Created:
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7/2/2008 9:07:23 AM
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1 July 2008. JC Tran has a very impressive number of top money finishes behind his name, for a variety of the World Poker Tour tournaments. But now he can also include WSOP Bracelet holder on his poker resume. J.C. triumphed at 2008 WSOP Event #49 $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em, claiming not only that coveted bracelet, but also a grande $631,170 for his victory.
This is how the final hand went down: Tran raised preflop and Nielsen called. When the board flopped 8h Qs 2h, Nielsen check-called Tran's bet. The turn showed 4d, after which Nielsen checked again. When Tran raised, Nielsen went all in. Tran made the call, holding Kc Qc, which obviously crushed Nielsen’s Qd Jh. The only way that Nielsen could still win, was when a jack landed on the river. But luck was on Tran’s side as the river brought 2h - sending Nielsen home, nevertheless collecting $389,557 for his second place finish.
The other players who were seated at the final table with J.C. Tran, finished as follows:
3rd place- Peter Ngyuen, $233,734
4th place- Joe Pelton, $191,068
5th place- Chad Sui, $150,257
6th place- Jesper Hoog, $113,157
7th place- Robert Kalb, $85,331
8th place- Christoph Köhnen, $58,248.
For the latest updated news on what’s happening at the 2008 WSOP, keep your eye on this spot.
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You can’t bluff a lie detector
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Created:
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7/1/2008 4:46:20 PM
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Many players participating in the Event 42 No Limit Hold’em Seniors World Championship of the 2008 WSOP, learnt that you can’t bluff a man immune to lies after facing Dan Lacourse behind the poker tables.
Lacourse played his way though a staggering field of up to 2,217 players, even defeating poker greats like the legendary Amarillo Slim and Men “The Master” Nguyen by applying his craft to his card play. He pocketed a handsome, $368,759 and a coveted 2008 WSOP bracelet for his triumph.
Lacourse’s secret weapon is his developed observation of the timing speed and reactions that he has gained though 27 years experience as a polygraph examiner for the Lucas Sherri’s Department.
After agreeing that the winner would buy dinner, the two players from Ohio commenced play. Lacourse would be going heads up against another community serviceman Dale Eberle. The battle lasted only two hands when Eberle called all-in holding a pair of kings against Lacourse’s trip nines.
Eberle walked away with a runner up prize of ($ 235,141) and a free dinner. For all your news and snippets for what’s going on at the 2008 WSOP, keep your eyes on this spot for all the latest updates.
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Poker legend wins WSOP "players" championship”
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Created:
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7/1/2008 4:40:59 PM
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30 June 2008. After a grueling 5-day poker marathon, Scotty Nguyen finally outplayed some of the best poker pro’s, as well as some of the biggest cash games players on the poker scene, to win Event #45, the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. World Championship at the 2008 WSOP. For his incredible performance, Scotty received his 5th WSOP Bracelet, the Chip Reese Memorial trophy, as well as a staggering first prize of $1,989,120!
The H.O.R.S.E. championship is regarded by many as the true test of a champion, as during the tournament, a combination of five different poker variants is played. The general consensus is that you can only be regarded as a great poker player, if you are an expert of every type of poker, not only of Texas Hold’em.
And, Scotty has now certainly proved to be one of the greatest poker players. Seated at the final table with him, were Matt Glanz; Huck Seed; Patrick Bueno; Lyle Berman; Michael DeMichele; as well as Barry Greenstein and Erick Lindgren who are both contenders for the Player of the Year Award.
There was some pretty aggressive play seen amongst this tough crowd, and the first eliminations took place reasonably quickly, leaving Lindgren, DeMichele and Scotty for some three-way action. From here, the tournament went into marathon mode, as it took around 200 hands before Lindgren was finally busted.
Going into heads-up play, Scotty had 12,140,000 chips versus the 2,660,000 of DeMichele. It therefore only took him a short while to finally knock out his young opponent. The final hand was Texas Hold’em and here is how it played out:
DeMichele raised preflop, holding Ac 3h. After some contemplation, Nguyen made one of his trademark remarks: "It's gonna be all over, baby." He then raised with his Ad10h, after which DeMichele went all-in. The board flopped As 9h 6h, giving Scotty the advantage at this point. When the turn brought 7c, there was only one way that DeMichele could still win: by getting a three on the river. However, 4s was flipped, sending DeMichele home in second place, collecting a grande $1,243,200!
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Complete newcomer wins first WSOP Bracelet
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Created:
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7/1/2008 4:18:21 PM
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30 June 2008. Alexandre Gomes made poker history at the 2008 WSOP in more ways than one, when he claimed the victory at Event #48, $2,000 No-Limit Hold'em. Not only is he the first Brazilian poker player ever to pick up a WSOP Bracelet, but he is also a complete newcomer to the poker scene. Believe it or not, he has only been playing poker for around 6 months! For his first place finish, Alexandre collected up a handsome $770,540. Not to be frowned upon, for someone who was until very recently, a practicing attorney!
Gomes outsmarted a rather large field of 2,317 players who entered for this side event, to finally go heads-up with Marco Johnson. Johnson doubled through Gomes a few times, before he hit that hand that sent him to the rail. Johnson went all-in over the top of Gomes' preflop raise, whilst holding Js Qs. Gomes had As Ks, and the board showed 3h 2h 4d Ac 4c. Johnson nevertheless walked away with $491,273 for finishing second.
The rest of the players who finished in the money at this tournament, were:
- 3rd- Ryan D'Angelo- $326,812
- 4th- Robert Brewer- $274,101
- 5th- Alan Cutler- $223,497
- 6th- Kirill Gerasimov- $177,111
- 7th- Sverre Sundbo- $134,942
- 8th- Gabe Costner- $103,315
- 9th- Dan Rome- $71,687
Watch this spot for more WSOP info!
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