2004 is down to the final hours, so time to look back, give thanks and talk about the future. The Poker Prof and I began this blog just before the start of the 2004 World Series of Poker, in fact, it was April 15th. I would never have predicted the success we have enjoyed as a result of our efforts. You, our readers, have made all the work worth it by coming to read what we blog and look at our photographs. Our first thank you is for everyone that has stopped by to see what we are offering. Without you I would have quit this job.

The poker industry has reinvented itself and moved out of the smoke-filled backrooms frequented by the stereotyped degenerate gambler. Poker is now a highly respected sport on prime time television. Families watch tournament poker and follow their favorite players from the comfort of their living rooms, thanks in part to Lyle Berman and the World Poker Tour. New poker stars and millionaires are created weekly. The major Las Vegas resorts, that just a few short years ago were closing poker rooms and turning their backs to the players, are now opening new poker facilities and actively competing for players.

Tournament poker has moved into the big time with millions of dollars in prize money offered to the bold, skilled and sometimes lucky players that win all of their all-ins on any given day. The Internet poker rooms are teaching the game to people that have never touched a playing card or sat in a live game. When Greg Raymer won the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event and collected a record purse of $5 million he gave hope to the millions of new poker players dreaming of someday winning the big one. Greg, the Fossilman, was the second WSOP Champion to gain his entry to the dance through an Internet satellite tournament. In 2003 Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event even though he had never played in a live game, only on the Internet. Are these two back to back WSOP Internet Champions a fluke? Maybe; but, maybe they are not. Live tournaments now attract record numbers of players. During the nineties a couple of hundred entrants in the WSOP Championship event was the norm. The 2005 WSOP Main Event is expecting more than six thousand entries. Internet players are experienced in playing and surviving tournaments with large numbers of entrants, so the advantage goes to them. This advantage will be short lived as the live tournament professionals adjust their game to take into account the thousands of players vying for a piece of the prize. The most important single thing to remember when playing in a tournament: Survive!

The Las Vegas and Poker Blog had its share of lucky breaks in 2004. The first was being recognized as legitimate media by Nolan Dalla, 2004 WSOP Public Relations Director. He issued press credentials and we were on our way. We attended every WSOP event with camera in hand and we shot thousands of images. The best of the bunch we complied and posted in a permanent gallery. A very big thank you, Nolan, for your confidence. The WSOP gig resulted in our being invited to cover many tournaments including the Hard Rock Pro/Am Celebrity, Four Queens Poker Classic, the Golden Nugget's Touring Comedians Charity tournament, the Final Table Challenge, the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza, the Bellagio’s Festa Al Lago, Hard Rock's Hot Tex II, Orleans Open 2004, the Game Show Network's Battle of the Sexes at the Plaza and the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic. We also covered the first (and last!) WPPA tournament at the Orleans; but, that’s another story for another day. Thanks to everyone that allowed us to come into the tournament pit and document the events and players including Nolan Dalla, Matt Savage, Jack McLelland, Doug Dalton, Garret Okahara, Dave Lamb, the World Poker Tour, the Hard Rock and Bonnie Damiano. I’m sure I will remember many others that invited us in.

And finally, I wish to thank all of our fellow Bloggers for giving us a link from their established blogs even though we were a complete unknown. Without being allowed into this exclusive community we would not have survived, much less flourished. Thanks to all of you that came to our first ever World Poker Blogger Tournament at Sam’s Town and made it a great success. It would never have been possible if not for our friends and fellow bloggers, Dick Gatewood and Dr Pauly. I wish to offer a special thanks to the professional players, Marcel Luske, Max Pescatori, Evelyn Ng, Karill Gerasimov, Ron Rose, Charlie Shoten and Tom McEvoy for taking the time away from busy schedules to attend and visit with all of us. You truly made it a special event, one we will never forget!

A special thanks goes to Foiledcoup for having the confidence in our efforts and voluntarily providing his view of the poker industry and the events. He provides our readers with his unique insight into the world of poker through his personal relationships with the players and workers.

And least I forget, I wish to thank Mrs. Flip for her understanding, encouragement and assistance during the long hours I have spent at events and at the computer keyboard. Thanks for proofing the hundreds of articles and correcting the many mistakes.

Oh yea, thanks to the Poker Prof for nagging me into getting off the couch and becoming productive. I am reminded that all the work has been worth it everytime I look at the web logs and realized that thousands of people visit with us everyday. Thanks to everyone that has made 2004 such a big success.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer can not only play world class poker: but, he apparently is a respectable street brawler. While he was in Las Vegas for the Bellagio’s Five Diamonds World Poker Classic he found himself alone on the twentieth floor outside his room with two gun toting bad guys wanting the one or two thousand cash in his pocket. They distracted him by pounded on the door to the room next to his and complaining about a misplaced key; when he opened his door to check out the problem they tried to force Greg back into his room. The 2004 World Series of Poker Champion called upon his lawyer learned, poker sharpened skills of observation; then quickly decided he would take his best shot in the corridor. He shoved the larger of the two to the floor, then the smaller guy pulled out a gun and demanded the money. A surprised Raymer then watched the guy on the floor get up, then he and the second would-be robber with the gun decided to retreat, walking past two hotel security people responding to Greg's shouting. The Bellagio’s surveillance then watched the two leave the hotel and drive away in their car. Raymer identified them from photos and hotel security then completed the ID from the surveillace video and after connecting them with an incidence earlier in the evening. They had been playing in the Bellagio’s poker room. Las Vegas police continue to search the city for the two.

Greg said he believed the robbers would have harmed him had he allowed them to force nim back him into his room. He said they made no effort to hide their identities so he believed they planned to rob and then kill him. He also indicated he is rethinking his personnel safety. Since winning the 2004 WSOP Championship and $5 million he has been an easily approached public figure, never turning away an autograph seeking fan, but now that will probably change.

Las Vegas Metro Police have made a positive ID of the two suspects. They are Kevin R. Joy, 35, and Deem Cassim, 31, who metro believes tried to rob 2004 WSOP Champion, Greg Raymer, outside his room at the Bellagio. Police described Joy as 6' 2", 240 pounds with a bald head and green eyes. Cassim is described as 5' 8" 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. they were last seen driving away from the Bellagio in a late model Nissan with Nevada plates that may contain the numbers 135. If you have any information call metro at 702.229.3591 or Crime Stoppers at 702.385.5555. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

New Year’s Eve is rapidly approaching, just a few hours left for 2004, then we march into 2005 and begin a new round of poker tournaments. The World Series of Poker will be held in its new digs at the Rio Resort located just off the Las Vegas Strip. Even the dates for the WSOP have changed to later in the year, beginning June 2 instead of mid-April. Will downtown Las Vegas be without a major poker tournament for the first time in more than three decades? Not hardly. Barrick gaming, new owners of the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, has stepped up and scheduled the World Poker Classic. The full service tournament will run from April 21st through May 17th, and though many of the events will be Hold’em you can also play in a H.O.R.S.E. or Omaha 8 or better tournament. The final event will be a two day, $50,000 buy in No Limit Hold’em Championship that is sure to attract most big name professional players plus a bunch of lesser known entrants. The World Poker Classic will follow the Bellagio’s 3rd annual Five-Star World Poker Classic. This WPT sanctioned tournament will be held from March 31st through April 24th.

Beginning on June 3rd, 2005 will be the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The scheduled two day events will continue through to the five day Championship No limit Hold'em final that ends on July 15th. The final two days of the $10,000 buy In No Limit Hold’em Main Event are currently scheduled to be played at the historic Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas as part of the 2005 centennial celebration for the city. The prize pool for the Championship Event is expected to top $50 million. All players making the final table will go home a millionaire; but only one will be wearing the highly coveted World Series of Poker Championship bracelet.

2005 promises to be a banner year for tournament poker and the poker industry in general. Many new rooms are scheduled to open at major properties here in Las Vegas. The opening of new casinos with live poker continues all around the country. The biggest problem live game players face is waiting for a seat to open up. Hopefully, our learned leaders will decide it isn’t a crime to play online poker and we Americans can join the rest of the civilized world competing in virtual poker rooms without fear of being a law-breaking criminal, having bank accounts frozen and credit cards cancelled.

We are already planning the next World Poker Blogger Tournament and it promises to be bigger, better and even more fun than our last meet if that is possible. The Blogger Tournament was the high point of the past year for me. Even with all the scheduling, coordinating and worry I didn’t want the day to end. 2004 was a great year for the Poker Prof’s Las Vegas and Poker Blog. I look forward to all the actions in 2005.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I met a "snowbird" from England at the Bellagio. More of a bridge player than a poker player. He wisely, unlike the Hendon Mob who waste money on rooms; but, don't pay staff, took my advice and relocated from the Bellagio to a huge suite at the Tuscany for only $59 a night. However, New Years Eve sees the arrival of the $350 a night rate; so, he wisely decided it would be a good idea to leave Las Vegas and see California, especially the Pacific coast. He asked me along for the company. After 10 years in Vegas, I have turned into #1 homeboy, never even left town for a few hours to see the Hoover Dam. A belated seven year itch arrived just in time for me to say yes. As I am the one with computer access and an atlas I am the trip planner.

I liked the idea of a day one drive through Death Valley and somehow finishing the day in Monterey. Day two would include a visit to Bay101 in San Jose on the way to SF. Then, down the coast to Santa Monica, a place I love, and return home to Vegas via Harrah’s Rincon, where I hope to be for the World Series prelim in February.

However, the rain is pounding the California coast and Las Vegas, for that matter, with mudslide warnings and poor visibility. Maybe we will just drive the I15 to Santa Monica on day #1 and I can spend a rainy day looking around the many used CD stores.
Should give me something to write about. There is room for a little one, Lee Cazinha!

Editor’s Note: Before I (or you) can feel too sorry for Foiledcoup having been ‘trapped’ in Las Vegas for ten years you need to see what he ‘suffers’ when he is here doing the homeboy thing. The two photos should let our readers know what a hard life he leads. Anyone want to trade with him?

Posted by at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Christmas shopping rush is over here in Las Vegas; but, the after Christmas sales have just begun. Today was a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace on the Vegas Strip. The crowds of tourist and locals were overflowing at the upscale shopping mall. While Mrs. Flip looked at every single item in every shop, I had some time to kill; so, I took photos for today’s post. The Forum recently completed the second major expansion of the shopping mall and as the photos will witness, no expense was spared to provide the shopper with luxurious, opulent surroundings, unlike anything most of us have experienced. The original mall featured the now famous animated statues that come to life every hour and give a show; while, the entire mall goes through a night to day cycle every hour. The second expansion was more animatronic statues, even one that transforms from a throne to a winged, evil thingy that tells the story of Atlas, Gadrius and Alia. A 50,000 gallon aquarium filled with over 500 large tropical fish including graceful rays gliding through the deep is another of the free attractions and a great place to take a break.

The latest addition is three stories of marble, giant statues, spiral escalators, reflecting pools, fountains, skylights and more than 160 shops straight out of Rodeo Drive. The Forum provides shoppers with limo drop off and valet parking. Restaurants for hungry patrons include something for every appetite and budget. Take the family to the Cheesecake Factory or sample great seafood at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Rib & Stone Crab, catch a quick lunch at the trendy Planet Hollywood or treat yourself to creations from Wolf Gang Puck’s Spago. If you just need a quick pick up there are numerous espresso and pastry bars. Browse world class art at Peter Max Gallery, pick up a bauble at Bvlgari, perhaps a new purse from Fendi or Gucci. Buy the kids that perfect toy at FAO Schwarz or the Disney Store. The Forum Shops at Caesars, the shopping wonder of the world, is also the most profitable shopping center in the US. The place is always filled with shoppers from all over the world and most are carrying bags filled with just purchased treasures. In a recent survey more than 65% of Las Vegas visitors said they had gone shopping and made a purchase while vacationing here.

The town is beginning to fill up for the New Year’s weekend. The sidewalks along the strip were shoulder to shoulder with tourists watching the dancing Fountains at the Bellagio, the fire breathing Volcano at the Mirage or the Pirate ship battle in front of the TI Resort. Another good news item is the Las Vegas monorail is finally running again after extensive testing and re-certification. Hopefully the falling monorail parts will be no more and the system can provide a quick and convenient means of moving about the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the hotels are sold out for the weekend. The major strip resort’s room rates for the New Year are averaging $600 to $800 per night with a two night minimum.

This will be the first year that the Las Vegas New Year’s Eve street parties on the strip and downtown at the Fremont Experience will not be broadcast on national TV. Even though the city is the second most popular New Year’s destination, ranking just behind New York City, none of the entertainment gurus believe it to be worthy of sharing the fun from the entertainment capitol of the universe. That’s means I will have to provide everyone with photos and impressions of the party. Hopefully, the Poker Prof and Foiledcoup will also be out and about with cameras and note pads. I will sort through the photos and notes to provide graphic proof that Vegas had a party for the New Year.

I added a few photos in the extended section of the post. All were taken at the Forum Shops.

The reflecting pools featured on the ground level of the newest addition to the Forum Shops and the incredible spiral escalators.

These statues come to life and tell the story of Atlantis complete with fire, water, smoke and special effects, every hour on the hour.

The greeter at FAO Schwarz is one of the tin soldiers from the Nutcracker.

A good place to take a break and watch the fish at the 50,000 gallon aquarium.

Everywhere you look there are more statues. The ceiling also goes through a night and day cycle every hour.

Buy some great art from the Peter max gallery in the new addition to the Forum Shops.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day two started for me at 08:30 am.The muffins were better today, bought from Seattle’s Best, rather than the factory ones from the previous day. The Pit Bull was replaced by Red Bull. Evy was back to her usual sweet self. She experimented with different shades of make up from Lee's $5K collection. I suggested a Gene Simmon’s Kiss face. After her session Evy came over for a hug. Obviously she didn't find Mr. Right from the selection of toothless wonders in the Plaza sportsbook. Next up, Jen and Kathy. These three were the 10:00 am girls. With only one round for each player left they realized that not only did they have to play against the men for a team prize of $5K each, they were playing against each other. The top three point scorers of each sex reaching the final with a prize of $40K to the winner.

The backroom staff was talking about their next assignment, a Bass Fishing Tournament. Not much work for the make up girls there, "A bit more lipstick on that Bass please."

The players have to keep changing clothes to give the impression the series was filmed over six weeks, not 36 hours. The best dressed male or female was Antonio Esfandiari.
Ironically, a last minute tactical switch led to the most newsworthy incident of the tournament. Clonie replaced Kathy at 10:00 am, leaving Kathy (Liebert) playing with Kristy (Gazes) and Karina(Jett) at midday. Kristy, who answered the profile question "How did your husband propose?" with "He drank lots of beer and urinated on the sand," upset Kathy so Kathy asked, "How many husbands have you had?" Kristy, never one to mince words, replied with, "Don't you think you should have had at least one at your age?" The women traded a few more verbals before Kristy offered Kathy the chance to take it outside. By the way, this should air as Episode six. As Kristy stays with Karina when in Vegas, and Evelyn is close too, this isolated Kathy. Even Mike Paulle does not like her.

I sat with the make up girls again. The talk is not of poker but the players appearance,"X needs to cover their ears," "Y should be wearing long sleeves," "Z’s hair is too much," I loved it.

Kyle, the ubiquitous dealer, tries to impress Lee by betting her $3 he can throw his empty water bottle into the trash. She pockets the $3 and is unimpressed.
Layne Flack tells us he has to win to cover his losses on the machines the previous night.
Everyone seemed relieved when it was all over. I somehow managed an invite to Karina and Evy's room. They said, "Bye Steve," in unison as Karina asked, "Is this my bra or yours?"

Posted by at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Seasons greeting and a bah humbug to everyone. I’m in the full jolly spirit of things handing out coal to relatives and glowering at people who try to send good cheer my way. I've spent the past few days improving the poker tournament listings and adding a poker tournament caledar. I've also added photos to the poker chips page from all the varieties available from our friends at Buy It In Vegas.

This week in review is a motley mix and some of these posts are the best gifts I received for the holidays. First there are a couple of online poker posts, one on goats and book shills and another on flat out exploiting the system. The dealers in the community continue to offer a unique perspective on poker, so be sure to check out Linda and O.J. for excellent content. The Poker Chronicles has a nifty post on Super System 2 which begins with a nasty bad beat placed on someone who mis-played pocket rockets pre-flop (limping with rockets is just begging for a suck-out) and DoubleA's offers an interesing railbird's eye view of short handed no limit stacks. Chicago to Vegas has great poker related headlines including a few about the monorail… yes, that monorail. Finally, I saved the best for last, check out Sloetimes Poker Blogger eBook idea for some great laughs and then stop by the filmgeek for what is one of the coolest geek concepts I’ve ever seen, Starwars meets Megaman meets poker.

Posted by pokerprof at 5:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Poker Room

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the room,
Not much was moving, quiet as a tomb,
The chip racks were stacked on the side in a row,
Hoping some good luck would fill them with dough;

The players were sitting hunched in their seats,
Telling their tales of all the bad beats,
The dealer looked at me and ask,
Do you plan to bet or will you pass?

From out in the casino I heard a shout,
I jumped from the two seat to see what was about,
And what to my surprise did appear,
A fat guy drinking a bottle of beer,

He came into the room all in a bustle,
No one guessed it might be a hustle,
He slid into the six seat and yelled for a rack,
Then looked around and said, “I’ll leave when I’ve filled my sack,”

Through the air the cards did fly,
Lady Luck had blessed this red suited guy,
He played every hand never folding a one,
The outcome was always the same, he won and won,

When he had taken most of our chips,
He said I’m going to give you some poker tips,
I’ve played them all, the good and the great,
And let me tell you I can relate,

I’ve sat across from Hellmuth, Luske and Chan,
Brunson, Nguyen, even a guy called Fossilman,
They remind me of a boxer with a glass jaw,
They can’t even play me to a draw,

Now please excuse me, I really must go,
I gotta make a stop at the Bellagio,
I left my Mercedes in their valet,
Don’t look so surprised, I traded the sleigh.

I hope you all have a very prosperous year,
I’ll be back next Christmas to play right here,
Maybe you should read a poker book or two,
The way you play you don’t have a clue,

Under you’re pillow tomorrow you must look,
That’s where I’ll leave your copy of Brunson’s book.
And with that he turned and walked away,
Have a Very Merry Christmas Day!

I hope you enjoy our effort at a little Holiday humor. The Las Vegas poker scene is a great place to spend some of your holiday time, play poker, relax and make some new friends. Crowds fill the poker tables, even on Christmas eve. The festive atmosphere has taken over the city and will continue to build to a fever pitch for New Year's Eve. Consider giving yourself a special holiday present and come on down to Vegas.

Las Vegas parties everyday of the year; so, we decided it would be a good idea to offer a list of ways to know it's Christmas in Vegas. This weeks Nines.

The Top Nine ways to know it's Christmas in Las Vegas.

9. Instead of an olive your martini has a sugar plum.
8. All the food at the Circus Circus buffet is red or green…no, wait, that’s normal.
7. Big Red sleigh in valet parking.
6. Frosty the Snowman hitting on the cocktail girls.
5. Downtown Vegas decorated as giant lump of coal.
4. Hotel security dressed as nutcrackers.
3. Elves playing the slots.
2. The coffee shop daily special... roasted reindeer.
1. Santa playing No Limit Hold’em in the card room!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon. Happy Holidays & Stay Safe!

Posted by flipchipro at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Whilst the rest of you were Christmas shopping or driving to LA, I was blending in backstage at the "Battle of the Sexes," a new seven part poker series, to be on GSN, filmed over two days this week at the run down Plaza. Ceiling tiles either missing or discoloured from water leaks. Players reported mold in the bathtubs. Want to know what Evybabee is like at 08.30 am? What the WSOP champion had for lunch? Then read on.

I arrived bright and early Monday morning at a specially built set in an upstair’s room at the downtown downscale venue. I was pleased to see a player’s only breakfast had been provided. The players didn't seem to be hungry so I helped myself to OJ, coffee and a muffin.

Beautiful make up artist Lee Cazinha (@yahoo.com) informed the room that Evelyn Ng was still in bed. My offer to go up and wake her fell on deaf ears. Matt Savage MC/TD shook hands with me. "Do I need a pass?" "You should, I will get you one." It never arrived. Evy did though and demanded a Red Bull. "Here’s a Pit Bull it’s the same thing." "It’s not the same thing," snapped Evy, obviously not a morning person. Karina Jett and Clonie Gowan, both Mothers, are more familiar with the daylight hours. In fact, Karina looked liked she had been up for hours, so perfect was her make up and hair (that’s another plug for Lee). Lee told me she had been up since 05.30 am. Note to TV networks planning on filming a poker event: A 2:00 pm start works better for the players. Chris Moneymaker was the winner of the ‘tired look award’ amongst the dozen players. He has lost a lot of weight since his WSOP triumph.

One person who hasn't lost weight and is unlikely to, given his diet, is current WSOP champ, Greg Raymer. He sat at the table and devoured a big Mac and fries with a triple scoop of Dreyer’s ice cream to follow. On set, he wore "those glasses" and we saw his head on fist, elbow on table look on a couple of occasions.

Jennifer Harman, looking for some TV exposure after missing most of the WSOP because of her well documented health problem, informed me she was still exhausted from her fourth place finish to Daniel Negreanu on Saturday. "I never had chips so I played under pressure for two days."

Kurvy Kristy Gazes and Kathy Liebert who "scrubs up well" to quote Barney Boatman made up the sexy sextet.

Do you remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer was swept into a board meeting when passing by an office? He then returned the next day before someone confronted him with "What do you do here?" Kramer replied, "Well....nothing. I don't work here." That was the situation I was in as I sat in the GSN control room. Everyone else had a laptop on their desk. I had a make up girl (Lee again) and a constant supply of complimentary snacks. We even asked for some cheese for our crackers!!!

Tomorrow I will list the players and rules and tell you about an amazing "Lets take it outside" catfight on the set.

Posted by at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Poker Prof and I just returned from a fast trip to the Southland, Los Angeles, that is. We combined some business interest with a holiday visit for Mrs. Flip and made the one day turn around without incidence. Traffic was light to moderate, even our return across LA at evening rush hour on the infamous I-10 was quick. We will have a major announcement in the near future as a result of today’s events, providing everything continues on track. We stopped in at Hollywood Park Casino and looked around hoping to see O.J. but we missed him. The poker room at the casino is large and full. Tables filled with players and floor people constantly calling names from the wait list for any empty seats. The trip was hastily conceived so we had no time to contact OJ in advance, maybe next trip we will not be so rushed.

Although it is late and I am very tired, I have to get this post up. I am running the photo of Shana Hiatt taken by Foiledcoup at the WPT’s Young Guns of Poker Tournament last Sunday at the Bellagio. Richard “Quiet Lion” Brodie was kind enough to proof our last post and he wondered why the pic of Shana in the red dress wasn’t on display; so, Richard, here it is. Well worth the wait and a reminder of why we love to watch the WPT series on the Travel Channel. I will also have the photos I shot on Tuesday of some of the babes of poker at the Battle of the Sexes Tournament that just concluded at the Plaza Hotel located in downtown Las Vegas. The event was filmed for broadcast on the Game Show Network and it will be worth your time to tune in. I will post the date it will be shown once available.

Las Vegas is kind of quiet in celebration of the Christmas holiday. A brief few days of rest and relaxation before the masses arrive to ring in the New Year, one of the insane parties that makes Vegas the center of entertainment. If you've never experienced a Las Vegas New Year's Eve party in the streets, be it under the canopy light show on Fremont Street or the Vegas Strip uptown, do yourself a favor and come join in the fun. Be sure to schedule a few extra days to recover from extreme partying. Happy Holidays!

Posted by flipchipro at 1:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scott Fischman won the first "Young Guns of Poker" WPT event on Sunday at the Bellagio. The event was an invite only shootout with the oldest player only 24 yrs old.
First to exit was WSOP second, David Williams, who was sweated by Saturday’s big winner, Daniel Negreanu, and Layne Flack. David suffered a couple of bad beats; the first against Joe Cassidy, when he played 3,Q in the big blind. The flop looked a dream 3,3,4 but the turn brought a 2 and Joe made a straight with his A,5. Then David went all in with presto 5,5 against Scott Fischman with A,Q. Again, David flopped trips then made a full house; but, Scott rivered another Q to make Quads! 8,5,Q,Q,Q. David could not believe his young poker eyes and exited in sixth. John D'Agostino was never in the hunt and Joe Cassidy took him out with K,K against Q,J. A solitary Jack was no use and John exited in fifth. Thunder Keller never fired a shot and was out of ammunition when he went all in with Q,10 against Scott's Q,Q. Pete Lawson, a very promising player, was next to go in third leaving a very comfortable Scott heads up against ex law student Joe Cassidy. Joe went in with A,Q, Scott had Q,J but a Jack came on the turn. All that was left was the photo shoot. Shana Hiatt looking stunning in a tight fitting red dress. The tournament attendance was way down from Saturday’s crowd who filled an overflow ballroom to watch on close circuit TV.

Scott received a $25,500 seat in the WPT finale at the Bellagio in April as well as some TV exposure.

Posted by at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The tournament scene here in Las Vegas will move downtown to the Plaza hotel on Tuesday. A closed set Battle of the Sexes event is scheduled for a two day run. Foiledcoup has been tracking this event through his close association with some of the female players scheduled to compete. He will be there providing support to the ladies playing against the guys. Jennifer Harman, Evelyn Ng, Karina Jett and Clonie Gowan play against four male professional counterparts. Amazing that Foiledcoup doesn’t seem to know who the guys are. I will be there with the camera and shoot photos of the action, if possible. Of course, I can always take more photos of Foiledcoup and the girls. Seems that every time I look through the view finder there is Foiledcoup and one or more of the babes of poker smiling into the lens.

The strip is crowded with visitors and locals alike doing their last minute Christmas shopping at the many shops. Shopping is now our number one attraction, even surpassing gaming. You can find something for everyone here in Vegas. We have the new outlet mall stores located close to downtown that offer a variety of brand name bargains. Strolling through the strip resorts you will find shops with names like Gucci, Versace, Saks, Chanel and more. Seven figure art and equally priced jewels are available for your pleasure. Las Vegas shopping specializes in shops you probably do not have back home, unless of course, you live in Hollywood, Paris, New York, Palm Springs or equally exclusive communities. Vegas has become a shopping mecca, whatever you seek you can probably find it here.

Foiledcoup will provide a complete report including photos of the WPT Young Guns of Poker Tournament held Sunday evening at the Bellagio. The group of invited players topped out at twenty-four years of age. They competed for a $25,000 + $500 seat in the WPT World Championship at the Bellagio in April, 2005. The winner of the tournament and seat was Scott Fischman.

Las Vegas Holiday photos will be posted throughout the next two weeks as we celebrate Christmas and New Years.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I don't know when Flipchipro is planning on buying his Christmas gifts; but, our run in to Christmas has been shortened by the addition of the Young Guns of Poker at the Bellagio Sunday and a Battle of the Sexes being filmed at the Plaza Tuesday and Wednesday. The latter will feature my favourites, Karina Jett and Evelyn Ng, as well as Jennifer Harman, who agreed last week to join our stable. This means we will follow Jen's progress in any tournament she plays; plus, she gets to have her photo taken with me! Clonie Gowan is the fourth women who will take on four male players.

Daniel Negreanu didn't slip on any Costa Rican banana skins on his way to victory in the main event at the Bellagio on Saturday. Daniel’s mother brought him some vegetarian sandwiches in case the young Canadian felt hungry; but, the game did not last until the dinner break. Devilfish told her, "You'll be able to afford to put some meat in his sandwich now," after Daniel picked up a table full of cash, $1.7 million.

Steve Rassi was crippled by Jennifer Harman. His only way of playing was to go all in. Jennifer called him with A,Q; Steve looked confident as he showed Q,Q. However, Jen flopped an ace. Daniel came in for the kill the next hand. Steve took home $217K plus a TV appearance in the spring.

Daniel, the Vegetarian Matador, called Vinny Landrum’s all-in bet blind and made a straight! Daniel then went in against a tougher bull in the shape of Humberto Brenes. The Costa Rican did not see the red flag as he called Daniel who had quad fives.
The Bull scraped a little off Daniel when Daniel folded a Queen on a flop of Q,2,2. Humberto showed AK. A little regrouping, then Daniel finally finished off Humberto with K,7 against 7,8. The board was 4,3,7,6,3.

Lots of photo opportunities later. Daniel took his Mother and friend, Evelyn Ng, to dinner. I expect his Mother will get a nice Christmas present from Daniel and that’s no bull.

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