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October 31, 2004

Week in Review for 10.31.04

The best thing about autumn in Las Vegas....Might as well start off with a response to a J. Santos cartoon from Call Raise or Muckit! I think he put more thought into this cartoon then anyone. The blogger tournaments are getting bigger, PokerGurb has a dedicated page for the upcoming PokerGrub Calssic and Maudie of Poker Perspectives has designed a catchy logo for the WPBT. I noticed an interesting post by Doubles A’s on smooth calling a pre-flop raise with a big pair. To close be sure to read the ever entertaining tales from Linda at Pokerworks and check out Quite Lion’s Festa al Lago trip report.

Today is Nevada Day here in the Battle Born State. The anniversary of Nevada joining the Union in 1864. Amazingly enough, it is also Halloween. We have always wondered if there is some significance to the coinciding dates. Happy birthday Nevada and Happy Halloween to our readers. Stay safe so we will see you tomorrow.

October 30, 2004

Ultimate Poker Challenge Down to Final Table + the Nines

Scotty Nguyen behind a very large stack at the Ultimate Poker Challenge.The Ultimate Poker Challenge is now down to a final Championship table. The roster of seven players was determined this afternoon when Matt Russel was eliminated in eight position. The seven finalist will return on Sunday at 1:00 pm to decide the Ultimate Poker Challenge’s first season Champion. The remaining players are David Pastik, Jeff Shulman, Scotty Nguyen, Jeff Stoff, Jason Buckley, Chip Lightman and Minneapolis Jim. The winner of the event will receive $100,000 in first place money, $50,000 for second and third will take away $25,000. The final table will be filmed for the TV season finale of Ultimate Poker Challenge. A reliable source tells us the series will return for another season with changes that should improve the viewer’s experience. The production company, Passport Entertainment, indicated they intend to hire expert consultants to improve and refine the series in its second season.

from left: Miami John Cernuto and Charlie Shoten at the Plaza today.The Tournament Director is well known poker industry professional, Matt Savage. Matt handled the TD duties at the 2004 WSOP. The on-air host Chad Brown is a former soap opera star and a noted professional poker player. The female co-host is Brandi Williams. During the event today some notable professional players were watching from the rail. Miami John Cernuto, Evelyn Ng, and one of our favorite poker celebrities, Charlie Shoten. Most of the professional players are now off to the WPT sanctioned World Poker Finals tournament at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

Las Vegas will be celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of the city throughout 2005. Las Vegas has now been around for a hundred years providing visitors with a good time in the desert. This week’s Nine list covers the centennial slogans that were rejected.

TOP NINE LIST

Top nine rejected Las Vegas centennial slogans.

9. Home of America’s toughest drug laws.
8. Turn your dollars into cents.
7. Where terrorists come to relax.
6. Better than sex.
5. Got money?
4. Hookers galore.
3. Spend a lot, get a little.
2. Retirement playground of the mob.
1. Las Vegas simply can’t be beat!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Only Game in Town

Brandi Williams, Ultimate Poker Challenge Host.Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas.The Ultimate Poker Challenge is the only major tournament happening in Las Vegas this weekend. Today, Friday 10/29/04, was the first day of the Ultimate Poker Challenge semi-final event with many known professionals included in the group of 100 qualified players. Some of the early eliminations included yesterday’s qualifying tournament winner, Joe Awada. Another well known pro, Andy Bloch, was knocked out when Minnesota Jim’s Ad-Qd made high pair with a Q on the river and beat Andy’s pocket Jacks. Eric Seidel made an early exit and so did Mel Judah. The play will continue tomorrow when the twenty-seven remaining players from today return to the Plaza tournament area for the noon start. Tomorrow the tournament will play down to the final table; which will be held on Sunday starting at 2:00 pm. The final table event will be filmed and shown on the finale of this season’s Ultimate Poker Challenge series on national TV.

The chip leaders after today’s play ended are James van Alstyne-$69,200, Jeff Stoff-$55,100, Jason Buckley-$35,425, Chip Jett-$33,800 and Chip Lightman-$31,875. Many of the professional players remain in the group including Jeff Shulman, Allyn Jaffrey Shulman, Minneapolis Jim, Don Barton, Roxanne Rhodes, Renee Wexler, Ruth Graham, Kristy Gazes, Evelyn Ng and Karina Jett. Tomorrow will be another day of exciting big-time tournament poker in historic downtown Las Vegas. We wish Tahoe Andrew a very Happy Birthday. Tahoe spent his 87th birthday today playing in the Ultimate Poker Challenge semi-final event.

October 28, 2004

Tobey Maguire Wins Hellmuth's Tournament & Joe Awada Wins UPC Event 23.

Tobey Maguire playing at the Festa al Lago III earlier this month.Actor Tobey Maguire finally wins a major tournament. I got a press release today providing the details of Tobey Maguire’s first place finish in the “Phil Hellmuth Poker Invitational” at the Hollywood Park Casino. The event on Wednesday, October 27 ’04, was a $2000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament and the eighth of twelve poker events that make up the Hollywood Park Casino’s eighth annual National Championship of Poker Tournament. The Hellmuth tournament attracted 123 entrants and had a prize pool of $246,000. Tobey outlasted the field in the 13 hour event and collected $95,480 for his win. He now joins fellow actor and tournament poker player, Ben Afflack, who won the California State Championship poker tournament earlier this year. Phil Hellmuth was quoted as saying, “Before the tournament, Tobey told me he would love for this to be his first tournament win. I am very proud of the way he played the game last night. He showed tremendous focus and determination. I predict he will become one of the better poker stars.”

From right: TD Matt Savage, Guest Host Robert Williamson III, Winner Joe Awada and Host Chad Brown.The Ultimate Poker Challenge played the last of the 23 qualifying event final tables this afternoon at the Plaza Hotel and Casino. We pick up the action four handed with Nick Bouyea, John Phan, Barry Greenstein and Joe Awada. Within the first hour of play Barry Greenstein pushes all in with his pocket sixes and after a few moments Joe Awada calls with his pocket eights. Neither player improves with the flop, turn or river and Joe’s higher pocket pair eliminates Barry Greenstein in fourth place. Within minutes Nicholas Bouyea goes all in with his K-blank suited and again, after thinking over the play Joe calls with Q-Jo. Nick flops a King high flush and Joe is second with his two pair. The flop offers Joe no help, but the river brings him a full house and he severly cripples Nick's stack. A few hands later Joe again calls Nick’s all in and yet again comes from behind to win on the river and eliminate Nick Bouyea in third place. Joe and John play heads up trading chips with Joe slowly taking away John’s stack until finally John goes all in with A-9 and Joe calls with his K-Qo. The flop shows a nine giving John the lead. The turn is no help and the river is a Queen giving Joe the higher pair and the tournament win.

Today's UPC second place finisher, John Phan.Tomorrow one hundred qualified players will begin the semi-final event at noon. They will play down to 27 and then resume play on Saturday and go until the final nine are left. The final table will be on Sunday and the first Ultimate Poker Challenge Champion will be determined. All of the UPC final tables are filmed and the series is shown on national television. The Poker Prof will compile all the photos and present the best in an Ultimate Poker Challenge Photo Gallery.

October 27, 2004

Ultimate Poker Challenge 2004 Final Days

Final table three at the Ultimate Table Challenge Tuesday qualifier.The Ultimate Poker Challenge is now down to one qualifying event. The semi-finals start Friday, 10/28/04, at noon at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. Yesterday’s final table became a marathon event between Minneapolis Jim and Jaffrey Shulman after Max Pescatori was eliminated in third place. The two were evenly matched and traded chips most of the evening. Jeffery finally had the better hand and eliminated Minneapolis Jim for the win.

Jeff Shulman, CEO of “Card Player” magazine, is the son of Barry Shulman, publisher of “Card Player.” He is point qualified to play in the semi-final event on Friday. The semi-final tournament will be the top ninety players that have accumulated the most points during the twenty-three qualifying tournament. Jeff Shulman winner of Tuesday's tournament.Play will begin on Friday and continue Saturday until nine players remain. The final nine players from the semi-final tournament will play on Sunday at noon in the final table. All of the final tables are filmed and shown on national television. The Ultimate Poker challenge will be back for a second season according to sources close to the production company. The Ultimate Poker Challenge second season will incorporate changes that will improve the series and provide the viewers with quality tournament poker. Matt Savage, veteran tournament director, and Chad Brown, on-air host, are slated to remain with the show. The Ultimate Poker Challenge provides the tournament player with an opportunity to play in a big time tournament for a $1000 buy-in; and, as an added bonus, making the final table guarantees you a spot on national television. Continue to play well and win through the semi-final and final event gives you a shot at a share of the large prize money.

Character Minneapolis Jim takes second place.Today’s final table included well known Las Vegan, Bob Stupak, along with Steve Simmons, Sean Rice, Jeff Bine, Mickey Seagle, John Phan and Dan Pugliese. Mickey Seagle won the event. Other notable professional players that started today’s play included Joe Awada, Jesse Jones, Tahoe Andrew, Max Pescatori, Paul Malgriel and Barry Greenstein. The final table for event 23 will play tomorrow, Thursday, at 3:00 pm at the Plaza. The semi-final will include well known professionals Andy Bloch, Kenna James, Chad Layne, Mel Judah, Chris Ferguson, Kristy Gazes, Jeffrey Shulman, Erik Seidel, Kathy Liebert, Miami John Cernuto, Thor Hansen, Minneapolis Jim, Evelyn Ng, Karina Jett and Chip Jett. The Friday semi-final event promises to be some great poker with all the noted players and characters that are qualified. I will be there with the camera to provide photos of all the action. This is a great opportunity to watch major poker action from close range.

Throw Those Aces Away MAX

NLHE players dream of aces in the hole but the aces Max Pescatori, our featured player yesterday, played early in the Ultimate Poker Challenge could have cost him $15,000. Max didn't want Hinchcliffe to call but he did and Max was out with 0 points for the day when the burly Washington state pro made two pair.

Max Pescatori wearing trademark tri colour at the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza.The overnight standings were as follows:

1) Steve Simmons- 815 (40k best overall points)
2) Renee Wexler- 735 (21k)
3) Max Pescatori- 730 (11k)
4) H.Tahoe Andrew- 700 (7k)
5) Nick Bouyea- 660 (6k)
6) Dan Pugliese- 640 (5k)

Max with 8 final table appearances was so confident of second place he decided against a saver with Renee. The standings after today are:
1) Steve Simmons
2) Renee Wexler
3) Tahoe Andrew 740pts
4) Max 735pts or Nick (Nick would have to finish 2nd in todays tournie to overtake Max)
6) Dan Pugliese 720pts

The final table today (22/23) chip count was as follows.

1) Bob Stupak- 37k chips
2) Swawn Rice- 27k chips
3) Dan Pugliese- 14k
4) Mickey Seagle- 13k
5) Jeff Rine- 7k
6) John Phan- 5k
7) S.Simmons- 1.5k

Steve Simmons went on an incredible rush and overtook Bob Stupak who KO’d Melissa Hayden on the bubble in controversial circumstances. First out was Jeff Rine followed by John Phan who was also playing in todays tournament. He is a name to watch out for. Dan Pugliese who told me he hasn't played since the sixties before playing every one of the Ultimate Poker Challenge events and loving it was 5th. Playing today we had a high quality field with Barry Greenstein, Joe Awada and Scotty Nguyen making a late effort to score enough points to play in the semis starting on Friday. There will be an amazing opportunity to watch top poker pros at the Plaza with Chris Ferguson, Eric Seidel, Jennifer Harman, Evelyn Ng, Chip & Karina Jett, Kathy Liebert, Andy Bloch and Allen Cunningham all qualified to play.

October 26, 2004

Italian Gels with the Media.

Max Pescatori at the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza.Ask fellow poker blogger Felicia Lee to name a positve to come out of her "Nightmare at the Orleans" and she would probably mention Max Pescatori's act of kindness first. When Max heard that she had driven from her home in Golden Valley AZ to cover the tournament and had not been paid by the WPPA he immediately offered her some gas money and informed other players of her situation.

When I first met Max at the 4 Queens tournament I used to tease him about his trademark Italian tri coloured bandana. In return he used to point out mistakes on the database that I was helping compile on players. Soon I was chatting with him on a daily basis, often during play, and found him to be one of the most likeable players in the room. He is also a rising star in the poker world. He has made 8 final table appearances at the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza. His biggest win in the database appears to be $106,000 in LA; but, the players agreed to a 13 way split and Max's share was $27,750.

Max stands as his set of J's loses to a straight and he is eliminated in third place today.Max started in the $15-30 games at the Mirage and Bellagio in 1999, but will be concentrating on tournaments next year. I asked Max if he had a mentor and he replied, "Not really, but meeting Jennifer Harmon through Marco Traniello allowed me to talk poker with someone who was at a higher level. I was able to learn from her knowledge of situations."

Tomorrow he is involved in a nail biting battle for second place points in the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza in downtown Las Vegas. Steve Simmons from Scottsdale AZ has a lock on the $40,000 first place; but, we then have the following contesting the $21,000 second place prize.

Renee Wexler- 735
Max Pescatori- 730
Tahoe Andrew- 675
Dan Pugliese- 640 + at least 50 from today.

If we have a large field and Renee & Max are eliminated early; then Tahoe wins, he takes 2nd. If Dan wins tomorrows final table and another 20pts from the tomorrow noon tournament he could finish 2nd. Otherwise its Renee vs. Max II. I wonder if Jennifer can advise him on this one (or ask Daniel)? By the way, Max lives in the same complex as Evelyn Ng. My next interview with him will be poolside there!

O/T I was sad to hear of the death today of legendary Liverpool radio DJ John Peel. John made household names out of bands like The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, the Undertones, the Ruts and this sites favourite band, THE SMITHS.

October 25, 2004

Ultimate Poker Challenge, Accident & Murder

Today's UPC action at the Plaza.The Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas is down to the final qualifying tournaments. Play began today at noon in the $1000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em event. Thirty-six entrants played for some cash and a seat in the semi-final event on Friday, 10/29/04, starting at noon. Qualifying tournaments will be held everyday at noon through Thursday. If you plan to play in the Ultimate Poker Challenge then head to the Plaza for one of the three remaining qualifying events. The final table of each day’s tournament is filmed and will be shown on national TV. Matt savage is the Tournament Director for the Ultimate Poker Challenge; while, Chad Brown handles the on camera hosting with a different color commentator each week. Today’s action included Andy Bloch, Karina Jett, Max Pescatori and Jim Miller.

Another auto driven by a couple in their eighties has gone off one of the upper levels of the Golden Nugget parking garage resulting in a car upside down in the alley. FoiledCoup's photo of car upside down in alley at Golden Nugget garage.The first accident a few months ago resulted in the death of the octogenarian couple after their car broke through the concrete barrier on the fourth level and landed upside down in the parking lot below. Today’s accident was from the second level and although the couple survived they are in critical condition in a local hospital. I guess the two accidents make a case for more handicapped parking on the ground level of these structures. Handicap parking spaces are usually quite rare in Vegas casino parking areas and are always taken since Las Vegas has a relatively high ratio of retirees, many of whom suffer some physical handicap.

While I was downtown today covering the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza I walked by the Clark County Courthouse and watched the media circus covering the "Ted Binion Murder Trial II, The Sequel." Brings back memories of the first “Ted Binion Murder Trial.” Millions of dollars in high tech satellite uplink mobile studios are parked around the block with the crews camping out on the lawn. Reporters and mobile studios at the Binion murder trial II, today.If you are unfamiliar with this spectacle of justice a brief explanation is in order. Ted Binion, son of Benny Binion and lifelong druggie, died at his Las Vegas home of a drug overdose (at least, the county coroner originally ruled his death as an accidental drug overdose); then, the Binion money machine fired up and not only got the ruling overturned but also managed to have Ted’s long time live–in girlfriend, Sandy Murphy; along with a former employee, Rick Tabish, charged with Ted’s murder. A long and sometimes dramatic trial ensued with both being found guilty and sent to prison. The Nevada Supreme Court overturned the verdict and granted them a new trial which is in full swing. Although the prosecution witnesses are mostly the same ole people we are now learning that some of them collected large rewards from the money machine for a conviction. Some of them can’t remember what they said the first time so the testimony may vary from the original performance. But, hey! What’s the problem? A little variety will keep the sequel as interesting as the original, right? Who knows how this one is going to turn out, after all this is America, where you are guaranteed to get all the justice you can afford. An interesting footnote to this story: Ted Binion’s drug supplier, Peter Sheridan, testified in the first trial for the prosecution and amazingly enough he was never charged with any crime and remains on the street to continue his pharmaceutical endeavors, less his best customer. Eat your heart out Mike Matusow.

Missing concrete barrier and marks in alley at accident site.

October 24, 2004

Week in review for 10.24.04

If I am trying to fail and I suceed then which one have I done?.The big poker blog news this week is, of course, the poker blogger/reader tournament, hosted by now full time player, Iggy. MtDewVirus took top honors with ToddComish in second, other blog writer money finishers include Poker Nerd in 9th, Ftrain in 15th and GeekandProud in 16th. It’s also worth nothing that poker nerd has a comprehensive write-up on his site well worth the read. Finally, on the subject of blogger tourneys I noticed the PokerGrub is planning a November PokerGrub Classic tournament. It's set for Sunday, Nov. 21 at 9 p.m. ET
for blog writers and readers.

A couple of anniversaries occurred this week with Chris Halverson celebrating one year since his first foray into poker and Hank celebrating the one year mark since the creation of his blog.

Felicia continues to write-up the whole story of the WPPA/Orleans and is a story that has to be read to be believed. To close, I noticed one of my favorite reads, the infamous PokerPenguin is back.

October 23, 2004

WPT Final Thoughts & the Nines

Go to Paris in Las Vegas.The World Poker Tour is now gone from Las Vegas until the Five Diamonds II World Poker Classic tournament at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, November 27th through December 16th. I have enjoyed covering this WPT event and always find it a lot of fun to visit with the players and fans alike. The events are not only world class poker games; they are a gathering place for the poker industry to meet and discuss all things poker. These big-time tournaments bring together the movers and shakers of poker where they can conduct business, discuss new projects and socialize with their peers. The stars of poker, the players, enjoy movie star treatment from adoring fans seeking photos and autographs. In fact, some of the players are movie stars. Everyone that has an interest in poker and has ever dreamed of winning a WSOP or WPT event should make an effort to attend a big, live event. Make plans now to come to Vegas for the Five Diamonds II tournament at the Bellagio the end of November and be a part of poker history. You'll have a great time, even if you just watch and don't compete, after all, it is Las Vegas.

Our man in the field, FoiledCoup, spent last evening sitting on a very hard chair at the WPT's filming of the Festa al Lago main event, the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship. He spent the six hours observing the crowd and charting the action. His take on the happenings are in his article, Europe 1 the Rest of the World 0, below. Bear in mind, FoiledCoup is quite continental and he oftens gives the impression that those of us living in the "colonies" are just camping out.

All that Las Vegas neon!.Television series, such as the Travel Channel’s “World Poker Tour” and ESPN’s “World Series of Poker,” combined with the weekly proliferation of Internet poker casinos are responsible for the phenomenal increase in interest and popularity of all things poker. Poker tournaments fill hundreds of TV viewing hours, major tournaments are national news, poker logo clothing is everywhere, poker stars are household names and poker instruction books are best sellers. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, retailers are betting on poker related items to be high on most everyone’s gift buying list. Poker chip sets, table tops, logo clothing and, of course, poker books. We will be offering our “Poker Christmas Gift List” with suggestions for all the poker players on your list. This week’s Top Nine list offers the reason’s the cheap poker book you just bought should have been left on the bargain table.

TOP NINE LIST

Top nine reasons the “how to” poker book you just bought was on the bargain book table.

9. Only covers playing strategy of Faro and Pan.
8. None of the listed authors are Tom McEvoy.
7. Refers to the “Old Maid” card too often.
6. Introduction written by Paul Malgriel’s lesser known cousin, X-21.
5. Didn’t make Oprah’s book club.
4. Author is Doyle Bronson not Doyle Brunson.
3. First five chapters details author’s weird fixation of Shana Hiatt.
2. Money management strategies endorsed by Martha Stewart.
1. The title, “Become an Average Poker Player.”

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon. Read the post below, FailedCoup's report direct from the WPT television set

Europe 1 Rest of World 0

Tournament namesake, Doyle Brunson, occupied seat of honor.All the young bulls were in the Fountain room at the Bellagio last night to watch the Spanish "Matador,” Carlos Mortensen, kill off five opponents.
The field contained 4 Asian Americans and white boy, Eric Seidel.
This seems to be the most professional TV production of poker. The players entered to a backdrop of the Bellagio water show. The audience was entertained during breaks by Linda Johnson's trivia questions. The audience included Daniel Negreanu & fiancée, Jennifer Harmon & Mr. Traniello, Mr & Mrs. Bobby Baldwin, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Phillips and the Ariahs. When introduced, Josh was booed by the audience! His wife is as pretty as Shana who must have been cold out on the balcony at 1am.

First blood at 8.45 pm when John Juanda’s pocket 10's were beaten all the way by pocket queens.

Another 2 hours before Hung La went out in 5th place for $120,000 when his Q-10 was called by Carlos with pocket 8’s. No sooner had I written this hand down than Eric Seidel was all in and out with QJ against As-Ah. Eric only played two significant hands all evening, lost half his stack on the first one and the rest on this one. Still $165,000 to add to his earlier $217,000. I won't be seeing the Seidels in the 99c store soon.

The midnight hour passed, Paul Phillips shared a flask of the hard stuff with Daniel and Jennifer. Eric Lindgren didn't have to share with anyone!

3 handed, everyone was hovering around the 2 million chip count. Then Carlos regained his lead when he KO’ed David Pham’s Ac-Jc with pocket 3's. Unknown, Thang "Kido" Pham, who has a few moves, finally lost when Carlos’, who had been pushing all in every hand, K-10 beat Kido’s K-8. A king on the flop of no help. Kido mockingly pleaded with his wife to let him return to Bellagio in December.

Carlos, with one of the most beautiful wives in poker, had some catching up to do with the celebrity friends in the audience and I am sure he did!!!!

October 22, 2004

Festa al Lago III Winner

Linda Johnson warms up the crowd.The Festa al Lago III tournament is now history when the last hand was dealt a few minutes before 1:00 am. I decided to put the order of finish of tonight’s Doyle Brunson North America Poker Championship final table in the extended text so those that do not want to know the winner prior to watching the televised show will not have it spoiled for them. If you want to know the winner and the order of finish then click the continue reading link at the bottom of this post. The photo of the set shows the pregame activity just prior to the players coming in. Linda Johnson is warming up the crowd and the fog generators are providing the set with a soft focus touch.

The marathon event started play promptly at 7:00 pm before a full house and the first player was not eliminated for the first hour of play. Every seat in the stands was taken and some spectators were standing in the crowded space. The event was held in the Fontana Room at the Bellagio where the WPT television crew had erected the familiar WPT tournament set. In the crowd of fans I saw Daniel Negreanu, Paul Phillips and Kenna James watching the action. Tournament namesake, Doyle Brunson, had the honorary pole position seat. Linda Johnson handled the play-by-play while Mike Sexton and Van Patten provided the professional commentary and color. Shana Hiatt did the exit interviews as players were eliminated. Cameras are not allowed on the set so we did not have an opportunity to photographs after the event started. I did get a few shots prior to play commencing and the Prof will put them in the gallery. Our man in the field, FoiledCoup, will provide his unique commentary and insights of the event.

This WPT sanctioned event, as with all WPT tournaments, was well organized, managed and attracted all the top poker professionals. I was quite impressed with the players, the Bellagio’s poker room staff, the tournament facilities, the access and the courtesies offered to the media. I look forward to the Five Diamond World Poker Classic II Tournament, another WPT sanctioned event, at the Bellagio beginning November 27th and continuing through December 16th. Unlike the Festa al Lago, an all No-Limit Hold’em event, the Five Diamond will offer a variety of popular poker games.

Carlos Mortensen, 2001 WSOP Champion, takes home the $1,000,000 first prize after going heads up with Thang Pham. Carlos used his commanding chip lead he put Thang in aposition of being all in if he called any bet. The showdown finally came when Carlos bet his K-10 and Thang called with his K-8. The flop showed a king and blanks giving both a pair of kings. The turn and river didn’t offer any help to either player and Carlos won the hand and the tournament when when his 10 kicker played. Thang receives $496,400 for second. David Pham completed the top three and collects $255,000. Eric Seidel was eliminated in the forth spot for $165,000 while Hung La took the $120,000 fifth place money. John Juanda was the first player eliminated from the WPT TV final table this evening and won $84,000.

October 21, 2004

Festa al Lago III-Day Three

NOTE:I've finished placing the third day group of World Poker Tour Festa al Lago III Photos into the gallery.-Prof

Chip leader, Carlos Mortensen, with $2.5 million.The World Poker Tour’s Festa al Lago III main event at the Bellagio here in Las Vegas is now down to the final table. The six players for the TV table on Friday are Carlos Mortensen, Hung La, Thang Pham, John Juanda, David Pham and Eric Seidal. Kenna James and Kathy Liebert were eliminated from today’s last table and will not be at the televised event. Carlos Mortensen, 2001 WSOP Champion, has $2.5 million in chips while Eric Seidel is sitting in second with just over $1 million.

Today’s action saw many favored players quickly eliminated from the tournament. The final table of nine was reached after only about four hours of play. The last six players for tomorrow's event were determined by early evening. The Championship event attracted 312 entrants paying the $10,000 buy-in for the No-Limit Hold’em tournament and the prize pool is just over $3 million. First place will receive $1,000,000; second place will take down $496,400 and third goes home with $255,000. The winner also receives a $25,000 seat in the WPT season-end Championship tournament. Space for Friday’s filmed event is limited so fans should consider an early arrival.

Second in chip count, Eric Seidel, with $1 million.The crowds of fans, sometimes five and six deep, strained against the ropes throughout today’s play to get a better view of the table or a close up of one of the poker stars. Many of poker's best known names were in the area watching and encouraging the players. Annie Duke, winner of $2 million at the recent WSOP Championship tour event, was watching the action. David Williams, 2nd at the 2004 WSOP Champiobnship, posed for our camera. Men “the Master” Nguyen also stopped by to watch. Dutch Boyd was on hand with his media credentials covering the event. Ron Rose was there with his new book, “Poker Aces.” Mike Sexton took time away from the WPT hosting duties to visit with some of the fans. First Lady of Poker and WPT play-by-play announcer, Linda Johnson, also was seen working the crowd and visiting with many of the fans. Friday’s final table promises to be a classic showdown between six tough professional poker players. The Prof will add today’s photos to the Festa al Lago III gallery later this evening

October 20, 2004

Festa al Lago-Day Two

NOTE:I've finished placing the second day group of World Poker Tour Festa al Lago III Photos into the gallery.-Prof

Chip Reese plays the button.The Festa al Lago III tournament at the Bellagio here in Las Vegas continued today starting at noon. The second day of play saw many of the popular poker pros out of the action and watching. Many have moved to the Bellagio poker room and are playing high stakes ring games. Conspicuous by their absence are Doyle Brunson, Chris Ferguson, Gus Hansen, Dutch Boyd, Phil Laak, Barry Greenstein, Karina Jett, Ron Rose and more. Remaining in the tournament late today with large stacks of chips: Chip Reese, Kathy Liebert, Kenna James, Carlos Mortensen, Ted Forrest, Eric Seidel. The tournament is still a possibility for those with a chip and a chair; although, allowing many of these tough pros to build a substantial chip lead makes the journey to the final table almost impossible.

Phil 'Unabomber' Laak a few minutes before he was eliminated from the tournament.Many of poker’s most notable names were in the tournament area late this afternoon. Phil Hellmuth was doing an on-camera interview along with Mike Sexton. Puggy Pearson was visiting with friends playing in one of the satellites. Antonio Esfandiari was chatting with friends. Dutch Boyd was wearing a Media badge and taking photos of crew members remaining in the tournament. The WPT sanctioned events are class affairs and typically bring out poker’s royalty and the Festa al Lago III is no exception. I have not seen some former WSOP Champions; notably, Moneymaker or Raymer. Greg Raymer did indicate in our interview shortly after his $5 million WSOP win that he would be taking a few months away from the tournament circuit.

This event promises to be another professional top heavy finish, as expected. Tomorrow the play will continue until the last nine players are determined for Friday’s final table. The event will be filmed by the WPT crew for national broadcast on the Travel Channel’s World Poker Tour Series. The Poker Prof will add today’s photos to the Festa al Lago III gallery. Check out the post below from FoiledCoup about his experiences at the Bellagio today.

foiledcoup!

I saw Sir Elton John today at the Bellagio. However, I had left my camera batteries recharging at home so missed my chance to be seen with the chubby one in a pink tracksuit (him not me). Maybe he had come over from Caesars to check out his London neighbours, the Hendon Mob, in the Fe