Monday 11 am: $350 + $50 (~1 in 10 wins $3,500)
If you're looking for one last discount to get into the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship, get to Borgata early Monday morning. Because if you're late you may miss one or two blind levels, or six if you're even one hour late.
This Super Turbo has 10 minute levels to start, so the 15k in chips will be flying fast.
Once the prize pool is handed out, survivors will have $3,500, which not so coincidentally is the exact amount needed to enter Day 1B of the Championship Event.
So if you're itching to play for the $3 million guaranteed prize pool, get to the Event Center early, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
WPT BPO: Day 1A Baggers & Taggers
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Day 1A is in the books and Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) is the chip leader with ~200 players remaining. Here's a look at recognizable names who bagged and tagged and advanced into Day 2:
Notable Day 1A Chip Counts
Barry Greenstein 144,700
Tony Dunst 125,100
Carlos Mortensen 123,825
Todd Terry 77,525
Allen Cunningham 54,775
Eric Baldwin 48,500
Matt Affleck 44,225
Cornel Cimpan 39,250
Dwyte Pilgrim 28,500
Ylon Schwartz 28,425
Also spotted bagging chips:
Allen Kessler
Vinny Pahuja
Dan Buzgon
John Racener
These players advance to Tuesday's Day 2 and are off Monday as Day 1B kicks off at 11 am.
Day 1A is in the books and Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) is the chip leader with ~200 players remaining. Here's a look at recognizable names who bagged and tagged and advanced into Day 2:
Notable Day 1A Chip Counts
Barry Greenstein 144,700
Tony Dunst 125,100
Carlos Mortensen 123,825
Todd Terry 77,525
Allen Cunningham 54,775
Eric Baldwin 48,500
Matt Affleck 44,225
Cornel Cimpan 39,250
Dwyte Pilgrim 28,500
Ylon Schwartz 28,425
Also spotted bagging chips:
Allen Kessler
Vinny Pahuja
Dan Buzgon
John Racener
These players advance to Tuesday's Day 2 and are off Monday as Day 1B kicks off at 11 am.
WPT BPO: $10k Sweat
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
In a close count, Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) wins the $10,000 bonus as chip leader with 173,100 at the end of Day 1A.
"I stole a pot at the end, I had to," says Boyko who says he's now on the ultimate free roll. "Chip leader and $10,000, I really need it."
"I should've played the last hand," says Kyle Frey (Milford, CT), who was 5,075 shy of the lead with a second place total of 168,025. Because his chips were bagged and tagged first, Boyko had to sweat the count of Frey's stack to confirm he was the winner.
Another player kicking himself is Lloyd Mandel (Skokie, IL) who was one of the few players to touch the 200k chip mark throughout the day. "I should've stopped when I got 205 (thousand) and gone to bed," he says after bagging ~148k.
Also drifting back to the pack was dinner break chip leader Troy Skinner (Safford, AZ) who also reached 200k, but came back to the pack.
While Skinner and Frey missed their chance at the $10,000 bonus, both are running well here at the Borgata Poker Open. Frey won the heads up tournament for $40,352, while Skinner finished second for $26,728 in the $1k (Event 6).
Boyko Watches Floor Supervisor "G" Count Frey's Stack
In a close count, Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) wins the $10,000 bonus as chip leader with 173,100 at the end of Day 1A.
"I stole a pot at the end, I had to," says Boyko who says he's now on the ultimate free roll. "Chip leader and $10,000, I really need it."
"I should've played the last hand," says Kyle Frey (Milford, CT), who was 5,075 shy of the lead with a second place total of 168,025. Because his chips were bagged and tagged first, Boyko had to sweat the count of Frey's stack to confirm he was the winner.
Another player kicking himself is Lloyd Mandel (Skokie, IL) who was one of the few players to touch the 200k chip mark throughout the day. "I should've stopped when I got 205 (thousand) and gone to bed," he says after bagging ~148k.
Also drifting back to the pack was dinner break chip leader Troy Skinner (Safford, AZ) who also reached 200k, but came back to the pack.
While Skinner and Frey missed their chance at the $10,000 bonus, both are running well here at the Borgata Poker Open. Frey won the heads up tournament for $40,352, while Skinner finished second for $26,728 in the $1k (Event 6).
WPT BPO: 5 More Hands
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
The race for the $10,000 bonus for the Day 1A chip leader could very well come down to the final five hands of the night. With 30 minutes of play left there were no clear big stacks, but a plethora of players in the 150k-175k range.
The media and tournament floor managers are circling the tables like vultures looking for a contender to step up and claim the bonus.
The race for the $10,000 bonus for the Day 1A chip leader could very well come down to the final five hands of the night. With 30 minutes of play left there were no clear big stacks, but a plethora of players in the 150k-175k range.
The media and tournament floor managers are circling the tables like vultures looking for a contender to step up and claim the bonus.
Event 22 Recap
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Two poker pros squared off heads up for more than two hours, but in the end Theo Tran (Las Vegas, NV) overcame Wade Woelfel's (Mankota, MN) home court advantage for his first Borgata cash and win.
On the final hand, Woelfel, who has 15 career Borgata cashes, admitted that he was impatient and should have waited for a better spot to ship 40 big blinds with A♥ 9♠ against Tran's 9♥ 9. "I gave it away at the end," says Woelfel, "I know the worst hand he has there is pocket 8s and I'm flipping. There's no way I'm ever ahead."
"I was surprised he was restless," said Tran who earned $64,8087 and the trophy,and added "he's a really good player."
The two began heads up play with Tran holding a 2.4 million to 1.5 million chip lead, but Woelfel flipped the script before the dinner break when he doubled-up with AK vs Tran's AQ. Tran returned from break focused and got two double-ups of his own to set the stage for the final hand.
"He was a better short stack player than I was," says Woelfel, who earned $38,502 for his second Borgata runner-up finish and largest cash here.
"I never gave up," said Tran, who now has nearly $2.5 million in career tournament earnings. "Even when I was down to 500 (thousand), I knew I had a chance."
Play resumed with 14 players already in the money as they went after the $262,000 total buy-in put up by the 262 entries.
Day 2 Chip leader Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) made it to the final table, but wound up with a fourth place finish, going out before Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) who finished third.
The rest of the final table was Ian Searing (5th), Martin Raus (6th) and Alex Smith (7th).
Other recognizable faces who cashed included: Alek Bolotin (19th) Jamie Kerstetter (23rd) and Eugene Fouksman (27th).
One player called Tran "a beast" and while the 30-year-old pro hasn't played a lot at Borgata he seemed right at home for his 5th recorded career win.
Final Table Results
1st Theo Tran (Las Vegas, NV) $64,8087
2nd Wade Woelfel (Mankota, MN) $38,502
3rd Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) $29,226
4th Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) $23,508
5th Ian Searing (Smithtown, NY) $18,425
6th Martin Raus (Mississauga, CAN) $13,342
7th Alex Smith (Highland Park, NJ) $10,166
Two poker pros squared off heads up for more than two hours, but in the end Theo Tran (Las Vegas, NV) overcame Wade Woelfel's (Mankota, MN) home court advantage for his first Borgata cash and win.
On the final hand, Woelfel, who has 15 career Borgata cashes, admitted that he was impatient and should have waited for a better spot to ship 40 big blinds with A♥ 9♠ against Tran's 9♥ 9. "I gave it away at the end," says Woelfel, "I know the worst hand he has there is pocket 8s and I'm flipping. There's no way I'm ever ahead."
"I was surprised he was restless," said Tran who earned $64,8087 and the trophy,and added "he's a really good player."
The two began heads up play with Tran holding a 2.4 million to 1.5 million chip lead, but Woelfel flipped the script before the dinner break when he doubled-up with AK vs Tran's AQ. Tran returned from break focused and got two double-ups of his own to set the stage for the final hand.
"He was a better short stack player than I was," says Woelfel, who earned $38,502 for his second Borgata runner-up finish and largest cash here.
"I never gave up," said Tran, who now has nearly $2.5 million in career tournament earnings. "Even when I was down to 500 (thousand), I knew I had a chance."
Play resumed with 14 players already in the money as they went after the $262,000 total buy-in put up by the 262 entries.
Day 2 Chip leader Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) made it to the final table, but wound up with a fourth place finish, going out before Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) who finished third.
The rest of the final table was Ian Searing (5th), Martin Raus (6th) and Alex Smith (7th).
Other recognizable faces who cashed included: Alek Bolotin (19th) Jamie Kerstetter (23rd) and Eugene Fouksman (27th).
One player called Tran "a beast" and while the 30-year-old pro hasn't played a lot at Borgata he seemed right at home for his 5th recorded career win.
Final Table Results
1st Theo Tran (Las Vegas, NV) $64,8087
2nd Wade Woelfel (Mankota, MN) $38,502
3rd Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) $29,226
4th Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) $23,508
5th Ian Searing (Smithtown, NY) $18,425
6th Martin Raus (Mississauga, CAN) $13,342
7th Alex Smith (Highland Park, NJ) $10,166
Event 22 Winner - Tran
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
On the final hand with Tran having a 2.8 million to 1.1 million chip lead over Wade Woelfel, Tran 4-bet ships preflop and Woelfel calls.
Tran: 9♣ 9♥
Woelfel: A♥ 9♠
Flop: 10♦ K♦ 7♠ (Tran's 9s lead)
Turn: 8♠ (both players open-ended for chopped pot)
River: K♥
Tran wins the tournament after Woelfel fails to hit an ace or a chop card.
"I definitely have to change my style," says the 30-year-old Tran, who now has close to $2.8 million in career tournament earnings. "The young kids are so good today. They learn at a faster pace and figured out ways to counter what I was doing four or five years ago. So I've had to adjust the way I play, which is part of the game."
Tran is glad he was able to battle back twice while short stacked to win his first Borgata title.
Theo Tran (Las Vegas, NV)
$64,8087
Blinds 15k/30k/4k ante
On the final hand with Tran having a 2.8 million to 1.1 million chip lead over Wade Woelfel, Tran 4-bet ships preflop and Woelfel calls.
Tran: 9♣ 9♥
Woelfel: A♥ 9♠
Flop: 10♦ K♦ 7♠ (Tran's 9s lead)
Turn: 8♠ (both players open-ended for chopped pot)
River: K♥
Tran wins the tournament after Woelfel fails to hit an ace or a chop card.
"I definitely have to change my style," says the 30-year-old Tran, who now has close to $2.8 million in career tournament earnings. "The young kids are so good today. They learn at a faster pace and figured out ways to counter what I was doing four or five years ago. So I've had to adjust the way I play, which is part of the game."
Tran is glad he was able to battle back twice while short stacked to win his first Borgata title.
Event 22: 2nd Place - Woelfel
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Blinds 15k/30k/4k ante
Woelfel has 40 big blinds when he ships his last 1.2 million with A♥ 9♠ vs the 9♥9♣ of Theo Tran. The board runs out clean for Tran and Woelfel settles for a second place finish.
"I gave it away at the end," says Woelfel, "I know the worst hand he has there is pocket 8s and I'm flipping. There's no way I'm ever ahead."
Woelfel says he was restless after playing heads up for more than two hours, but is pleased to take home the largest Borgata cash of his career. The poker pro has cashed 15 times in the last four years, including four final tables and this his second runner-up finish.
Wade Woelfel (Mankota, MN)
$38,502
Blinds 15k/30k/4k ante
Woelfel has 40 big blinds when he ships his last 1.2 million with A♥ 9♠ vs the 9♥9♣ of Theo Tran. The board runs out clean for Tran and Woelfel settles for a second place finish.
"I gave it away at the end," says Woelfel, "I know the worst hand he has there is pocket 8s and I'm flipping. There's no way I'm ever ahead."
Woelfel says he was restless after playing heads up for more than two hours, but is pleased to take home the largest Borgata cash of his career. The poker pro has cashed 15 times in the last four years, including four final tables and this his second runner-up finish.
WPT BPO: Dynamic Duos
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Still lots of recognizable faces still in the field as they play the last level of the night including:
Still lots of recognizable faces still in the field as they play the last level of the night including:
Ylon Schwartz (left) and David Williams (right)
John Racener (left) & Tony Dunst (right)
WPT BPO: 75 Minute Men (& Women)
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
The last 75 minute level of the night is underway with 215 players remaining. The average stack is 52k (104 BB) as blinds are now 250/500/50 ante.
Steve Ryan & Cherish Andrews Still Grinding
The last 75 minute level of the night is underway with 215 players remaining. The average stack is 52k (104 BB) as blinds are now 250/500/50 ante.
Event 22: Tran Doubles Again
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
For the second time since dinner break Theo Tran has doubled through Wade Woelfel. This time Tran's all in double up comes with A♥ J♣ vs A♣ 6♣ and is for 675k.
Woelfel still has the chip lead 2.6 million (87 BB) to 1.4 million as blinds moving up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
For the second time since dinner break Theo Tran has doubled through Wade Woelfel. This time Tran's all in double up comes with A♥ J♣ vs A♣ 6♣ and is for 675k.
Woelfel still has the chip lead 2.6 million (87 BB) to 1.4 million as blinds moving up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
WPT BPO: Chip Leader is Back
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
The mystery man with the chip lead is Troy Skinner (Safford, AZ), who took an extended dinner break and recently returned to his 195k stack.
Skinner, who already has a second place finish in the Borgata Poker Open, is in good position to take a run at the $10,000 bonus that goes to the end of Day 1A chip leader. He took home $26,728 in the $1k (Event 6).
Troy Skinner
The mystery man with the chip lead is Troy Skinner (Safford, AZ), who took an extended dinner break and recently returned to his 195k stack.
Skinner, who already has a second place finish in the Borgata Poker Open, is in good position to take a run at the $10,000 bonus that goes to the end of Day 1A chip leader. He took home $26,728 in the $1k (Event 6).
Event 22: Back From Dinner, Tran Doubles Back
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Shortly after returning from dinner break, Theo Tran is all in with A J against the pocket 4s of Wade Woelfel.
Tran flops two pairs and rivers a full house to double 648k and is up to 1.3 million; Woelfel drops to 2.6 million.
12k/24k/3k ante
Tran flops two pairs and rivers a full house to double 648k and is up to 1.3 million; Woelfel drops to 2.6 million.
WPT BPO: Play Underway, Chip Leader MIA
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
The big stack on Table 6 is still unidentified as he's taking an extended dinner break with a healthy stack of 195k (488 BB)
252 players remain with an average stack of 45k (113 BB) as blinds resume at 200/400/50 ante.
The big stack on Table 6 is still unidentified as he's taking an extended dinner break with a healthy stack of 195k (488 BB)
252 players remain with an average stack of 45k (113 BB) as blinds resume at 200/400/50 ante.
WPT BPO: Chip Leaders Eying $10k Prize
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Lloyd Mandel (Skokie, IL) has been near the top of the chip counts for the last few two levels and is currently at 172k.
During the dinner break he does a sweep of the Event Center and spots one bigger stack on Table 6 which is at 195k. Mandel is well aware of the $10,000 bonus that goes to the end of the night chip leader.
Also in the mix is Mike Schoultz (Arlington, VA) who's at 162k and says he's been running well and playing well. One of the players says, "he's been getting gifts, including a guy who called with third pair and then it was straight for the exit.
Play resumes at 8:25 pm.
Jaroslaw Osinski (Naples, FL) & Mandel on Dinner Break
Lloyd Mandel (Skokie, IL) has been near the top of the chip counts for the last few two levels and is currently at 172k.
During the dinner break he does a sweep of the Event Center and spots one bigger stack on Table 6 which is at 195k. Mandel is well aware of the $10,000 bonus that goes to the end of the night chip leader.
Also in the mix is Mike Schoultz (Arlington, VA) who's at 162k and says he's been running well and playing well. One of the players says, "he's been getting gifts, including a guy who called with third pair and then it was straight for the exit.
Play resumes at 8:25 pm.
Event 22: Woelfel Doubles Before Dinner
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Wade Woelfel and Theo Tran are all in preflop with Woelfel at risk. Woelfel has the better of it with AK vs AQ and he gets the double-up to extend the match.
"We were just saying we haven't had a cooler," says Woelfel who flips the chip lead as he's up to 2.9, which drops Tran to 1 million.
The players are on a one hour dinner break as they're playing for the $64,807 top prize, while $38,502 goes to the runner-up.
Play resumes at 8:45 pm.
Wade Woelfel and Theo Tran are all in preflop with Woelfel at risk. Woelfel has the better of it with AK vs AQ and he gets the double-up to extend the match.
"We were just saying we haven't had a cooler," says Woelfel who flips the chip lead as he's up to 2.9, which drops Tran to 1 million.
The players are on a one hour dinner break as they're playing for the $64,807 top prize, while $38,502 goes to the runner-up.
Play resumes at 8:45 pm.
WPT BPO: Chip Leader Bonus
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
As with event 1 of this series, the chip leaders at the end of days 1A and 1B will earn a $10,000 bonus.
All it takes is to have the biggest stack among all remaining players and that person will collect $10,000 and be free-rolling for the rest of the event.
As with event 1 of this series, the chip leaders at the end of days 1A and 1B will earn a $10,000 bonus.
All it takes is to have the biggest stack among all remaining players and that person will collect $10,000 and be free-rolling for the rest of the event.
Event 22: 3rd Place - Albilia
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
On the turn with a board of T 5 5 7, all Ari Albilia's chips went in the middle aginst Theo Tran.
Ari held A7 for two pair, but Theo had 75 for the full boat. Ari was drawing super-slim to a one-outer 7 just to chop the pot.
River was an 8, however, and Ari was busted.
About 15 minutes remain in the level, then the final two will take a dinner break.
Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY)
$29,226
On the turn with a board of T 5 5 7, all Ari Albilia's chips went in the middle aginst Theo Tran.
Ari held A7 for two pair, but Theo had 75 for the full boat. Ari was drawing super-slim to a one-outer 7 just to chop the pot.
River was an 8, however, and Ari was busted.
About 15 minutes remain in the level, then the final two will take a dinner break.
WPT BPO: Dinner Time
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
On the last hand of the level, Vinny Pahuja doubled up through David Diaz. Vinny had AQ and was racing against pocket Jacks.
A Queen hit the board and Vinny survived to double up.
Now all survivors have taken off for a 75 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at 8:15 pm.
On the last hand of the level, Vinny Pahuja doubled up through David Diaz. Vinny had AQ and was racing against pocket Jacks.
A Queen hit the board and Vinny survived to double up.
Now all survivors have taken off for a 75 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at 8:15 pm.
Event 22: Final Three Chip Counts
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k with 3k ante.
The final three are pushing chips around the felt.
Rough counts:
Level 23: Blinds 10k/20k with 3k ante.
The final three are pushing chips around the felt.
Rough counts:
- Wade Woelfel - 1.7 million
- Theo Tran - 1.4 million
- Ari Albilia - 800k
WPT BPO: 374 Entries for 1A
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
The unofficial entry count for day 1A is 374. That puts 11.22 million chips in play today.
27 tables remain with 270 players. That makes the average about 42k.
In addition to the prize money, the eventual winner will get his name permanently engraved on the WPT Champions Cup, which is currently on display here in the Event Center.
The unofficial entry count for day 1A is 374. That puts 11.22 million chips in play today.
27 tables remain with 270 players. That makes the average about 42k.
In addition to the prize money, the eventual winner will get his name permanently engraved on the WPT Champions Cup, which is currently on display here in the Event Center.
WPT Champions Cup
Event 22: 4th Place - Patterson
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Wade Woelfel was all-in with AQ against Tyler Patterson's pocket 8s.
The flop was bad enough for Tyler -- A K 5 -- but by the river, there were four hearts on board and Wade had the Queen of hearts for the flush.
Wade doubled up to ~1.4 million. Tyler was left with only 35k.
He doubled up on the next hand with KJ versus Theo Tran's K3.
Then Tyler was all-in with A6 suited against Wade's J6 (bb). A Jack on the flop was all it took.
Tyler Patterson finished 4th for $23,508.
Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA)
$23,508
Wade Woelfel was all-in with AQ against Tyler Patterson's pocket 8s.
The flop was bad enough for Tyler -- A K 5 -- but by the river, there were four hearts on board and Wade had the Queen of hearts for the flush.
Wade doubled up to ~1.4 million. Tyler was left with only 35k.
He doubled up on the next hand with KJ versus Theo Tran's K3.
Then Tyler was all-in with A6 suited against Wade's J6 (bb). A Jack on the flop was all it took.
Tyler Patterson finished 4th for $23,508.
WPT BPO: Half Final Table
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Half of the players from the 2011 WPT Borgata Final Table are here today, going for a repeat appearance.
Last year, here's how they finished:
Dan Buzgon (3rd - $335k)
Fred Goldberg (4th - $280k)
Darren Elias (5th - $230k)
Half of the players from the 2011 WPT Borgata Final Table are here today, going for a repeat appearance.
Dan Buzgon, Fred Goldberg, & Darren Elias
Last year, here's how they finished:
Dan Buzgon (3rd - $335k)
Fred Goldberg (4th - $280k)
Darren Elias (5th - $230k)
Event 22: Break Time Chip Counts
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
The final four finished the level and took a break. Here are the counts:
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k with 2k ante.
The final four finished the level and took a break. Here are the counts:
- Theo Tran - 1.9 million
- Wade Woelfel - 980k
- Ari Albilia - 640k
- Tyler Patterson - 615k
Level 22: Blinds 8k/16k with 2k ante.
WPT BPO: Goners
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
These folks have already reported to the rail on day 1A:
Mike 'Little Man' Sica
Avdo Djokovic
Richie Marshall
Justin Gardenhire
Matt Iles
All have the open to try again tomorrow on day 1B!
These folks have already reported to the rail on day 1A:
Mike 'Little Man' Sica
Avdo Djokovic
Richie Marshall
Justin Gardenhire
Matt Iles
All have the open to try again tomorrow on day 1B!
Event 22: 5th Place - Searing
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Ian Searing got his short-stack in with pocket 4s, but ran into pocket Kings.
The Kings held up and Ian fell in 5th place ($18,425).
Ian Searing (Smithtown, NY)
$18,425
Ian Searing got his short-stack in with pocket 4s, but ran into pocket Kings.
The Kings held up and Ian fell in 5th place ($18,425).
PPI Persepective - Good Luck
As the 2012 Borgata Poker Open closes in on the televised $3 Million Guaranteed WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event, it is clear that the field for the Championship will be massive and exceptionally competitive. The buzz around Borgata is electric as satellites and the larger buy-in events wind down for the start of the Championship event.
Such poker catch phrases as, "Are you playing the Main?", are often exchanged at the Borgata Poker Open for, "How many bullets do you have?" or "Are you playing day1a or 1b?"
There is no question that every poker player's dream and determination drives them to play the Borgata Poker Open Championship event. Whether it is the enormous prize pool, the notoriety of being crowned WPT Borgata Poker Open Champion, the opportunity to compete on one of poker's biggest stages against the world's most elite competition, this is one tournament no poker player wants to miss.
Many poker players have padded their bankrolls and confidence throughout this year's BPO series. Long Island favorite, and friend to many Borgata regulars, Benny Bianco scored over $300k and the trophy for event #1 ($560 Deep Stack NLH) defeating a field of over 3,700 players.
Several PPI Players (Poker Players International) have done exceptionally well at this years BPO. Including both Vinny Pahuja, who won event #17 ($1650 8/7/6 Max NLH) for over $58k; and Allen Kessler, winning the title in event #19 ($00 Omaha H/L 8B) for over $17k.
PPI players will be in full force for the Championship event - and as always deep runs, final table appearances and event winners are expected from this highly skilled group of players.
Poker Players International established its representation of a core group of players here at Borgata, and through the years has gone on to become the largest poker player representation agency and poker marketing company in the world. PPI represents hundreds of top US and International players, along with many individuals within the poker media, publishing and entertainment sectors.
Our roster of players include WSOP Main Event winners Jamie Gold, Jerry Yang and Tom Mcevoy; WPT Champions Will "The Thrill" Failla and Tommy Vedes; November Niners Ylon Schwartz, Joseph Cheong, John Racener and Greg Merson; WSOP Bracelet winners Ryan Eriquezzo, T.J Cloutier, Chris Tryba, Jason Young, Ronnie Bardah, Frank Kasella; Poker Ambassadors Barry Schulman, Linda Johnson and Lon Mceachern; Elite poker pro instructors Lee Childs and Casey Jarzebak; and scores of other top pros like including Chris Moorman.
Wishing continued luck to all Borgata Poker Open Players!
Here is your PPI LeaderBoard through Event #21:
349.738: VINEET PAHUJA
281.725: KENNY NGUYEN
266.920: ALLEN KESSLER
245.888: MARGUERITE
SPAGNUOLO
242.075: MICHAEL
DENTALE
192.138: STEVEN
DANNENMANN
184.000: GEORGE MEDRANO
177.263: KAREN PEREZ
161.088: MICHAEL SICA
149.563: MATTHEW MAZZEO
144.225: DAVID
INSELBERG
142.625: ADAM LIPPERT
135.580: ROBERT HWANG
121.963: CARL RESTIFO
121.500: GORDON ENG
119.888: YLON SCHWARTZ
118.288: JAMIE
KERSTETTER
109.755: JOSHUA BRIKIS
106.688: CONCETTA
RINALDI
86.800: JONATHAN
SORSCHER
84.900: MATTHEW CHANG
80.438: JAMES BOYLE
78.850: SHEREE BYKOFSKY
77.260: ALBERT
RICCOBONO
71.050: EMANUEL FAILLA
70.000: MICHAEL
CASTALDO
61.238: ANTHONY
CASAGRANDE
53.138: KELLY
ARMENTROUT
50.988: LISA PICKELL
48.175: DAVID ZEITLIN
41.500: ANDREW KLOC
41.400: CHRIS RESLOCK
38.500: IAN PALOMO
35.313: ANTHONY
CAMPAGNA
25.138: ESTHER TAYLOR
20.400: FRANK CIERI
11.400: CARLOS COLON
9.425: JAMES SALTERS
9.200: MICHAEL
BORCHETTA
8.400: BRENT KELLER
8.250: ADAM GERBER
Event 22: 6th Place - Raus
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k with 2k ante.
Martin Raus got his last chips in good with AK and got called by a player with KJ. Unfortunately for Martin, a Jack hit the board, sending his chips the other way.
Martin busted out in 6th place, earning $13,342 .
Martin Raus (Mississauga, CAN)
$13,342
Level 21: Blinds 6k/12k with 2k ante.
Martin Raus got his last chips in good with AK and got called by a player with KJ. Unfortunately for Martin, a Jack hit the board, sending his chips the other way.
Martin busted out in 6th place, earning $13,342 .
WPT BPO: Boyko Boats Up
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Championship NLH
Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) lumped utg and four players went to the flop for the minimum.
On the flop of A K Q, it was checked around.
Turn was a 9 and it was checked to a player in the middle who bet 700. The small blind raised to 2k, Robert 4-bet to 5k, everyone else folded back to the small blind, who 5-bet to 11k. Robert 6-bet-shoved and got the call.
His opponent had the nuts with JT. Robert had pocket Aces for top set.
River was another 9, giving Robert the boat with Aces-full. He chipped up to ~115k.
Robert Boyko (Yonkers, NY) lumped utg and four players went to the flop for the minimum.
On the flop of A K Q, it was checked around.
Robert Boyko
Turn was a 9 and it was checked to a player in the middle who bet 700. The small blind raised to 2k, Robert 4-bet to 5k, everyone else folded back to the small blind, who 5-bet to 11k. Robert 6-bet-shoved and got the call.
His opponent had the nuts with JT. Robert had pocket Aces for top set.
River was another 9, giving Robert the boat with Aces-full. He chipped up to ~115k.
WPT BPO: Tweets Don't Fail Me Now!
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Championship NLH
Level 5: Blinds 100/200 with 25 ante.
The re-entry period is over for day 1A, but players can still register/re-enter for day 1B.
Players are back in action.
Some player Tweets from the break:
Harrison Gimbel @Harrison_Gimbel
81,125 on break. Had 5k 2 levels ago
Mukul Pahuja @MukulPahuja
56k on 2nd break. #BPO_23
Michael Marder @MMarder86
39.975k coming back to 75min of 100/200/25:)) #BPO23
Steve Ryan @SteveRyanPoker
42k on 2nd break. Going to 100/200 25 I beleive. Played a hand trappy/nitty.. Might have missed value but not sure. Oh well
David Stefanski @DaveStefanski
Insane day 1 table..34,600 2nd break..
David Williams @dwpoker
63,200 after 4 levels (played 2) at #WPTBorgata. Nothing exceptional since the double. Just eating souls.
Nelson Robinson @D_Dayy
27k on 2nd break #WPTBorgata. Nice win Panthers! Yes we Cam!!
Todd Terry @toddbterry
18400 #WPTBorgata
john andress @johnea6
62k going into 100200 25 after first 4 levels
Level 5: Blinds 100/200 with 25 ante.
The re-entry period is over for day 1A, but players can still register/re-enter for day 1B.
Players are back in action.
Some player Tweets from the break:
Harrison Gimbel @Harrison_Gimbel
81,125 on break. Had 5k 2 levels ago
Mukul Pahuja @MukulPahuja
56k on 2nd break. #BPO_23
Michael Marder @MMarder86
39.975k coming back to 75min of 100/200/25:)) #BPO23
Steve Ryan @SteveRyanPoker
42k on 2nd break. Going to 100/200 25 I beleive. Played a hand trappy/nitty.. Might have missed value but not sure. Oh well
David Stefanski @DaveStefanski
Insane day 1 table..34,600 2nd break..
David Williams @dwpoker
63,200 after 4 levels (played 2) at #WPTBorgata. Nothing exceptional since the double. Just eating souls.
Nelson Robinson @D_Dayy
27k on 2nd break #WPTBorgata. Nice win Panthers! Yes we Cam!!
Todd Terry @toddbterry
18400 #WPTBorgata
john andress @johnea6
62k going into 100200 25 after first 4 levels
Event 22: 7th Place - Smith
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Alex Smith was all-in with KJ against Theo Tran's AT. Both an Ace and a King hit the flop, which was no help for Alex.
Theo took the pot.
Alex took 7th place and $10,166.
Alex Smith (Highland Park, NJ)
$10,166
Alex Smith was all-in with KJ against Theo Tran's AT. Both an Ace and a King hit the flop, which was no help for Alex.
Theo took the pot.
Alex took 7th place and $10,166.
WPT BPO: Late Arrivals, Early Departures
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Championship NLH
Some big names have arrived late and entered this event:
Andy Frankeberger
Tony Dunst
Jared Hamby
Will 'the Thrill' Failla
Jeff Madsen was here, but busted out. Sounds like he's going to wait until tomorrow to fire his second bullet.
Ditto for Jesse Cohen.
Some big names have arrived late and entered this event:
Andy Frankeberger
Tony Dunst
Jared Hamby
Will 'the Thrill' Failla
Jeff Madsen was here, but busted out. Sounds like he's going to wait until tomorrow to fire his second bullet.
Ditto for Jesse Cohen.
Event 22: Searing Doubles
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Theo Tran opened for 20k utg and got called by both blinds.
On the flop of J T 9 rainbow, Ian Searing (sb) shoved for 111k. Martin Raus (bb) folded.
Theo called, showing Q8 for the flopped straight.
Ian had JT for top two pair.
Looked like Ian was headed for a 7th place finish, but then another Jack came on the turn giving him the full house.
River was irrelevant (Ace) and Ian chipped up to 289k.
Theo Tran opened for 20k utg and got called by both blinds.
On the flop of J T 9 rainbow, Ian Searing (sb) shoved for 111k. Martin Raus (bb) folded.
Theo called, showing Q8 for the flopped straight.
Ian had JT for top two pair.
Looked like Ian was headed for a 7th place finish, but then another Jack came on the turn giving him the full house.
River was irrelevant (Ace) and Ian chipped up to 289k.
WPT BPO: Schwartz Trending Up
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Ylon Schwartz (Brooklyn, NY) was one of the original "November Niners," and both pre- and post- finishing fourth in the WSOP Main Event has been a familiar face at Borgata. He's currently turned his starting stack to about 70,000, and after winning his first WSOP bracelet this past summer, Schwartz is looking for his first WPT title. I had a chance to sit down with Ylon earlier in the series and discuss poker, and just life as a whole.
Ylon Schwartz (Brooklyn, NY) was one of the original "November Niners," and both pre- and post- finishing fourth in the WSOP Main Event has been a familiar face at Borgata. He's currently turned his starting stack to about 70,000, and after winning his first WSOP bracelet this past summer, Schwartz is looking for his first WPT title. I had a chance to sit down with Ylon earlier in the series and discuss poker, and just life as a whole.
Event 22: Back From Break
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k with 1k ante.
The final seven have returned to the felt.
Level 20: Blinds 5k/10k with 1k ante.
The final seven have returned to the felt.
Event 22: Final Seven Chip Counts
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
End of level and time for a break.
Approximate chip counts and seat assignments at final table:
End of level and time for a break.
Approximate chip counts and seat assignments at final table:
- Ian Searing - 140k
- Martin Raus - 512k
- Theo Tran - 767k
- Wade Woelfel - 1.12 million
- Tyler Patterson - 735k
- Ari Albilia - 530k
- Alex Smith - 130k
WPT BPO: Level Up
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Level 4 has just began, and the blinds are up to 100/200. This is the last level that a player who busts can re-enter the tournament. This is nothing new to the Borgata, as many of our events are re-entry, but it's been noted that this is the first event in WPT history that allows re-entry on the same day (opposed to only being to play 1A and 1B).
Level 4 has just began, and the blinds are up to 100/200. This is the last level that a player who busts can re-enter the tournament. This is nothing new to the Borgata, as many of our events are re-entry, but it's been noted that this is the first event in WPT history that allows re-entry on the same day (opposed to only being to play 1A and 1B).
Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard Update (9/16)
Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 5-21, 2012), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2012 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 5-21, 2012), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2012 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results from Main events: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Qualifiers and Secondary events: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 4041, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
Qualifiers and Secondary events: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 4041, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
598.050: BRIAN
ODONOGHUE
461.200: BENEDETTO
BIANCO
451.320: JOHN HINDS
443.258: MICHAEL HOLM
416.948: CHII CHING SUN
357.850: CHRISTOPHER
GROVE
349.738: VINEET PAHUJA
339.523: JOHN DELROSSI
316.975: ERIC BALDWIN
316.563: FRANK INGARDIA
315.050: GHEORGHE
GRADINARU
312.200: MARTIN
MATRANCA
301.053: THOMAS HOGLUND
299.088: JULIE
CORNELIUS
291.383: JASON LEAKE
291.263: IVERSON
SNUFFER
287.413: CHUN CHEN
286.288: STEPHEN COWAP
281.725: KENNY NGUYEN
279.653: ERROL MASSEY
277.400: DANIEL WACH
275.763: ELLIOTT
ZAYDMAN
Event 22: 8th Place - Faroni
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
On the river with a board of 2 3 5 4 A (three hearts), Theo Tran checked. Abraham Faroni shoved, and Theo snap-called.
Abraham was playing the wheel on the board. Theo had made the flush on the turn to take the pot.
Abraham Faroni finished in 8th place, earning $6,989.
With seven players remaining, they drew for seats and moved to the final table.
Abraham Faroni (Philadelphia, PA)
$6,989
On the river with a board of 2 3 5 4 A (three hearts), Theo Tran checked. Abraham Faroni shoved, and Theo snap-called.
Abraham was playing the wheel on the board. Theo had made the flush on the turn to take the pot.
Abraham Faroni finished in 8th place, earning $6,989.
With seven players remaining, they drew for seats and moved to the final table.
WPT BPO: Still Filing In
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Players are continuing to walk into the event center, as tournament directors open more tables:
Jacobo Fernandez
Travell Thomas
David Williams
Kenny "SuperTuan" Nyguen
Robert Panitch
Ben Bianco
Players are continuing to walk into the event center, as tournament directors open more tables:
Jacobo Fernandez
Travell Thomas
David Williams
Kenny "SuperTuan" Nyguen
Robert Panitch
Ben Bianco
Event 22: 9th Place - Wach
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Dan Wach was all-in with pocket Tens and ahead of Wade Woelfel's pocket 9s.
Then a 9 hit the river, giving Wade the set and the pot.
Dan finished in 9th place, earning $3,812.
Dan Wach (Boonton, NJ)
$3,812
Dan Wach was all-in with pocket Tens and ahead of Wade Woelfel's pocket 9s.
Then a 9 hit the river, giving Wade the set and the pot.
Dan finished in 9th place, earning $3,812.
WPT BPO: More Familiar Faces
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Championship NLH
Here are some more familiar faces and late arrivals to the event:
Alex Phahurat
Alan Kraut
Kyle Frey
Iverson "Cotton" Snuffer
Ronald Lee
Marvin Siegal
Joshua Templeton
Dan Dizenzo
Jesse Sylvia
Saad Ghanem
Odette Tremblay
Here are some more familiar faces and late arrivals to the event:
Alex Phahurat
Alan Kraut
Kyle Frey
Iverson "Cotton" Snuffer
Ronald Lee
Marvin Siegal
Joshua Templeton
Dan Dizenzo
Jesse Sylvia
Saad Ghanem
Odette Tremblay
WPT BPO: Summer Leader-board Winner
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Championship NLH
Cuong Phung (Atlantic City, NJ)
Cuong Phung (Atlantic City, NJ) takes his seat, and sits down knowing he's earned the right to be here. Cuong was on top of our leader board during the most recent Borgata Summer Poker Open, and won the seat to this event.
Event 22: 10th Place - Iraj
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
John Iraj was all-in with KQ, but ran into Theo Tran's pocket Aces. Aces held up again and John was dispatched in 10th place ($3,177).
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k with 1k ante.
John Iraj (Garden City, NJ)
$3,177
John Iraj was all-in with KQ, but ran into Theo Tran's pocket Aces. Aces held up again and John was dispatched in 10th place ($3,177).
Level 19: Blinds 4k/8k with 1k ante.
WPT BPO: Level Up
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Players are back from a 15 minute break, and the blinds have gone up to 75/150. There has surprisingly been a lot of action in these early levels, and a handful of people are quickly turning the 30,000 starting stack into 60-75,000.
Players are back from a 15 minute break, and the blinds have gone up to 75/150. There has surprisingly been a lot of action in these early levels, and a handful of people are quickly turning the 30,000 starting stack into 60-75,000.
Event 22: 11th Place - Panitch
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Robert Panitch was all-in with pocket Kings, but Wade Woelfel had pocket Aces. The Aces held up and Robert was busted in 11th place ($3,177).
Wade chipped up to ~700k.
Robert Panitch (Northbrook, IL)
$3,177
Robert Panitch was all-in with pocket Kings, but Wade Woelfel had pocket Aces. The Aces held up and Robert was busted in 11th place ($3,177).
Wade chipped up to ~700k.
WPT BPO: Picture Gallery
$3,330 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Dwyte Pilgrim
Jesse Sylvia (Chipleader Going Into Final Table Of 2012 WSOP Main Event)
Mike "Little Man" Sica
Gavin Smith
Alan Kraut
Amanda Musumeci
WPT BPO: Parlaying A Win
$3,300 + 200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Robert Wass Jr. (Wayside, NJ)
On August 19, 2012 the Borgata ran a charity tournament ($240 + 40 + 60 Deepstack NL) sponsored by Cabot Creamery Corp. The winner of this event would win a seat into the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship, on top of the first place cash prize. Robert Wass Jr. (Wayside, NJ) won that event, and now has his opportunity to run shoulders with some of pokers best. He currently sits with Amanda Musumeci (Philadelphia, PA) and Joseph Couden (Reynoldsburg, OH), and we'll keep an eye on how Wass does throughout the event.
Event 22: 12th Place - Cicak
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
George Cicak was all-in with A9 against the pocket Queens of Tyler Patterson. The board came Q T 3 3 T and Tyler's big stack got bigger.
George finished 12th for $3,177.
George Cicak (Randolph, NJ)
$3,177
George Cicak was all-in with A9 against the pocket Queens of Tyler Patterson. The board came Q T 3 3 T and Tyler's big stack got bigger.
George finished 12th for $3,177.
Event 22: Searing Doubles
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Ian Searing was all-in holding pocket Kings against the pocket Queens of John Iraj.
The board fell 6 6 4 5 T and Ian doubled his short-stack up to ~150k.
Ian Searing was all-in holding pocket Kings against the pocket Queens of John Iraj.
The board fell 6 6 4 5 T and Ian doubled his short-stack up to ~150k.
Event 22: Dirty Dozen
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Early departures:
14th - David Grana (Grand Island, NY)
13th - Alex Paostol (Staten Island, NY)
Both earned $2,541.
Down to the final twelve now at two tables. Average stack is ~328k.
Early departures:
14th - David Grana (Grand Island, NY)
13th - Alex Paostol (Staten Island, NY)
Both earned $2,541.
Down to the final twelve now at two tables. Average stack is ~328k.
Event 22: Play Has Resumed
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k with 500 ante.
Play has resumed with 15 returning players.
Level 18: Blinds 3k/6k with 500 ante.
Play has resumed with 15 returning players.
WPT BPO: More Familiar Faces
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Level 2: Blinds 50/100.
Lots more familiar faces are turning up among the 30 tables currently in action:
Jose Montes
Connie Rinaldi
Chris Bell
Eugene Fouksman
Joe Gibbons
David Diaz
Jerry Payne
Scott Schwalich
Andre Boyer
Blake Purvis
Cameron Cornell
Aaron Massey
Brandon Guss
Jeff Madsen
David Inselberg
Allen Kessler
Allen Cunningham
Eugene Juergens
Collin Whyte
Mukul Pahuja
Vinny Pahuja
John Racener
Chun Chen
Billy Pilossoph
Amanda Musumeci
Avdo Djokovic
Tom McCormick
Gheorghe Gradinaru
Level 2: Blinds 50/100.
Lots more familiar faces are turning up among the 30 tables currently in action:
Jose Montes
Connie Rinaldi
Chris Bell
Eugene Fouksman
Joe Gibbons
David Diaz
Jerry Payne
Scott Schwalich
Andre Boyer
Blake Purvis
Cameron Cornell
Aaron Massey
Brandon Guss
Jeff Madsen
David Inselberg
Allen Kessler
Allen Cunningham
Eugene Juergens
Collin Whyte
Mukul Pahuja
Vinny Pahuja
John Racener
Chun Chen
Billy Pilossoph
Amanda Musumeci
Avdo Djokovic
Tom McCormick
Gheorghe Gradinaru
Three Satellites Today!
Championship Qualifiers
For players looking to get into the championship event at a discount, there are three satellites running today.
12pm $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 5 will win a seat.
(already underway -- late registration still available)
3pm $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 10 will win a seat.
7pm $500 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 7 will win a seat.
For players looking to get into the championship event at a discount, there are three satellites running today.
12pm $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 5 will win a seat.
(already underway -- late registration still available)
3pm $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 10 will win a seat.
7pm $500 + $50 Championship Qualifier where approximately 1 in 7 will win a seat.
WPT BPO: Royal Flush Girls
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
When the WPT comes to town, they really bring it.
The Royal Flush Girls Social Bar is set up here in the event center, complete with Royal Flush Girls and free candy and WPT Magazines.
When the WPT comes to town, they really bring it.
Royal Flush Girls dressing up the place
The Royal Flush Girls Social Bar is set up here in the event center, complete with Royal Flush Girls and free candy and WPT Magazines.
WPT BPO: Frequent Fliers
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Lots of Borgata tournament frequent fliers are back on the felt early today:
Brian O'Donoghue
Thomas Hoglund
Ken Silberstein
Tony 'Muscles' Campagna
Todd Terry
Al Grimes
Helen Ellis
Mike 'Little Man' Sica
Alex Torres
Roland Israelashvilli
Ryan D'Angelo
Dan Buzgon
Alex Bolotin
Matt Glantz
Alek Givotovsky
Mike Summers
David Semless
Todd Rebello
Steve Ryan
Cherish Andrews
David Stefanski
Ylon Schwartz
Travis Greenawalt
Darren Elias
Matthew Burnitz
Michael Marder
Tony Antonious
Jesse Cohen
Greg Fishberg
Lots of Borgata tournament frequent fliers are back on the felt early today:
Brian O'Donoghue
Thomas Hoglund
Ken Silberstein
Tony 'Muscles' Campagna
Todd Terry
Al Grimes
Helen Ellis
Mike 'Little Man' Sica
Alex Torres
Roland Israelashvilli
Ryan D'Angelo
Dan Buzgon
Alex Bolotin
Matt Glantz
Alek Givotovsky
Mike Summers
David Semless
Todd Rebello
Steve Ryan
Cherish Andrews
David Stefanski
Ylon Schwartz
Travis Greenawalt
Darren Elias
Matthew Burnitz
Michael Marder
Tony Antonious
Jesse Cohen
Greg Fishberg
WPT BPO: Champions Abound
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
Players we don't normally see here at Borgata are turning out for this event.
Barry Greenstein has been here for a few days and is playing today.
Carlos Mortensen has arrived and taken his seat at table 30, two seats to the left of two-time WPT champion Cornel Cimpan.
Carlos (Henderson, NV) is the only player to ever win both the WPT Championship event and the WSOP Main Event.
Seated between the two is Borgata tournament regular Len Vizirov. Another regular here, Peter Ippolito, has arrived and taken his seat at this table.
Also in the house are WPT champions Steve Brecher & Borgata's own Dwyte Pilgrim.
*** Update: WPT Champion Lee Markholt arrived and took his seat at table 30, joining an already tough table.
Players we don't normally see here at Borgata are turning out for this event.
Barry Greenstein has been here for a few days and is playing today.
Cornel Cimpan, Len Vizirov, & Carlos Mortensen
Carlos Mortensen has arrived and taken his seat at table 30, two seats to the left of two-time WPT champion Cornel Cimpan.
Carlos (Henderson, NV) is the only player to ever win both the WPT Championship event and the WSOP Main Event.
Seated between the two is Borgata tournament regular Len Vizirov. Another regular here, Peter Ippolito, has arrived and taken his seat at this table.
Also in the house are WPT champions Steve Brecher & Borgata's own Dwyte Pilgrim.
*** Update: WPT Champion Lee Markholt arrived and took his seat at table 30, joining an already tough table.
WPT BPO: Cards Fly!
$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
$3 MILLION GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL
The WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event has begun!
The Borgata's WPT event holds the record as the largest (by number of players) on the World Poker Tour, setting the record last year with 1,313.
Today is day 1A of two starting days. Players who bust out may chose to re-enter as many times as they want, through the break after level 4.
Also, players who bust out on day 1A (or surrender their chips) can re-enter on day 1B, and then re-enter as on day 1A.
Players began with 30,000 chips. Levels are 75 minutes long.
Level 1: Blinds 25/50.
Cards are in the air!
$3 MILLION GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL
The WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event has begun!
The Borgata's WPT event holds the record as the largest (by number of players) on the World Poker Tour, setting the record last year with 1,313.
Today is day 1A of two starting days. Players who bust out may chose to re-enter as many times as they want, through the break after level 4.
Also, players who bust out on day 1A (or surrender their chips) can re-enter on day 1B, and then re-enter as on day 1A.
Players began with 30,000 chips. Levels are 75 minutes long.
Level 1: Blinds 25/50.
Cards are in the air!
Event 22 Table Assignments
Borgata Poker Open
Event 22: $1000 + $90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Entries: 262
Total Buy-In: $262,000
DAY 2 TABLE ASSIGNMENTS & CHIP COUNTS:
T1 | S1: ALEX SMITH (HIGHLAND PARK, NJ): 146,000
Event 22: $1000 + $90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Entries: 262
Total Buy-In: $262,000
DAY 2 TABLE ASSIGNMENTS & CHIP COUNTS:
T1 | S1: ALEX SMITH (HIGHLAND PARK, NJ): 146,000
T1 | S2: DAVID GRANA
(GRAND ISLAND, NY): 95,500
T1 | S3: JOHN IRAJ
(GARDEN CITY, NY): 138,000
T1 | S4: IAN SEARING
(SMITHTOWN, NY): 105,000
T1 | S5: ARIEL ALBILIA
(SYOSSET, NY): 454,500
T2 | S1: WADE WOELFEL
(MANKATO, MN): 193,500
T2 | S2: DANIEL WACH
(BOONTON, NJ): 534,000
T2 | S3: ALEX APOSTOL
(STATEN ISLAND, NY): 133,000
T2 | S4: TYLER
PATTERSON (EVERETT, WA): 702,500
T3 | S1: ROBERT PANITCH
(NORTHBROOK, IL): 118,500
T3 | S2: GEORGE CICAK
(RANDOLPH, NJ): 154,500
T3 | S3: THEOBALD TRAN
(LAS VEGAS, NV): 309,500
T3 | S4: ABRAHAM FARONI
(PHILADELPHIA, PA): 522,500
T3 | S5: MARTIN RAUS
(MISSISSAUGA, CAN): 320,500
Sunday, September 16
TODAY'S EVENTS (EVENT CENTER)
11AM: Event 23A - $3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
$3 MILLION GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL
12 PM: Event 47 - $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
3 PM: Event 48 - $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
7 PM: Event 49 - $500 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
11AM: Event 23A - $3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH
$3 MILLION GUARANTEED PRIZE POOL
- Players start with 30,000 in tournament chips
- Day 1 Levels will last 75 minutes each
- Players may Re-Enter through Level 4
- Day 1A & Day 1B end after Level 8
- $10,000 will be awarded to the chip leader at the end of Day 1A
- 5-Day event with two starting days | Day 2 begins Tuesday at 12PM
- Structure
12 PM: Event 47 - $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-15: will last 30 minutes each | Levels 16+: will last 40 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 5 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship (Sep 16-21)
- 1-Day event
3 PM: Event 48 - $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-15: will last 25 minutes each | Levels 16+: will last 30 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 10 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship (Sep 16-21)
- 1-Day event
- Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 30 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 7 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship (Sep 16-21)
- 1-Day event
Event 20 Recap
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
In one of the of the most friendly final tables we've seen at the Borgata Poker Open, Michael Brown (Corbyville, Canada) eventually wore down Tom Morgenstern (Crosswicks, NJ) to win the tournament.
On the final hand, Morgenstern check-raised all in on the river with a pair of 8s, only to see Brown's J♠ 6♦ for trip 6s. "It feels great," says Brown, who won $67,358 and the trophy, "but, I'm tired and hope to get some sleep."
Brown will certainly need it as he was headed to the car to ride back to Ontario, Canada to play more poker. He was schedule to play in another tournament that was beginning 8 hours away and Brown was expected to arrive just in time for the 10 am start.
Morgenstern began heads up play trailing in chips 3 million to 2 million after he knocked out Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) in third place. But Morgenstern's effort to bring home the family's second trophy of the series came up short.
"I didn't do as well as my son," beamed the runner-up while talking about Charles Morgenstern who won the PLO tournament (Event 9) for ~$15,000. "But the payday was alright," he said while he waited to collect his $39,692.
The day began with the remaining 27 players in the money as they chased down the $248,000 in total buy-ins from the 248 entries.
Chip leader Martui Yarlapati (Parsippanny, NJ) finished a disappointing 18th, but three of the top five returning big stacks all reached the final table including Brown who was second overall. He was joined by Terry Grimes and Shawn Busse (Maasapequa, NY) who finished third and fifth respectively.
Fourth place went to one of the short stacks as Jesse Cohen (Ardmore, PA) returned 25th of 27 players and only had 10 big blinds, while Steve Dannenmann (Severn, MD), the 2005 WSOP Main Event runner up, finished sixth.
The camaraderie between the final three was evident when Grimes returned to watch the heads up match and genuinely rooted for both players.
As Brown accepted congratulations for his 9th and final bounty (good for another $4,500), Grimes added, "I look forward to playing with you again Monday." That's when Day 1B of the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event is being held, and yes, Brown will be playing.
"I got the money and was planning on it, so I might as well," said the poker pro who earned his largest career tournament payday. "I'll be back," he said about making the return eight hour trip.
Final Table Results
1st Michael Brown (Corbyville, Canada) $67,358
2nd Tom Morgenstern (Crosswicks, NJ) $39,692
3rd Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) $22,853
4th Jesse Cohen (Ardomore, PA) $18,523
5th Shawn Busse (Massapequa, NY) $14,434
6th Steve Dannenmann (Severn, MD) $12,028
7th Harrison Gimble (Jupiter, FL) $9,622
8th Place Joe Gibbons (Tarpon Springs, FL) $7,217
9th David Stefanski (E Lyme, CT) $4,811
10th Chun Chen (Seattle, WA) $3,127
In one of the of the most friendly final tables we've seen at the Borgata Poker Open, Michael Brown (Corbyville, Canada) eventually wore down Tom Morgenstern (Crosswicks, NJ) to win the tournament.
On the final hand, Morgenstern check-raised all in on the river with a pair of 8s, only to see Brown's J♠ 6♦ for trip 6s. "It feels great," says Brown, who won $67,358 and the trophy, "but, I'm tired and hope to get some sleep."
Brown will certainly need it as he was headed to the car to ride back to Ontario, Canada to play more poker. He was schedule to play in another tournament that was beginning 8 hours away and Brown was expected to arrive just in time for the 10 am start.
Morgenstern began heads up play trailing in chips 3 million to 2 million after he knocked out Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) in third place. But Morgenstern's effort to bring home the family's second trophy of the series came up short.
"I didn't do as well as my son," beamed the runner-up while talking about Charles Morgenstern who won the PLO tournament (Event 9) for ~$15,000. "But the payday was alright," he said while he waited to collect his $39,692.
The day began with the remaining 27 players in the money as they chased down the $248,000 in total buy-ins from the 248 entries.
Chip leader Martui Yarlapati (Parsippanny, NJ) finished a disappointing 18th, but three of the top five returning big stacks all reached the final table including Brown who was second overall. He was joined by Terry Grimes and Shawn Busse (Maasapequa, NY) who finished third and fifth respectively.
Fourth place went to one of the short stacks as Jesse Cohen (Ardmore, PA) returned 25th of 27 players and only had 10 big blinds, while Steve Dannenmann (Severn, MD), the 2005 WSOP Main Event runner up, finished sixth.
The camaraderie between the final three was evident when Grimes returned to watch the heads up match and genuinely rooted for both players.
As Brown accepted congratulations for his 9th and final bounty (good for another $4,500), Grimes added, "I look forward to playing with you again Monday." That's when Day 1B of the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event is being held, and yes, Brown will be playing.
"I got the money and was planning on it, so I might as well," said the poker pro who earned his largest career tournament payday. "I'll be back," he said about making the return eight hour trip.
Final Table Results
1st Michael Brown (Corbyville, Canada) $67,358
2nd Tom Morgenstern (Crosswicks, NJ) $39,692
3rd Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY) $22,853
4th Jesse Cohen (Ardomore, PA) $18,523
5th Shawn Busse (Massapequa, NY) $14,434
6th Steve Dannenmann (Severn, MD) $12,028
7th Harrison Gimble (Jupiter, FL) $9,622
8th Place Joe Gibbons (Tarpon Springs, FL) $7,217
9th David Stefanski (E Lyme, CT) $4,811
10th Chun Chen (Seattle, WA) $3,127
Event 20 Winner - Brown
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Brown says he's getting a ride back to Ontario, Canada to play in another tournament before making the 8 hour return trip Monday to play in Day 1B of the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event.
Michael Brown (Corbyville, Canada)
$67,358
$67,358
Brown begins heads up with a 3 million to 2 million chip lead and methodically erodes Tom Morgenstern's chip stack for the win.
Final Hand
Blinds 20k/40k/4k ante
Brown: 3.5 million
Morgenstern 1.5 million
Board: 7♥ 6♣ 8♦ 2♥ 6♥
Morgenstern checks
Brown bets 100k
Morgenstern moves all in
Brown calls
Brown: J♠ 6♦ (trip 6s)
Morgenstern: J♣ 8♥ (pair of 8s)
Brown's trip 6s gets him his 9th bounty of the tournament and the $67,358 pay day.
"I was up and down and all over the place," says Brown, who picks up the largest tournament cash of his professional career.
Brown says he's getting a ride back to Ontario, Canada to play in another tournament before making the 8 hour return trip Monday to play in Day 1B of the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event.
Event 20: 2nd Place - Morgenstern
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Tom Morgenstern (Crosswicks, NJ)
$39,692
On the final hand ,the board shows 7♥ 6♣ 8♦ 2♥ 6♥ and Morgenstern check-raises all in on the river for what's left of the 1.5 million he had to start the hand.
Michael Brown snap calls and shows trip 6s for the winner against Morgenstern's J 8 for a pair of 8s. Brown takes the title as Morgenstern settles for second place.
"I didn't do as well as my son," beams the runner-up while talking about Charles Morgenstern who won the PLO tournament (Event 9) for ~$15,000. "But the payday was alright."
Morgenstern is an orthodontist who updated Chuck with phone calls because his son couldn't be on the rail in person.
Event 20: Morgenstern Doubles
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Blinds 20k/40k/4k ante
After dropping to as low aa 200k, Tom Morgenstern is all in preflop for 675k with pocket 4s against the QJ of Michael Brown.
Morgenstern gets an unnecessary 4 on the river for a full house to to take his stack to nearly 1.5 million, while Brown is down to 3.5 million.
Blinds 20k/40k/4k ante
After dropping to as low aa 200k, Tom Morgenstern is all in preflop for 675k with pocket 4s against the QJ of Michael Brown.
Morgenstern gets an unnecessary 4 on the river for a full house to to take his stack to nearly 1.5 million, while Brown is down to 3.5 million.
Event 22: Bag & Tag
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) is the chip leader with 792,500 (132 BB) as players are bagging and tagging for the night.
The final 14 players return Sunday at 1 pm to play for the $64,807 top prize and are guaranteed at least $2,541.
The average stack is 281k (47 BB) as blinds resume at 3k/6k/500.
Chip Counts
Tyler Patterson 702,500
Abe Faroni 572,500
Dan Wach 534,000
Ari Albilia 454,500
Martin Raus 320,500
Theo Tran 309,500
Wade Woelfel 193,500
Georege Cicak 154,500
Alex Smith 146,000
John Iraj 138,000
Alex Apostol 133,000
Robert Panitch 119,000
Ian Searing 105,000
Dave Girana 95,500
Day 2 Table Draw will be posted after 9 am.
Tyler on Top
Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) is the chip leader with 792,500 (132 BB) as players are bagging and tagging for the night.
The final 14 players return Sunday at 1 pm to play for the $64,807 top prize and are guaranteed at least $2,541.
The average stack is 281k (47 BB) as blinds resume at 3k/6k/500.
Chip Counts
Tyler Patterson 702,500
Abe Faroni 572,500
Dan Wach 534,000
Ari Albilia 454,500
Martin Raus 320,500
Theo Tran 309,500
Wade Woelfel 193,500
Georege Cicak 154,500
Alex Smith 146,000
John Iraj 138,000
Alex Apostol 133,000
Robert Panitch 119,000
Ian Searing 105,000
Dave Girana 95,500
Day 2 Table Draw will be posted after 9 am.
Event 22: Last Hand of the Night
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Bags are out and players are finishing their final hand of the night.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
15th Alan Sansone (Clifton, NJ) $2,541
16th Louie Esposito (Howard Beach, NY) $2,541
17th Kenneth Aldridge (Pleasant Garden, NC) $2,541
18th Charles Furrey (Bridgewater, NJ) $2,541
Bags are out and players are finishing their final hand of the night.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
15th Alan Sansone (Clifton, NJ) $2,541
16th Louie Esposito (Howard Beach, NY) $2,541
17th Kenneth Aldridge (Pleasant Garden, NC) $2,541
18th Charles Furrey (Bridgewater, NJ) $2,541
Event 20: 3rd Place - Grimes
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NY)
$22,853
On a board of 2♥ J♥ 9♣Q♣ Grimes is all in for 720k and at risk vs Tom Morgenstern
Grimes: 2♣ 3♣ (pair of 2s, ♣ flush draw)
Morgenstern: 10♥ 7♥ (gutshot straight and ♥ flush draws)
River: 3♥
The river gives Grimes two pairs, but Morgenstern the winning flush.
Morgenstern is now heads up against Michael Brown and at a 3-2 chip deficit.
Event 22: 3 Busto, 18 Redraw
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
The latest bustouts have us down to 18 players who are all getting new seats.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
19th Alek Bolotin (Brooklyn, NY) $1,906
20th Ketan Pandya (Piscataway, NJ) $1,906
21st Justin Gardenhire (Ponca, OK) $1,906
The latest bustouts have us down to 18 players who are all getting new seats.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
19th Alek Bolotin (Brooklyn, NY) $1,906
20th Ketan Pandya (Piscataway, NJ) $1,906
21st Justin Gardenhire (Ponca, OK) $1,906
Event 20: Final Three Chip Counts
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Players are on a break and Michael Brown is still the chip leader as blinds are going up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
On hand of note was Tom Morgenstern shipping a 256k double up to Terry Grimes who hit a king high flush after Morgenstern hit two pairs with 10 3 in a blind vs blind situation.
Chip Counts
Michael Brown 2.8 million
Tom Morgenstern 1.6 million
Terry Grimes 540k
Players are on a break and Michael Brown is still the chip leader as blinds are going up to 15k/30k/4k ante.
On hand of note was Tom Morgenstern shipping a 256k double up to Terry Grimes who hit a king high flush after Morgenstern hit two pairs with 10 3 in a blind vs blind situation.
Chip Counts
Michael Brown 2.8 million
Tom Morgenstern 1.6 million
Terry Grimes 540k
Event 22: We Were on a Break!
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
The 21 remaining players are on a 15 minute color-up break. Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) is the chip leader with 650k.
Play will resume with blinds at 2,500/5k/500 ante and the will be the last level of the night.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
22nd Ricardo Franco (Philadelphia, PA) $1,906
23rd Jamie Kerstetter (Monroe Twp., NJ) $1,906
24th Jeffrey Fielder (Des Moines, IA) $1,906
The 21 remaining players are on a 15 minute color-up break. Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA) is the chip leader with 650k.
Play will resume with blinds at 2,500/5k/500 ante and the will be the last level of the night.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
22nd Ricardo Franco (Philadelphia, PA) $1,906
23rd Jamie Kerstetter (Monroe Twp., NJ) $1,906
24th Jeffrey Fielder (Des Moines, IA) $1,906
Event 20: 4th Place - Cohen
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Jesse Cohen (Ardomore, PA)
$18,523
Tom Morgenstern's heater continues as he picks up A♠ A♦ to bust Cohen's K♥ Q♥.
Ironically on the first deal of three-handed play. Morgenstern gives Michael Brown a walk who says, "I haven't even looked at my cards."
Everyone is stunned as he turns over A♠ A♥ and says, "I shouldn't have even looked."
Event 20: 5th Place - Busse
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
Busse leaves the Event Center stunned when his pocket kings are not only cracked, but smashed by Tom Morgenstern who hits quad jacks.
"That's my grandson, Jackson" says Morgenstern who adds Busse's 600k to his stack and now has 1.4 million. Morgenstern quickly jumps on the phone to call his family with the good news as Busse picks up $14,434 for his 5th place finish.
Shawn Busse (Massapequa, NY) $14,434
Busse leaves the Event Center stunned when his pocket kings are not only cracked, but smashed by Tom Morgenstern who hits quad jacks.
"That's my grandson, Jackson" says Morgenstern who adds Busse's 600k to his stack and now has 1.4 million. Morgenstern quickly jumps on the phone to call his family with the good news as Busse picks up $14,434 for his 5th place finish.
Event 20: Morgenstern Doubles Through Grimes
$1,000 + 90 + 500 Purple Chip Bounty No Limit Hold'em
12k/24k/3k ante
Tom Morgenstern moves in twice without a call, showing KK once, but the third time is the charm as Terry Grimes looks him up.
Morgenstern: 10♥ 10♠
Grimes: A♠ 9♠
Grimes picks up a sweat with a 9 on the flop, but that's all he gets.
Morgenstern gets a 421k double-up, while Grimes drops to 300k.
12k/24k/3k ante
Tom Morgenstern moves in twice without a call, showing KK once, but the third time is the charm as Terry Grimes looks him up.
Morgenstern: 10♥ 10♠
Grimes: A♠ 9♠
Grimes picks up a sweat with a 9 on the flop, but that's all he gets.
Morgenstern gets a 421k double-up, while Grimes drops to 300k.
Event 22: Fouksman Falls, Three More Down
$1,000 + 90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
Eugene Fouksman begins the hand with 120k and defends his blind after Dan Wach min raises the button.
The board is A K 7 6 K and after both players check the turn, Wach moves all in and Fouksman calls.
Wach shows pocket 7s for a full house, 7s full of kings, and Fouksman mucks for a 27th place finish.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
25th Javier Fernandez (San Juan, Puerto Rico) $1,525
26th Patrick Eskandar (Gulfport, MS) $1,525
27th Eugene Fouksman (Morganville, NJ) $1,525
Eugene Fouksman begins the hand with 120k and defends his blind after Dan Wach min raises the button.
The board is A K 7 6 K and after both players check the turn, Wach moves all in and Fouksman calls.
Wach shows pocket 7s for a full house, 7s full of kings, and Fouksman mucks for a 27th place finish.
Recent Eliminations
Place-Name-Amount
25th Javier Fernandez (San Juan, Puerto Rico) $1,525
26th Patrick Eskandar (Gulfport, MS) $1,525
27th Eugene Fouksman (Morganville, NJ) $1,525
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