Online Casino Doctor

Category: Poker

  • Venetian Poker Room Teams Up with Card Player Poker Tour for 2025 Live Streams

    Venetian Poker Room Teams Up with Card Player Poker Tour for 2025 Live Streams

    The Venetian Poker Room, the latest addition to the Las Vegas Strip’s poker scene, is upping the ante for poker fans in 2025. The resort has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art streaming studio in collaboration with PokerGO. Starting next year, the studio will bring live broadcasts of vlogging sessions, high-stakes cash games, and major tournament finals straight to poker enthusiasts worldwide.

    Streamed Tournaments Kick Off With $1 Million Guarantees

    The inaugural events to feature live streaming are two back-to-back tournaments, each boasting a $1 million guarantee and a $1,600 buy-in. These headline events form part of the Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza I festival, which will run from 3–23 February 2025.

    • Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT): This tournament takes place from 5–10 February, offering players a chance to compete for life-changing prizes.
    • Card Player Poker Tour (CPPT): Following the MSPT, the CPPT main event runs from 12–16 February, featuring three starting flights and culminating in a live-streamed final table on 16 February.

    With 35 tournaments and more than $3.2 million in guaranteed prize money across the festival, the schedule caters to all poker enthusiasts. Players can choose from a variety of formats, including bounty events, seniors and ladies tag team events, and the popular Big O bounty. Buy-ins range from $200 to $1,600, making the festival accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.

    A Closer Look at the CPPT Venetian Event

    The CPPT $1,600 main event promises to be a major attraction. The tournament offers three starting flights from 12–14 February, each beginning at 11:10 AM local time. Survivors from these flights will reconvene for Day 2 on 15 February, with the final table live-streamed at noon the following day.

    This marks the second time a CPPT event will be held in the new Venetian Poker Room. The first, held in September, saw Kazakhstan’s Baurzhan Akimov outlast a field of 343 entries in a $1,100 buy-in event to win $63,943.

    The Largest Poker Room on the Las Vegas Strip

    The Venetian Resort unveiled its new poker room in August 2024, relocating to the second floor of the Grand Canal Shoppes at Palazzo. The expansive 14,000-square-foot venue boasts 51 tables, making it the largest poker room on the Strip.

    Highlights of the Venetian Poker Room:

    • Modern Comforts: Players enjoy USB and USB-C charging ports at every seat, complimentary self-serve coffee and soda, and tableside restaurant ordering.
    • Convenience: Free parking is available for those who play for over three hours, and the venue is within easy reach of numerous dining options.
    • Player-Focused Design: The room is non-smoking, with improved air quality and a quieter ambiance, far removed from the noisy slot machines.

    The addition of a streaming studio further cements Venetian’s reputation as a premier poker destination.

    Why the New Poker Room Stands Out

    Players and poker aficionados alike have welcomed the new poker room with enthusiasm. The space offers an improved atmosphere, with fewer distractions and a design tailored for comfort and convenience.

    Notably, the room also features:

    • A sports betting kiosk.
    • Dedicated restrooms for poker players.
    • A host of TV screens for live updates and entertainment.

    The quieter, smoke-free environment has received rave reviews, with many calling it a refreshing change from the bustling casino floors.

    What to Expect in 2025

    As the poker world eagerly awaits the launch of the Venetian’s streaming studio, anticipation is building for the impact this new offering will have. The studio is poised to deliver a new level of engagement, bringing the excitement of live poker tournaments to a global audience.

    With its modern amenities, expansive space, and ambitious plans, the Venetian Poker Room is set to solidify its place as a must-visit venue for poker players and fans alike.

  • The Voice of the Cards: James Hartigan’s Mission to Make Poker Fun for All

    The Voice of the Cards: James Hartigan’s Mission to Make Poker Fun for All

    Poker isn’t always edge-of-your-seat action. Sure, there are nail-biting bluffs and thrilling river reveals, but let’s face it: watching players fold hand after hand can test anyone’s patience. Enter commentators like James Hartigan, who transform the slow grind of tournament poker into an engaging spectacle.

    With almost 15 years of experience, Hartigan is not only a PokerStars ambassador but a cornerstone of televised poker, blending knowledge, humour, and charm to keep audiences glued to the screen.

    From Radio Waves to Card Tables

    Growing up in Carshalton, England, Hartigan honed his broadcasting skills at Canterbury Christ Church University, earning degrees in radio, film, television, and English literature. After stints as a film critic and news anchor, he found poker calling.

    “I played seven card stud in college and loved Late Night Poker on TV,” Hartigan recalls. That iconic show, with its early use of hole-card cameras, lit a spark in him. By 2004, he was playing European Poker Tour (EPT) events under the guise of journalism.

    Luck struck when PokerStars needed a voice for its growing slate of TV shows. Hartigan fit the bill: a professional broadcaster who knew poker’s intricacies. He soon transitioned from morning radio to jet-setting poker gigs.

    “It started part-time, but as poker boomed, it became my full-time job,” he says. Nearly two decades later, Hartigan is still at it, commentating on everything from EPT to the North American Poker Tour (NAPT).

    The Hartigan-Stapleton Duo

    Fans of PokerStars’ streams know Hartigan isn’t flying solo. He’s paired with Joe Stapleton, a comedian whose wit and banter complement Hartigan’s polished delivery. Their chemistry has made them a fan favourite, on-air and on their award-winning podcast, Poker in the Ears.

    But their partnership almost didn’t happen. Stapleton’s audition for the NAPT was a happy accident.

    “Joe thought he was just filling in as a guest commentator,” Hartigan laughs. “I liked his energy, and the next event, we were paired up. That was over a decade ago, and we’ve been working together ever since.”

    Together, they’ve crafted a style that balances strategy with entertainment, ensuring seasoned players and casual viewers both stay hooked.

    Bringing Poker to the Masses

    Hartigan believes poker’s appeal lies in its versatility. Whether it’s a high-stakes showdown or a friendly home game, there’s something for everyone.

    But tailoring broadcasts to diverse audiences is tricky. A live-streamed EPT final table demands technical analysis for poker-savvy fans, while shows like The Big Game aim for broader appeal.

    “The loose cannon concept—an amateur taking on pros—is relatable and exciting,” Hartigan explains. “It’s like a game show, making poker accessible to those who might not know a three-bet from a flop.”

    This entertainment-first approach, he says, is key to growing the game’s popularity. “You need to make people laugh and have fun. That’s what keeps them coming back.”

    Milestones and Memories

    In a career spanning nearly 15 years, Hartigan has witnessed some unforgettable moments. Topping his list? Victoria Coren Mitchell’s EPT London win in 2006, where she became the first woman to clinch an EPT title. Her second win in 2014 cemented her legacy—and provided more historic moments for Hartigan to call.

    Another standout memory is his first live stream with Stapleton at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. “It was the start of something special,” he says.

    More recently, Hartigan has embraced playing poker alongside his commentary duties. “I’ve played more in the last year than in the past 12,” he says, recounting his “midlife crisis” buy-in to the World Series of Poker Main Event. “Instead of a Porsche, I bought a seat at the WSOP!”

    The Challenges of Professional Poker

    Though he loves the game, Hartigan has no illusions about the grind of professional poker.

    “There’s so much work involved,” he says. “People think it’s glamorous, but it’s hours of study, analysing hands, and dealing with losing streaks. It’s not for me.”

    Instead, he’s happy to keep poker as a hobby. “I like knowing I’ll get paid even if I have a bad day. For me, poker is entertainment—a game I love but wouldn’t want to rely on.”

    A Career with No Regrets

    Looking back, Hartigan has no second thoughts about trading radio for poker. “Some days I miss the old gigs, but then I think, ‘Why?’ This is so much better,” he says.

    From EPT final tables to poker podcasts, Hartigan has carved out a unique space in the industry. His goal remains the same: make poker enjoyable for everyone, whether they’re seasoned pros or newcomers tuning in for the first time.

  • Advantage Players: Money for Nothing and Chips for Free

    Advantage Players: Money for Nothing and Chips for Free

    In the world of poker and beyond, the concept of a freeroll holds a certain allure. It’s a gamble where the stakes are paid by someone else, and the rewards are yours to keep. For some, like poker players Chase Bricker and Pablo Brito, it’s more than just luck—it’s an art form. Bricker snagged a cool $1 million in a Las Vegas freeroll, while Brito walked away with $200,000 from a similar event in the Bahamas. These wins are part of a growing narrative about leveraging opportunities without financial risk.

    The Allure of Freerolls

    Freerolls are essentially risk-free opportunities to win prizes, and they’re not limited to poker tables. In life, saying please and thank you costs nothing but might yield surprising results. In poker, the stakes are tangible—cash, cars, even homes. Eddie Teems, an expert advantage player, has made freerolls a cornerstone of his strategy. Over the years, he has accumulated prizes ranging from property to substantial cash sums, proving that skill and strategy can elevate these zero-risk games into life-changing moments.

    Freerolls appeal to everyone, from novices dipping their toes into the poker world to seasoned players honing their craft. They democratise access to the high-stakes poker scene while also providing a stepping stone for ambitious players seeking bigger challenges.

    Personal Stories: Poker and Beyond

    Author and poker aficionado Eddie Teems isn’t the only one who’s reaped the rewards of freerolls. The late comedian Norm Macdonald once found himself sitting across the table from a budding freeroll champion during a World Series of Poker (WSOP) media tournament. That champion? None other than the writer of this very article.

    The entry fee for the Texas Hold’em event was zero dollars, with the winner earning $10,000 for charity. Lady Luck smiled, chips stacked up, and soon the top prize was within reach. After besting Macdonald—who left the table with his trademark grin and a shrug—it became clear this freeroll was more than just a game.

    Poker Win Turned Philanthropy

    When the tournament wrapped up, WSOP tournament supervisor Matt Savage posed a pivotal question: which charity would receive the winnings? Caught off guard, the answer wasn’t immediately clear. Ideas of Greenpeace and the ACLU were floated, but inspiration struck closer to home. Why not use the funds to help secure a pre-K spot at a coveted New York City public school?

    For context, public pre-K spots in the city are a hot commodity, determined by a lottery system. Parents who miss out are left with the prospect of shelling out tens of thousands for private options. A $10,000 donation could tip the scales in favour of a guaranteed spot. And that’s precisely what happened.

    A Hustle for Education

    The first-choice school declined the offer outright. But the second-choice school? They were more receptive. After a brief deliberation, the deal was sealed. The $10,000 was earmarked for classroom resources, and the writer’s daughter was welcomed into the program.

    The benefits were immediate and profound. The child thrived in the enriching environment, and the family dodged an otherwise prohibitive financial burden. Yet, the use of the donation left something to be desired. The promised laptops and video cameras materialised sparsely—a single camcorder and one visible laptop. It wasn’t quite the tech upgrade envisioned, but it was enough.

    Lessons from the Table to Life

    Freerolls, whether in poker or life, highlight the value of seizing opportunities without overthinking the odds. They’re about playing the hand you’re dealt while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. For poker players like Bricker, Brito, and Teems, it’s a matter of honing skill and strategy to turn zero-risk games into life-changing wins. For others, like the writer, it’s about using unconventional means to achieve personal goals—be it poker success or securing a quality education for a child.

    Norm Macdonald once joked about poker being a mix of skill and luck, where every hand has a story. That rings true, not just at the table but in life. Whether it’s a million-dollar prize, a $10,000 donation, or a coveted pre-K spot, freerolls remind us that sometimes the best bets are the ones where you risk nothing at all.

  • Avoid These Poker Blunders: Insights from Alex Fitzgerald

    Avoid These Poker Blunders: Insights from Alex Fitzgerald

    Poker can be a thrilling game of strategy and patience. But even seasoned players make errors that can cost them their chips. Alex Fitzgerald, a renowned poker player and coach, lays out the most frequent mistakes that beginners (and even veterans) fall into. The best part? Fixing these missteps isn’t as complicated as it might seem.

    Falling for the Flop Temptation

    Ever get bored of folding hand after hand? It’s tempting to call just to see a flop, especially if you’re on a losing streak or just itching to play. After all, it feels like poker should involve action, not sitting back watching others rake in pots.

    Here’s the problem: calling to “see what happens” is a quick way to leak chips. Fitzgerald stresses that the cornerstone of poker success is aggressive and calculated play. Passive calls and limps rarely lead to winning strategies. When you enter a pot, you should have a solid reason—whether it’s a calculated raise or a three-bet.

    • Instead of chasing flops, wait for premium hands or strong positions to make your move.
    • Focus on winning money, not pots.

    The Dangerous Habit of Overcalling River Bets

    One of the biggest pitfalls in poker? Overestimating your chances at the river. Beginners (and sometimes experienced players) tend to call too often when faced with a big bet, hoping to catch a bluff.

    Fitzgerald points out that most players—especially at lower stakes—don’t bluff enough on the river. When an opponent makes a significant bet, it’s usually because they’ve hit something solid. While folding can feel like giving up, it’s often the smartest move.

    Ask yourself: Is my opponent really bluffing? Or is it more likely they’ve got the goods? If you’re up against a recreational player or someone who rarely bluffs, folding could save you a fortune.

    Raising to “Figure Things Out”

    Imagine this: You’ve got pocket sevens, and the flop comes 10-5-2. Your opponent bets. You’re unsure where you stand, so you raise to “see if they have it.”

    Sound familiar? Fitzgerald explains that this tactic is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Raising in this spot doesn’t accomplish much—it folds out weaker hands and gets stronger ones to call. Worse, it costs chips without providing meaningful information.

    Instead, consider a more cautious approach. Calling allows you to control the pot size and see how your opponent plays the turn. If they slow down, your hand might be good.

    Limping in Early Position: A Costly Mistake

    Let’s set the scene: You’re in early position with 2-2 or a suited connector like 8-7. You don’t want to fold, but raising feels risky. So, you limp, hoping to see a cheap flop.

    Bad move.

    When you limp, you’re inviting players behind you to raise and isolate. That puts you in a tricky spot where you either fold or play a weak hand against a stronger range. Fitzgerald advises folding these marginal hands in early position.

    Why? The math simply doesn’t favour small pairs or connectors when stacks are shallow. Save your chips for better opportunities later in the game.

    Calling Too Many Reraises

    Are you guilty of raising too wide and then calling three-bets with weak hands? If so, it’s time to tighten up.

    Constantly calling reraises often means you’re playing with a “capped range”—a weak set of hands that stronger opponents can exploit. Fitzgerald recommends folding more often to aggressive players and raising a more selective range preflop.

    Here’s a quick rule of thumb: If you’re out of position against a skilled opponent, think twice before continuing in a reraised pot. It’s better to cut your losses than to battle uphill in a bad spot.

    Quick Tips to Polish Your Game

    To recap some of Fitzgerald’s key advice:

    • Avoid seeing flops for the sake of action—play with purpose, not boredom.
    • Be sceptical of river bluffs—most opponents won’t risk big bets without a strong hand.
    • Stop raising “to find out”—every bet should have a clear goal, like bluffing out a better hand or extracting value.
    • Don’t limp from early position—it’s a giveaway that your hand is weak.
    • Think before calling reraises—consider your position, your opponent, and your range.

    A Deeper Look at Poker Math: Example Table

    Mistake Likely Outcome Better Alternative
    Seeing too many flops Bleeding chips on weak hands Play tighter, raise with strength
    Calling river bets Losing chips to stronger hands Fold unless the opponent bluffs a lot
    Raising to “find out” Wasting chips without gaining information Control pot size with calls
    Limping in early position Getting isolated by stronger hands Fold marginal hands
    Calling too many reraises Playing tough spots out of position Tighten your opening range

    The Bottom Line

    Fitzgerald’s advice isn’t just for novices—it’s a wake-up call for anyone looking to refine their game. Poker is a mental battle, and small adjustments can have a huge impact on your results. So, whether you’re at the cardroom or playing online, keep these strategies in mind. Your chips—and your confidence—will thank you.

  • Intense Poker Showdown: Punnat Punsri Holds His Ground Against Jonathan Jaffe

    Intense Poker Showdown: Punnat Punsri Holds His Ground Against Jonathan Jaffe

  • Win a Dream Getaway to Punta Del Este with ACR Poker

    Win a Dream Getaway to Punta Del Este with ACR Poker

    A tropical escape is within reach as ACR Poker offers players a chance to close out 2024 with a bang. The site has unveiled an enticing promotion—at least 10 luxurious travel packages to the $500,000 guaranteed main event in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Each package is worth a cool $5,500 and promises both poker action and a stunning coastal experience.

    What’s Included in the Punta Del Este Packages?

    These packages are more than just a poker seat; they’re a full-on South American adventure. Here’s what winners can expect:

    • Main Event Entry: A $1,650 buy-in for the February main event.
    • Luxury Accommodation: A 10-night stay (Feb. 14–24) at the renowned Punta del Este Resort and Casino, with double occupancy.
    • Travel Allowance: $1,500 for airfare and $500 in spending money.
    • Extras: Complimentary daily breakfast, airport transportation, and access to world-class resort amenities.

    This is poker in paradise, blending thrilling hands at the table with the charm of Uruguay’s pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife.

    How to Snag Your Spot

    Players have two main ways to secure their Punta del Este package:

    1. Beast Satellite Tournament
      Scheduled for Dec. 29 at 5:05 p.m. (ET), this $95 buy-in event gives players the chance to compete for one of these coveted packages.
    2. Weekly Leaderboard
      Climbing the Beast weekly leaderboard can earn players a free entry into the satellite event, making the dream trip even more accessible.

    The affordable buy-in and leaderboard options make this promotion a standout for players of all levels.

    Why Punta Del Este?

    Dubbed the “St. Tropez of South America,” Punta del Este is a playground for luxury and relaxation. ACR Poker captures the allure perfectly, describing the destination as where “poker excitement meets paradise.” Beyond the felt, players can soak up the sun on Atlantic beaches, indulge in gourmet cuisine, or explore the vibrant nightlife.

    With its glamorous appeal, the Punta del Este Resort and Casino is the ultimate destination for combining poker thrills with a luxury holiday.

    Sweetening the Deal for New Players

    New depositors on ACR Poker are in for an additional treat. By using the code CPNEW, players can claim a 100% match bonus, up to $2,000 on their first deposit. This bonus can help bankroll satellite entries or fuel your online poker journey.

    ACR Poker’s promotions are as inviting as the destinations they offer. This Punta del Este package deal is just the latest in a series of opportunities for players to win big.

    Before diving into real-money games, remember to check the legality of online gaming in your local jurisdiction.

  • Scott Stewart Triumphs at World Poker Tour World Championship, Winning $2.6 Million

    Scott Stewart Triumphs at World Poker Tour World Championship, Winning $2.6 Million

  • Jonathan Jaffe Folds to River Bet in Thrilling Triton Poker Hand

    Jonathan Jaffe Folds to River Bet in Thrilling Triton Poker Hand

    In a nail-biting showdown at the 2024 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Monte Carlo, Jonathan Jaffe faced a critical decision that could define his tournament trajectory. As the chip leader at the final table, Jaffe made a surprising fold on the river after a tense hand against Wai Leong Chan, who demonstrated the power of a well-timed value bet.

    This hand took place early at the final table of the $125,000 buy-in event, which boasted a prize pool nearing $19.9 million, with nearly $15.2 million up for grabs for the remaining nine players. The top prize exceeded $4.4 million, but all eyes were on Jaffe and Chan, who were both in prime positions for a run at that life-changing sum.

    Early Action: A Strong Opening for Jaffe

    With nine players remaining and the blinds set at 75,000-150,000 with a big blind ante of 150,000, Jaffe raised to 325,000 from the hijack position, looking to assert his dominance. He was in a comfortable lead, but still needed to navigate a competitive field, especially with Chan, the second-largest stack, defending his big blind. Chan’s hand, a suited queen, was strong enough to call the raise, setting the stage for a thrilling post-flop battle.

    On the flop, the tension grew as Chan checked his middle pair of queens, giving Jaffe an opportunity to bet. Jaffe didn’t hesitate, betting 225,000 to gain value from his top pair. Chan, holding onto his queens, decided to call. At this stage, both players had hands with significant potential, setting up for a crucial turn and river.

    The Turn and River: A Drama Unfolds

    The turn brought an ace, which shifted the dynamics of the hand. With two overcards now on the board, Chan checked again, wary of his middle pair being overtaken. Jaffe, holding top pair, was in a more vulnerable position. He decided to check behind, perhaps sensing the potential for his hand to be weak on a more dangerous board.

    The river brought the third queen, giving Chan trips and effectively crushing Jaffe’s holding. Chan, with his improved hand, bet 825,000, just shy of two-thirds of the pot. It was a solid value bet aimed at extracting the maximum from hands that could still be in play, such as A-X or even K-X, which Jaffe might be holding.

    Jaffe’s K-7, initially strong with a top pair, had now become a bluff catcher. With no possible hands worse than Chan’s trips likely to call, Jaffe’s decision to fold came down to a combination of strategy and the realization that his hand was no longer a contender. Chan’s bet represented a clear value play, and Jaffe correctly read the situation, deciding to get out of the way before his chips went to waste.

    A Lesson in Hand Reading and Pot Control

    This hand perfectly illustrates the complexity of poker at the highest levels. Jaffe, as the chip leader, could afford to be cautious and avoid unnecessary risk. His ability to read the board, assess Chan’s potential range of hands, and fold the second-best hand was a crucial moment in the tournament. On the other hand, Chan’s ability to extract value with trips in this situation was a masterclass in pot control and understanding how to pressure opponents when holding a strong hand.

    By the time the river came down, Jaffe was in a position where he could no longer call. The hand was perfectly executed by Chan, who navigated the situation with careful bets that maximized his value. Jaffe’s fold, while difficult for many players to make, was a necessary decision in the context of the tournament. With millions at stake, a single mistake can cost players dearly.

    The Big Picture: What This Fold Means for the Tournament

    While this hand may have seemed small in isolation, it was a crucial decision for Jaffe. At a tournament as prestigious as the 2024 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Monte Carlo, every move can have massive consequences. Jaffe’s fold allowed him to preserve his chip stack, while Chan’s successful bluff catcher laid the foundation for a deep run in the event.

    Poker is as much about managing risks and reading your opponents as it is about playing the cards in your hand. This hand serves as a reminder that even the smallest details—like recognizing when your hand has no value or understanding the timing of an opponent’s bet—can make the difference between victory and defeat. As the tournament progressed, the pressure on all players increased, but it was moments like these, where one wrong move could lead to elimination, that defined the competition.

  • Nick Schulman Secures Sixth World Series of Poker Bracelet in Thrilling Victory

    Nick Schulman Secures Sixth World Series of Poker Bracelet in Thrilling Victory

    Nick Schulman has once again etched his name into poker history, claiming his sixth World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet at the 2024 WSOP Paradise event. The 40-year-old poker professional from New York triumphed in the $5,000 no-limit hold’em turbo bounty event, known as ‘The Closer,’ securing a prize of $145,000 along with the prestigious bracelet. With this victory, Schulman joins an elite group of just 25 players in the history of the WSOP to have earned six bracelets.

    A Long-Awaited Sixth Bracelet

    For Schulman, this win marks a significant achievement in his career. The New York native, who has made a name for himself in high-stakes poker, already had five bracelets under his belt before this event. His previous victories include triumphs in a variety of poker disciplines, starting with the $10,000 no-limit hold’em deuce-to-seven single draw lowball championships in 2009 and 2012. Later, in 2019, he added another bracelet by winning the $10,000 pot-limit Omaha eight-or-better championship. His most recent win prior to this one came in 2023 when he secured his fourth bracelet in a $1,500 stud event.

    This sixth bracelet has a special significance, not just for the cash prize, but for what it means in terms of his status in the world of professional poker. It represents the culmination of years of skill, strategy, and perseverance. As Schulman continues to dominate the poker scene, his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats continues to solidify.

    Schulman’s Remarkable Career Earnings

    With this win, Schulman has now surpassed a staggering $21.6 million in career tournament earnings. His consistent performance over the years has been a testament to his expertise and resilience in the ever-competitive poker world. Despite the growing number of players and the evolving strategies, Schulman has proven time and again that he belongs at the top.

    This victory also positions Schulman within the top 31 of the 2024 Card Player Player of the Year standings, a notable achievement given the quality of competition in the tournament circuit. His three titles and 10 Player of the Year-qualified final tables this year reflect his continued dominance and consistency on the poker scene.

    A Deep Field of Talented Competitors

    While Schulman’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the tournament, he was far from the only elite player in contention. The tournament, which attracted 238 entries, featured a competitive field, with the top 37 players earning a share of the $1,190,000 prize pool. Among those who made deep runs were several other decorated WSOP champions.

    Three-time bracelet winner Daniel Zack finished in 19th place, while four-time bracelet winner Georgios Sotiropoulos claimed 14th. 2019 WSOP main event champion Hossein Ensan made it to 12th, and Ebony Kenney finished in 10th. High-stakes regular Sosia Jiang and 2023 WSOP Paradise $25,000 high roller champion Samuel Muller also made impressive runs, finishing in 9th and 7th, respectively. The caliber of competition highlighted just how difficult it was to secure the win in this event.

    The fast-paced nature of the turbo bounty event added an extra layer of excitement, as players were not only battling for the top prize but also contending with the dynamic structure of the game. The bounty aspect of the event made each elimination significant, and the stakes only increased as the tournament progressed toward its final stages.

    The Significance of ‘The Closer’ Tournament

    The WSOP Paradise $5,000 no-limit hold’em turbo bounty event, often referred to as ‘The Closer,’ is one of the most anticipated tournaments of the series. Known for its fast-paced structure, the event always attracts a large and talented field of players, making it a coveted title for anyone looking to make a name for themselves. The high-energy format, combined with the added pressure of the bounty, creates a unique experience for both players and spectators.

    For Schulman, the victory in this event capped off an already successful year. It’s a testament to his adaptability and skill, as he continues to navigate various formats and prove that he can compete and win across different poker disciplines. His performance in this year’s WSOP Paradise event serves as a reminder of his versatility and commitment to excellence.

  • Travis Egbert Clinches 2024 World Poker Tour World Championship High Roller Title

    Travis Egbert Clinches 2024 World Poker Tour World Championship High Roller Title

    In a stunning breakthrough moment for Northern California’s Travis Egbert, the poker pro sealed his biggest victory to date by winning the 2024 World Poker Tour World Championship Alpha8 $25,800 no-limit hold’em high roller at Wynn Las Vegas. The December 19 win earned Egbert a career-high payout of $684,684, a feat that caps off a banner year for the player, who has seen a dramatic rise in the poker scene.

    Egbert, who began 2024 with just shy of $263,000 in lifetime tournament earnings, has now surged past $1.3 million in total winnings. With four titles under his belt and eight final-table finishes this year alone, his victory at the prestigious WPT event marks a pivotal milestone in his poker career.

    An Unlikely Champion Emerges

    The high roller event drew a competitive field of 111 entries, creating a prize pool of $2,775,000 that was split amongst the top 13 finishers. For Egbert, this victory was more than just financial; it was symbolic of his rapid rise in the poker community. Until now, Egbert’s victories had mostly been confined to the local Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Sacramento, where he captured three World Series of Poker Circuit rings in 2024. But on December 19, Egbert made his mark in the global poker scene, securing a major win outside of his usual stomping grounds.

    What made Egbert’s victory even more impressive was the field he overcame. Among the notable players who fell short of the final table were six-time bracelet winner Brian Rast, two-time bracelet winner Shannon Shorr, and high-stakes regular Sean Winter. The competition was fierce, but Egbert’s play stood out as he navigated his way through tough opponents to secure the top prize.

    A Thrilling Three-Handed Finish

    As the final table narrowed down to three players, Egbert found himself holding a commanding lead. He won a massive pot with sixes full of sevens, propelling him into a strong position. His dominance continued when he took down another hefty pot with trip nines, which left Noel Rodriguez with a short stack.

    Rodriguez was eliminated in third place after his A-8 was outplayed by the J-9 suited of Najeem Ajez, who flopped a jack and held on to secure the pot. Rodriguez walked away with $354,488 for his efforts, while Ajez’s momentum carried him to heads-up play against Egbert for the top spot.

    In the heads-up battle, the two players agreed to a deal, locking up $600,000 each while leaving $84,684 and the trophy to play for. It was a strategic move that set the stage for an intense final hand. Egbert, holding A♠A♥, raised to 250,000 on the button, and Ajez, with J♦6♣, called. The flop came Q♣J♦6♥, giving Ajez a pair of jacks, but Egbert still had the upper hand with an overpair.

    The turn brought the 5♥, and Ajez led out with a bet of 1,275,000. Egbert called, maintaining his strong position. When the A♣ hit the river, completing a set of aces for Egbert, Ajez checked. Egbert seized the opportunity and moved all-in, forcing Ajez to think hard about his decision. After some deliberation, Ajez called, but Egbert’s rivered set was too much, and Ajez was eliminated in second place, taking home $600,000.

    Final Table Payouts and Points

    Egbert’s impressive win wasn’t just about the money. He also earned 840 Player of the Year (POY) points, propelling him into the 86th spot on the Global Poker POY standings. The payout structure of the final table is as follows:

    Place Player Earnings POY Points
    1 Travis Egbert $684,684 840
    2 Najeem Ajez $600,000 700
    3 Noel Rodriguez $345,488 560
    4 Sam Soverel $253,219 420
    5 Brock Wilson $190,781 350
    6 Jun Obara $145,688 280
    7 Sean Winter $115,856 210
    8 Igor Kurganov $94,350 140
    9 Shannon Shorr $79,088 70

    With the victory at the World Poker Tour World Championship Alpha8, Egbert’s profile has risen dramatically, and his performances throughout 2024 signal that this may be just the beginning of what looks like a bright future in poker.