$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1.2K/2.4K Ante 300
The drama from earlier won't have the opportunity to go any further as Deemo Monosson has busted out. We are down to 12 players with an average stack of 155K (65 big blinds). We are going to play through the completion of level 16. Currently there is about 10 minutes left in level 14.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Event 17: 6th Place - Faroni
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
Abe Faroni (Philadelphia, PA)
$12,591
Abe Faroni puts his last 500k all in with pocket 10s against the AJ of Ronnie Bardah.
Flop: A-9-3
Bardah hits an Ace and dodges the last two 10s in the deck to take his stack to nearly 1.5 million.
Faroni finishes in 6th place for $12,591.
Event 17: No Change
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
In the last two hours, the only action we've seen is Kevin Calenzo all in three times, but has yet to be called. On the last hand he flashes Q♥ J♥ after 3-betting Russell Crane's initial raise.
Ronnie Bardah 1 million (42 bb)
Brian O'Donoghue 950k
Alex Rocha 935k
Russell Crane 790k
Abe Faroni 660k
Kevin Calenzo 400k (17 bb)
Blinds 12k/24k/3k ante
In the last two hours, the only action we've seen is Kevin Calenzo all in three times, but has yet to be called. On the last hand he flashes Q♥ J♥ after 3-betting Russell Crane's initial raise.
Ronnie Bardah 1 million (42 bb)
Brian O'Donoghue 950k
Alex Rocha 935k
Russell Crane 790k
Abe Faroni 660k
Kevin Calenzo 400k (17 bb)
Event 20 - In the money!
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 4K/8K Ante 1K
The bubble burst quick and we're in the money. 36 players remain with an average stack of 188K (23 big blinds). The aforementioned James Woods appears to be the chip leader with approximately 375K in chips. He joked that he had 400K but that an opponent "cracked my deuces."
Blinds 4K/8K Ante 1K
The bubble burst quick and we're in the money. 36 players remain with an average stack of 188K (23 big blinds). The aforementioned James Woods appears to be the chip leader with approximately 375K in chips. He joked that he had 400K but that an opponent "cracked my deuces."
James Woods with lots of chips
Event 19 - The heat is on
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 1K/2K Ante 300
There are 14 players left with an average stack of 133K (66 big blinds). A bit of high drama between Matt Salsberg and Deemo Monosson going on that required the floor to step in. After winning a hand, Deemo screeched loud like a bird. Salsberg called the floor over to ask him to be quiet. They aren't at the same table and Deemo turns his head to look at him. "He's acting like a five year old," Salsberg explained his frustrations to the floor person. Deemo glares at Matt and calls him something we won't repeat in this blog - suffice it to say it was very derogatory. "Let's go outside," Deemo says to Matt and then proceeds to whisper to his wife "one more time and I'm going to knock his f***ing head off". The floor did the best they could to calm the peace but definitely a situation to keep an eye on as we near the final table and the money.
Blinds 1K/2K Ante 300
There are 14 players left with an average stack of 133K (66 big blinds). A bit of high drama between Matt Salsberg and Deemo Monosson going on that required the floor to step in. After winning a hand, Deemo screeched loud like a bird. Salsberg called the floor over to ask him to be quiet. They aren't at the same table and Deemo turns his head to look at him. "He's acting like a five year old," Salsberg explained his frustrations to the floor person. Deemo glares at Matt and calls him something we won't repeat in this blog - suffice it to say it was very derogatory. "Let's go outside," Deemo says to Matt and then proceeds to whisper to his wife "one more time and I'm going to knock his f***ing head off". The floor did the best they could to calm the peace but definitely a situation to keep an eye on as we near the final table and the money.
Event 17: Rail Growing
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
"Look at this, flip a coin," says Lee Childs who joins the growing rail. "Anyone of these guys can win."
Childs, joins Heads Up event winner Kevin Saul, along with Aaron and Ralph Massey who are sweating the final table. Norm Michalek and Joe Opie are steady rail birds as well.
On the last break for the 7 pm satellite, the Patti & Patti show were on hand. Patti Barsanti-Chou is playing the qualifier, while Patti Cahill is just checking out the action. But there's not much to see as all six players keep trading chips.
Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
"Look at this, flip a coin," says Lee Childs who joins the growing rail. "Anyone of these guys can win."
Childs, joins Heads Up event winner Kevin Saul, along with Aaron and Ralph Massey who are sweating the final table. Norm Michalek and Joe Opie are steady rail birds as well.
On the last break for the 7 pm satellite, the Patti & Patti show were on hand. Patti Barsanti-Chou is playing the qualifier, while Patti Cahill is just checking out the action. But there's not much to see as all six players keep trading chips.
Event 17: Blinds Up, Calenzo Clinging to Chips
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
At the end of the previous level Kevin Calenzo was all in twice, but not called as he hovers in the 300k range. The short stack continues to hang around.
Ronnie Bardah 950k
Alex Rocha 900k
Brian O'Donoghue 860k
Russell Crane 800k
Abe Faroni 775k
Kevin Calenzo 350k
Blinds 10k/20k/3k ante
Final Table
At the end of the previous level Kevin Calenzo was all in twice, but not called as he hovers in the 300k range. The short stack continues to hang around.
Ronnie Bardah 950k
Alex Rocha 900k
Brian O'Donoghue 860k
Russell Crane 800k
Abe Faroni 775k
Kevin Calenzo 350k
Event 20 - James Woods getting noticed
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
James Woods is well known for his roles on the big and small screen. He's been nominated for two Oscars (Salvador in 1986 and Ghosts of Mississippi in 1996) and has had roles in notable productions like Casino, Nixon, and The Virgin Suicides. Most recently, Woods has been in a supporting role on the new HBO drama Ray Donovan which he told me "great show... did it as a favor for a friend and love it."
What might not be known, however, is that Woods has a strong passion for the game of poker. He appeared in Celebrity Poker Showdown at the height of the poker boom and has 87K in lifetime tournament winnings including two WSOP cashes and a LAPC WPT cash. Recognized by many around the tournament area, he is graciously posing for pictures with fans on the break and appears to be in a great mood. It'd be great to see him make a deep run tonight.
James Woods is well known for his roles on the big and small screen. He's been nominated for two Oscars (Salvador in 1986 and Ghosts of Mississippi in 1996) and has had roles in notable productions like Casino, Nixon, and The Virgin Suicides. Most recently, Woods has been in a supporting role on the new HBO drama Ray Donovan which he told me "great show... did it as a favor for a friend and love it."
What might not be known, however, is that Woods has a strong passion for the game of poker. He appeared in Celebrity Poker Showdown at the height of the poker boom and has 87K in lifetime tournament winnings including two WSOP cashes and a LAPC WPT cash. Recognized by many around the tournament area, he is graciously posing for pictures with fans on the break and appears to be in a great mood. It'd be great to see him make a deep run tonight.
While talking with him, he asked how he could follow the coverage. James Woods is now a follower of the Borgata Twitter feed. Yes, he might follow 2,000+ people but thanks for the add James!
Event 17: Trading Chips
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
Abe Faroni and Alex Rocha dual in a pot with Faroni getting the best of it on the river.
"You river me," asks Rocha after both players check. Faroni turns over 8 9 offsuit for a pair of 9s which he hit on the river. "I was check-calling you if it's a deuce," says Rocha while showing K J high. "I knew it was the river."
The six remaining players are chatting it up and there's mutual respect to go around.
Blinds 8k/16k/2k ante
Abe Faroni and Alex Rocha dual in a pot with Faroni getting the best of it on the river.
"You river me," asks Rocha after both players check. Faroni turns over 8 9 offsuit for a pair of 9s which he hit on the river. "I was check-calling you if it's a deuce," says Rocha while showing K J high. "I knew it was the river."
The six remaining players are chatting it up and there's mutual respect to go around.
Event 20 Update
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2K/4K Ante 400
There are 71 players remaining with an average stack of 95K (24 big blinds). Actor James Woods is still alive. They are now on a 15 minute color up break and will return to blinds of 2.5K/5K with a 500 ante.
Blinds 2K/4K Ante 400
There are 71 players remaining with an average stack of 95K (24 big blinds). Actor James Woods is still alive. They are now on a 15 minute color up break and will return to blinds of 2.5K/5K with a 500 ante.
Event 19 Update
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 800/1600 Ante 200
Quick update for Event 19. There are 16 players left, pace is moving pretty fast. The average stack is 116K (72 big blinds) so there is a ton of play for the remaining players.
Blinds 800/1600 Ante 200
Quick update for Event 19. There are 16 players left, pace is moving pretty fast. The average stack is 116K (72 big blinds) so there is a ton of play for the remaining players.
Event 19: Gagliano Leads, Nair Climbing
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 11: Blinds 600/1,200/200 ante
Mike Gagliano (Rockaway, NJ) has reclaimed the chip lead. He's up to 243,600.
More impressive is the fact that Jay Nair (Redmond, WA) had 9,500 chips in level 8 (300/600/75 ante) when he was moved to Mike's table, to the seat on Mike's right.
"I doubled him up" says Mike. But he's got more than a double-up. Jay is now up to ~150k.
Level 11: Blinds 600/1,200/200 ante
Mike Gagliano (Rockaway, NJ) has reclaimed the chip lead. He's up to 243,600.
Jay Nair
More impressive is the fact that Jay Nair (Redmond, WA) had 9,500 chips in level 8 (300/600/75 ante) when he was moved to Mike's table, to the seat on Mike's right.
"I doubled him up" says Mike. But he's got more than a double-up. Jay is now up to ~150k.
Event 20: Back From Dinner
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 14: Blinds 1,500/3,000/400 ante
The remaining 87 players are back from dinner and now it is a race to the finish in this one day event.
Only 36 get paid, so there's still a long way to go to reach the money.
David Golin (Brooklyn, NY) is the chip leader with 352k.
Level 14: Blinds 1,500/3,000/400 ante
The remaining 87 players are back from dinner and now it is a race to the finish in this one day event.
Only 36 get paid, so there's still a long way to go to reach the money.
David Golin
David Golin (Brooklyn, NY) is the chip leader with 352k.
Event 19: Back From Dinner
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 11: Blinds 600/1,200/200 ante
The final 27 are back from break and have settled in for the night.
They'll play until 2am, or the money, or the end of level 16, or until they decide to stop.
Day two begins at noon Sunday.
Level 11: Blinds 600/1,200/200 ante
The final 27 are back from break and have settled in for the night.
They'll play until 2am, or the money, or the end of level 16, or until they decide to stop.
Day two begins at noon Sunday.
Event 20: Payouts
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Borgata Poker Open
Event 20: 350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em
September 14, 2013
Entries: 338
Total Buy-in: $118,300
PAYOUTS:
1: $30,988
2: $17,214
3: $10,706
4: $8,606
5: $6,770
6: $5,565
7: $4,475
8: $3,385
9: $2,295
10-12: $1,492
13-15: $1,234
16-18: $981
19-27: $803
28-36: $711
Borgata Poker Open
Event 20: 350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em
September 14, 2013
Entries: 338
Total Buy-in: $118,300
PAYOUTS:
1: $30,988
2: $17,214
3: $10,706
4: $8,606
5: $6,770
6: $5,565
7: $4,475
8: $3,385
9: $2,295
10-12: $1,492
13-15: $1,234
16-18: $981
19-27: $803
28-36: $711
Event 20: Dinner Time
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
At the end of level 13, players were sent on a one hour dinner break.
87 players remain. Average stack is 78k.
Play will resume at 8:30 pm with level 14, blinds 1,500/3,000/400 ante.
At the end of level 13, players were sent on a one hour dinner break.
87 players remain. Average stack is 78k.
Play will resume at 8:30 pm with level 14, blinds 1,500/3,000/400 ante.
Event 17: 7th Place - Gilmer
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
6k/12k/2k ante
6k/12k/2k ante
Daniel Gilmer (Ashland, OH)
$9,729
On one of the first hands of the final table, Daniel Gilmer is all in for 300k and up against Ronnie Bardah.
Bardah: 88
Gilmer: AQ
Flop: A-J-8
Gilmer hits an Ace, but Bardah hits a set for the knockout to take his stack to 900k.
Gilmer adds $9,729 to his bankroll for a 7th place finish.
Event 19: Last Hand Before Dinner
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 10: Blinds 500/1,000/100 ante
On the last hand of the level, Maruti Yarlapati (Pine Brook, NJ) in the big blind and Ken 'Teach' Aldridge (cutoff) tangled in a pot.
On the river, the board read 6 3 3 9 K and Maruti bet 18k. After giving it some thought, Teach called.
Maruti showed A4 suited for Ace-high. Teach showed 97 suited for a pair of 9s to take the pot.
With that pot, Teach chipped up to 193,500 and the chip lead.
Mike Gagliano is second with 187k and Matt Salsberg is right behind him with ~180k.
At the end of level 10, the final 27 players were sent on a one hour dinner break.
Play will resume at 8:05 pm. They will return to level 11, blinds 600/1,200/200 ante.
Average stack is 69k.
Level 10: Blinds 500/1,000/100 ante
Ken 'Teach' Aldridge
On the last hand of the level, Maruti Yarlapati (Pine Brook, NJ) in the big blind and Ken 'Teach' Aldridge (cutoff) tangled in a pot.
On the river, the board read 6 3 3 9 K and Maruti bet 18k. After giving it some thought, Teach called.
Maruti showed A4 suited for Ace-high. Teach showed 97 suited for a pair of 9s to take the pot.
With that pot, Teach chipped up to 193,500 and the chip lead.
Mike Gagliano is second with 187k and Matt Salsberg is right behind him with ~180k.
At the end of level 10, the final 27 players were sent on a one hour dinner break.
Play will resume at 8:05 pm. They will return to level 11, blinds 600/1,200/200 ante.
Average stack is 69k.
Event 17: Final Table
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Seat-Name-Chip Count
Kevin Calenzo 560k
Alex Rocha 1 million
Ronnie Bardah 600k
Abe Faroni 800k
Daniel Gilmer 305k
Brian O'Donoghue 975k
Russell Crane 450k
Blinds 6k/12k/2k ante
Seat-Name-Chip Count
Kevin Calenzo 560k
Alex Rocha 1 million
Ronnie Bardah 600k
Abe Faroni 800k
Daniel Gilmer 305k
Brian O'Donoghue 975k
Russell Crane 450k
Event 17: 8th Place - Hurwitz
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
6k/12k/2k ante
6k/12k/2k ante
Jeffrey Hurwitz (New Haven, CT)
$6,868
In a close count, Jeffrey Hurwitz sends a 280k double-up to Kevin Calenzo and is left with 3k.
Calenzo has pocket Queens and hits a flush against Hurwitz's K9; Calenzo doubles to 560k.
Hurwitz doubles twice for peanuts and eventually finishes in 8th place for $6,868.
Event 20: Regular Rounders
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 12: Blinds 1k/2k/300 ante
There were lots of familiar faces still in action during the last level:
David Johnston
Mike Summers
Nancy Todd
Ta Wey
Theen Wey
Luke Edwards
Alida Vileu
Stephanie Hubbard
Todd Rebello
Nick Palma
Christine Brewer
Tony Sinishtaj
Wendy Freedman
Rags Thiagarajah
Leonardo Palermo
Kal Alwan
Natale Kuey
Tony Abi-Yaghi
Will Failla
Mike Shasho
Travell Thomas
Frank Ingardia
Level 12: Blinds 1k/2k/300 ante
There were lots of familiar faces still in action during the last level:
David Johnston
Mike Summers
Nancy Todd
Ta Wey
Theen Wey
Luke Edwards
Alida Vileu
Stephanie Hubbard
Todd Rebello
Nick Palma
Christine Brewer
Tony Sinishtaj
Wendy Freedman
Rags Thiagarajah
Leonardo Palermo
Kal Alwan
Natale Kuey
Tony Abi-Yaghi
Will Failla
Mike Shasho
Travell Thomas
Frank Ingardia
Event 19: Payouts
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Borgata Poker Open
Event 19: $1,500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
September 14-15, 2013
Entries: 93
Total Buy-in: $139,500
PAYOUTS:
1: $47,360
2: $25,710
3: $16,238
4: $12,178
5: $9,472
6: $8,119
7: $6,766
8: $5,413
9: $4,059
Borgata Poker Open
Event 19: $1,500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em
September 14-15, 2013
Entries: 93
Total Buy-in: $139,500
PAYOUTS:
1: $47,360
2: $25,710
3: $16,238
4: $12,178
5: $9,472
6: $8,119
7: $6,766
8: $5,413
9: $4,059
Event 17: 9th Place - Randall
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
David Randall (Westerville, OH)
$4,006
David Randall ships a double-up to Brian O'Donoghue with AJ against AK to go from 500k to less than 100k. The last of his chips also go to O'Donoghue with Q5 against A5; O'Donoghue is now the chip leader with 1 million.
Randall finishes in 9th place for $4,006.
Event 17: O'Donoghue Heater
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
After dropping to 250k, Brian O'Donoghue is all in with K♦ K♠ against the pocket 6s of Alex Rocha.
Flop: Q♠ 6♦ 5♦ (Rocha set)
Turn: 8♦ (O'Donoghue flush draw)
River:4♦
The river diamond gives O'Donoghue the winning flush and doubles his stack to 500k, while Rocha drops to 730k.
A few hands later, O'Donoghue is all in and at risk with AK against the AJ of David Randall. He gets another double-up to take his stack to 1 million. Randall drops to less than 100k and is out the next hand.
"He just decided to go on a heater," says Rocha, "that's how you go from 250k to a million."
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
After dropping to 250k, Brian O'Donoghue is all in with K♦ K♠ against the pocket 6s of Alex Rocha.
Flop: Q♠ 6♦ 5♦ (Rocha set)
Turn: 8♦ (O'Donoghue flush draw)
River:4♦
The river diamond gives O'Donoghue the winning flush and doubles his stack to 500k, while Rocha drops to 730k.
A few hands later, O'Donoghue is all in and at risk with AK against the AJ of David Randall. He gets another double-up to take his stack to 1 million. Randall drops to less than 100k and is out the next hand.
"He just decided to go on a heater," says Rocha, "that's how you go from 250k to a million."
Event 19: More Departures
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 10: Blinds 500/1,000/100 ante
These faces have departed the tournament:
Sam Taylor
Ben Bianco
Frank Bonacci
Only 33 remain. Average stack is 56k.
Level 10: Blinds 500/1,000/100 ante
These faces have departed the tournament:
Sam Taylor
Ben Bianco
Frank Bonacci
Only 33 remain. Average stack is 56k.
Event 17: Crane Rides Roller Coaster
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
After topping out at 1 million chips, Russell Crane has been on a roller coaster.
He drops to 250k after losing a few pots and then sending a 250k double-up to David Randall (AJ vs Randall's KK).
Crane gets a double-up through Brian O'Donoghue with KK against KQ with the two flipping chip stacks. Crane goes to 500k, while O'Donoghue drops to 250k.
Blinds 5k/10k/1k ante
After topping out at 1 million chips, Russell Crane has been on a roller coaster.
He drops to 250k after losing a few pots and then sending a 250k double-up to David Randall (AJ vs Randall's KK).
Crane gets a double-up through Brian O'Donoghue with KK against KQ with the two flipping chip stacks. Crane goes to 500k, while O'Donoghue drops to 250k.
Event 20: Blinds Up, Players Down, Woods In
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 11: Blinds 800/1,600/200 ante
Down to 150 players already as the blinds continue to climb relentlessly every 30 minutes.
James Woods is still in, making a deeper run than he did yesterday. It was about this time yesterday when he busted out.
Level 11: Blinds 800/1,600/200 ante
Down to 150 players already as the blinds continue to climb relentlessly every 30 minutes.
James Woods
James Woods is still in, making a deeper run than he did yesterday. It was about this time yesterday when he busted out.
Event 19: Lussier Leads
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 9: Blinds 400/800/75 ante
Players are back from break -- and there are only 42 of them.
Average stack is ~44k.
Roger Lussier (E Islip, NY) is the chip leader with 135k.
Level 9: Blinds 400/800/75 ante
Players are back from break -- and there are only 42 of them.
Average stack is ~44k.
Roger Lussier
Roger Lussier (E Islip, NY) is the chip leader with 135k.
Event 19: Goners
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 8: Blinds 300/600/75 ante
45 players remain. Average stack is 41,333.
These folks have departed this event at some time today:
Mike Shasho
Bob Hwang
Matt Rock
Alida Vileu
Kevin Saul
Lee Childs
A couple of these guys Tweeted their departures:
Level 8: Blinds 300/600/75 ante
45 players remain. Average stack is 41,333.
These folks have departed this event at some time today:
Mike Shasho
Bob Hwang
Matt Rock
Alida Vileu
Kevin Saul
Lee Childs
A couple of these guys Tweeted their departures:
I got to play a lot of poker in the $1000 6max. I did not get to play much poker in the $1500. Main event tomorrow. @TEAMULive
— Jonathan Little (@JonathanLittle) September 14, 2013
Got it up to 30k & then bricked str/flush draw all in on flop v top pair. I'll hit those tomorrow in the @wpt main event though.
— Lee Childs (@leechilds) September 14, 2013
Event 17: Chip Counts
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Table 1
Alex Rocha (S. Setauket, NY) 760k
Brian O'Donoghue (Bayside, NY) 520k
David Randall (Westerville, OH) 270k
Russell Crane (Howell, NJ) 960k
Table 2
Jeffrey Hurwitz (New Haven, CT) 400k
Daniel Gilmer (Ashland, OH) 290k
Abe Faroni (Philadelphia, PA) 510k
Kevin Calenzo (Las Vegas, NV) 450k
Ronnie Bardah (Brockton, MA) 550k
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Table 1
Alex Rocha (S. Setauket, NY) 760k
Brian O'Donoghue (Bayside, NY) 520k
David Randall (Westerville, OH) 270k
Russell Crane (Howell, NJ) 960k
Table 2
Jeffrey Hurwitz (New Haven, CT) 400k
Daniel Gilmer (Ashland, OH) 290k
Abe Faroni (Philadelphia, PA) 510k
Kevin Calenzo (Las Vegas, NV) 450k
Ronnie Bardah (Brockton, MA) 550k
Event 17: 10th Place - DiBella
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
John DiBella (Eastchester, NY)
$2,862
John DiBella is all in for 200k with pocket 9s against the AK of Russell Crane.
The flop of 4-4-4 gives Crane an extra out if quads hit the board, but he goes Barry Greenstein and gets his Ace on the river. Crane is the chip leader with more than 1 million.
DiBella finishes in 10th place for $2,862.
Event 19: Chip Leader
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 8: Blinds 300/600/75 ante
Only 48 players remain. Looks like Mike Gagliano (Rockaway, NJ) is the chip leader with about 120k.
Level 8: Blinds 300/600/75 ante
Mike Gagliano
Only 48 players remain. Looks like Mike Gagliano (Rockaway, NJ) is the chip leader with about 120k.
Event 17: 11th Place - Deroo
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Blinds 4k/8k/1k ante
Ryan Deroo (Margate, NJ)
$2,862
On one of the first hands back from break, Ryan Deroo moves all in for 150k from the button and David Randall looks him up from the SB.
Deroo: K♠ 3♠
Randall: KK
Deroo is drawing thin and busts in 11th place for $2,862.
Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard Update (9/14)
Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 3-20, 2013), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2013 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results: main events: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18
secondary events: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
498.250: ILYA VASSERMAN
463.750: ARTUR ZAIKANSKY
395.950: ANDREW JEFFREY
387.640: STEPHEN MOY
384.275: EMANUEL FAILLA
382.775: TIMOTHY LITTLE
369.525: KHALED ALWAN
368.825: JASON ROSENBERG
365.175: THOMAS HOGLUND
362.675: ERIC RAPPAPORT
360.700: KEVIN SAUL
353.650: JOSEPH PALMA
350.000: MAKSIM ROZENFELD
345.400: JOHN HOLLEY
340.725: JOSEPH GRODOWSKI
321.520: EDWARD BOU
320.025: NASHAAT ANTONIOUS
318.950: DANIEL WACH
318.125: SANJEEV DATTA
317.925: JOHNSON NGUYEN
306.625: SOHEB PORBANDARWALA
By participating in any Borgata Poker Open event (September 3-20, 2013), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.
Below are the top scores for the 2013 Borgata Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results: main events: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18
secondary events: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
498.250: ILYA VASSERMAN
463.750: ARTUR ZAIKANSKY
395.950: ANDREW JEFFREY
387.640: STEPHEN MOY
384.275: EMANUEL FAILLA
382.775: TIMOTHY LITTLE
369.525: KHALED ALWAN
368.825: JASON ROSENBERG
365.175: THOMAS HOGLUND
362.675: ERIC RAPPAPORT
360.700: KEVIN SAUL
353.650: JOSEPH PALMA
350.000: MAKSIM ROZENFELD
345.400: JOHN HOLLEY
340.725: JOSEPH GRODOWSKI
321.520: EDWARD BOU
320.025: NASHAAT ANTONIOUS
318.950: DANIEL WACH
318.125: SANJEEV DATTA
317.925: JOHNSON NGUYEN
306.625: SOHEB PORBANDARWALA
Event 17: 12th Place - Linster
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
$2,862
Linster is all in for less than 100k with K 10 against the A 4 of Abe Faroni.
"Nobody's folding in these tournaments," laments Linster with some good natured ribbing, after the board runs out 2-2-9-Q-5. "I knew exactly what you had."
"Now that I know what you had, next time I'll fold," quips Faroni who is up to 780k.
Linster finishes in 12th place for $2,862.
Christina Lindley: One To Watch
Christina Lindley has been named "One to Watch" for the WPT Season XII, which began last month with the Legends of Poker. Next stop: WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship, which kicks off Sunday with day 1A.
Christina was a full time model and actor in LA years back and during a writers strike, she took advantage of the time off to visit her father in Memphis. They made the short trip south to Tunica, Mississippi, where he taught her to play Limit Hold'em at the tables. "I fell in love with it" she said.
Back home in LA, she began playing charity tournaments and met some online players who took her under their wing and taught her to play online. After scoring a six-figure win online, she told her agent not to bother calling about auditions because it would interfere with her poker.
She began playing poker full time, mostly online with some brick-and-mortar. Then came Black Friday (April 2011) which shut down most online poker in the US. Christina had to travel more, either to live tournaments in the country or out of the country to play online.
The travel began to wear on her and this summer, she decided to become a "full-time live pro", where she began to grind her way through the local tournaments to get experience. Since making the shift, she's cashed numerous times, including winning a Ladies event at the Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza and finishing runner-up in a CPPT event during the Wynn Classic. She didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to play at Borgata for the televised WPT event.
When not playing poker, she enjoys working out and writing, which led to working with Vice, an online media company with a show on HBO. She's written a show based on her life and poker, and that resulted in them wanting to do a documentary on her life to introduce their viewers to poker.
"Poker is the backdrop [for the show]...it's about the emotional roller-coasters and the friendships, the stuff you do when you're not on the felt."
"The documentary, I'm really excited about" she says. "FOX just partnered with Vice and there's a pretty good chance that its going to air on FOX, too".
The young woman who grew up in the South, modeling and acting in LA in front of the cameras, changed careers to be a professional poker player, now has come full circle to add another career working behind the cameras.
No wonder she's One To Watch!
Christina was a full time model and actor in LA years back and during a writers strike, she took advantage of the time off to visit her father in Memphis. They made the short trip south to Tunica, Mississippi, where he taught her to play Limit Hold'em at the tables. "I fell in love with it" she said.
Back home in LA, she began playing charity tournaments and met some online players who took her under their wing and taught her to play online. After scoring a six-figure win online, she told her agent not to bother calling about auditions because it would interfere with her poker.
Christina Lindley
She began playing poker full time, mostly online with some brick-and-mortar. Then came Black Friday (April 2011) which shut down most online poker in the US. Christina had to travel more, either to live tournaments in the country or out of the country to play online.
The travel began to wear on her and this summer, she decided to become a "full-time live pro", where she began to grind her way through the local tournaments to get experience. Since making the shift, she's cashed numerous times, including winning a Ladies event at the Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza and finishing runner-up in a CPPT event during the Wynn Classic. She didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to play at Borgata for the televised WPT event.
When not playing poker, she enjoys working out and writing, which led to working with Vice, an online media company with a show on HBO. She's written a show based on her life and poker, and that resulted in them wanting to do a documentary on her life to introduce their viewers to poker.
"Poker is the backdrop [for the show]...it's about the emotional roller-coasters and the friendships, the stuff you do when you're not on the felt."
"The documentary, I'm really excited about" she says. "FOX just partnered with Vice and there's a pretty good chance that its going to air on FOX, too".
The young woman who grew up in the South, modeling and acting in LA in front of the cameras, changed careers to be a professional poker player, now has come full circle to add another career working behind the cameras.
No wonder she's One To Watch!
Registration Closed x 2, Satty Set for 4 pm
Registration is closed for the 11 am and noon events, both are playing Level 7.
Event 19: $1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Unofficial Entries: 93
Event 20: $350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Unofficial Entries: 341
4 pm: $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier
Event 19: $1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Unofficial Entries: 93
Event 20: $350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Unofficial Entries: 341
4 pm: $350 + $50 Championship Qualifier
- Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 25 minutes each
- ~1 in 10 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship
- 1-Day event
Event 17: Texas Hold'em Dirty Dozen
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Table 1
Alex Rocha (S. Setauket, NY)
John DiBella (Eastchester, NY)
Brian O'Donoghue (Bayside, NY)
Ryan Deroo (Margate, NJ)
David Randall (Westerville, OH)
Russell Crane (Howell, NJ)
Table 2
Jeffrey Hurwitz (New Haven, CT)
Daniel Gilmer (Ashland, OH)
Abe Faroni (Philadelphia, PA)
Kevin Calenzo (Las Vegas, NV)
Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
Ronnie Bardah (Brockton, MA)
Blinds 3k/6k/500 ante
Table 1
Alex Rocha (S. Setauket, NY)
John DiBella (Eastchester, NY)
Brian O'Donoghue (Bayside, NY)
Ryan Deroo (Margate, NJ)
David Randall (Westerville, OH)
Russell Crane (Howell, NJ)
Table 2
Jeffrey Hurwitz (New Haven, CT)
Daniel Gilmer (Ashland, OH)
Abe Faroni (Philadelphia, PA)
Kevin Calenzo (Las Vegas, NV)
Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
Ronnie Bardah (Brockton, MA)
Event 17: 13th Place - Sneideman
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Michael Sneideman (Newtown, CT)
$2,289
Michael Sneideman puts his final 130k all in with J 10 against the A9 of Brian O'Donohue.
Flop: Q 10 4 (Sneideman pair of 10s)
Turn: A (O'Donohue pair of Aces)
A river deuce gives O'Donohue the winner and moves him up to 430k.
Michael Sneideman finishes in 13th place for $2,289.
The remaining 12 players are redrawing for seats at the final two tables.
The remaining 12 players are redrawing for seats at the final two tables.
Event 17: 14th Place - Jones
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Dave Jones (York, PA)
$2,289
Dave Jones is all in for 56k and in bad shape against Abe Faroni.
Jones: J♠ 9♦
Faroni:Q♠ J♦
There's no help on the board for Jones and Faroni wins the hand with Queen high to take the chip lead at 725k.
Jones finishes in 14th place for $2,289.
Event 17: 15th Place - Schanbacher
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Blinds 2,500/5k/500 ante
Jack Schanbacher (Pittsburgh, PA)
$2,289
Event 19: Late Arrivals
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 4: Blinds 100/200
Kevin Saul has joined the field, hot on the heels of his win in the Heads Up event yesterday.
Jonathan Little has also jumped in after his 16th place finish in the Six Max.
Level 4: Blinds 100/200
Kevin Saul has joined the field, hot on the heels of his win in the Heads Up event yesterday.
Was gonna take the day off, then @msalsberg convinced me to hop in this 1500nl #Youwillbesorrysir
— Kevin Saul (@BeL0WaB0Ve) September 14, 2013
And we snap double + bust shorty 1st hand. 98ss>JJ>99 no problem 47k from 20k #CaughtUp
— Kevin Saul (@BeL0WaB0Ve) September 14, 2013
Jonathan Little has also jumped in after his 16th place finish in the Six Max.
Event 17: Final 15
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 2,500k/5k/500 ante
Abe Faroni and Russell Crane are the chip leaders with 630k (126 bb) while the average stack at 315k (63 bb).
Table 1
David Randall 320k
Kevin Calenzo 300k
Ronnie Bardah 408k
Michael Linster 200k
Daniel Gilmer 130k
Table 2
Jack Schanbacher 66k
David Jones 115k
Jeffrey Hurwitz 215k
Ryan Deroo 137k
Abe Faroni 630k
Table 3
Russell Crane 630k
Alex Rocha 530k
Michael Sneideman 59k
John DiBella 525k
Brian O'Donoghue 437k
Blinds 2,500k/5k/500 ante
Abe Faroni and Russell Crane are the chip leaders with 630k (126 bb) while the average stack at 315k (63 bb).
Table 1
David Randall 320k
Kevin Calenzo 300k
Ronnie Bardah 408k
Michael Linster 200k
Daniel Gilmer 130k
Table 2
Jack Schanbacher 66k
David Jones 115k
Jeffrey Hurwitz 215k
Ryan Deroo 137k
Abe Faroni 630k
Table 3
Russell Crane 630k
Alex Rocha 530k
Michael Sneideman 59k
John DiBella 525k
Brian O'Donoghue 437k
Event 17: 18th-16th Places
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Three more players are out the door.
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Three more players are out the door.
Tyler Patterson (Everett, WA)
18th - $2,289
Kevin Diamond (Long Island, NY)
17th - $2,289
I got in with AQ vs AJ vs KQ for 350k pot. I didn't win. Good for a min cash. :-/
— Jonathan Little (@JonathanLittle) September 14, 2013
Bad beat new best friend @JonathanLittle in unavoidable spot. Gg bro. Hope this doesn't affect our blossoming relationship.
— alex rocha (@THE_ALEX_ROCHA) September 14, 2013
Jonathan Little (Las Vegas, NV)
16 - $2,289
Event 19: Hwang Relocates
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 4: Blinds 100/200
After his early exit from day two of the Six Max, Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) is trying to parlay his $1,717 in a bigger payday in this event.
Others joining the field:
Bill Frymer
Mike Gagliano
Deemo
Mike 'Mad Dog' Shasho
Cary Marshall
Matt Rock
Lee Childs
Joseph McKeehen
Jesse Yaginuma
Mike Melkersen
There are nine 9-handed tables running, with plenty of room for more.
Level 4: Blinds 100/200
After his early exit from day two of the Six Max, Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) is trying to parlay his $1,717 in a bigger payday in this event.
Late reg the Borgata 1500. I think I came to the event center but pretty sure I somehow ended up on another planet.
— Robert Hwang (@ActionBobNJ) September 14, 2013
Others joining the field:
Bill Frymer
Mike Gagliano
Deemo
Mike 'Mad Dog' Shasho
Cary Marshall
Matt Rock
Lee Childs
Joseph McKeehen
Jesse Yaginuma
Mike Melkersen
There are nine 9-handed tables running, with plenty of room for more.
Event 17: 19th Place - Scales
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Before the blinds went up:
Steve Scales held on with his short stack as long as he could, but didn't make the next pay jump. He finished in 19th place for $1,717.
Eighteen players remain at three tables. Average stack is 262k.
Level 16: Blinds 2k/4k/400 ante
Steve Scales (Red Bank, NJ)
$1,717
Before the blinds went up:
Steve Scales held on with his short stack as long as he could, but didn't make the next pay jump. He finished in 19th place for $1,717.
Eighteen players remain at three tables. Average stack is 262k.
Event 17: 21st - Searing; 20th - Duong
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
Nineteen players remain. Average stack is 248k.
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
Ian Searing (Smithtown, NY)
$1,717
Jack Duong (S Plainfield, NJ)
$1,717
Nineteen players remain. Average stack is 248k.
Event 17: 24th - 22nd Places
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
'Action' Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) busted out first, finishing 24th for $1,717.
John Phillips was next to go, finishing 23rd for $1,717.
Michael Sneideman got his short-stack in and doubled up through Steve Scales, who was left short.
Steve then got all-in and tripled up in an hand where another player busted Amarender Puri, who hit the rail in 22nd place ($1,717).
Steve Scales then got all-in with pocket Aces and doubled through Michael Sneideman, getting some of his chips back.
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
'Action' Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) busted out first, finishing 24th for $1,717.
John Phillips (Paramus, NJ)
$1,717
John Phillips was next to go, finishing 23rd for $1,717.
Michael Sneideman got his short-stack in and doubled up through Steve Scales, who was left short.
Amarender Puri (Flushing, NY)
$1,717
Steve then got all-in and tripled up in an hand where another player busted Amarender Puri, who hit the rail in 22nd place ($1,717).
Steve Scales then got all-in with pocket Aces and doubled through Michael Sneideman, getting some of his chips back.
Event 17: Payouts
Borgata Poker Open
Event 17: $1,000 + $90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
September 13-14, 2013
Entries: 236
Total Buy-in: $236,000
PAYOUTS:
1: $60,663
2: $36,055
3: $27,470
4: $21,747
5: $17,169
6: $12,591
7: $9,729
8: $6,868
9: $4,006
10-12: $2,862
13-18: $2,289
19-24: $l,717
Event 17: $1,000 + $90 Six Max No Limit Hold'em
September 13-14, 2013
Entries: 236
Total Buy-in: $236,000
PAYOUTS:
1: $60,663
2: $36,055
3: $27,470
4: $21,747
5: $17,169
6: $12,591
7: $9,729
8: $6,868
9: $4,006
10-12: $2,862
13-18: $2,289
19-24: $l,717
Event 20: Underway
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Today's second main event is going to fill up the rest of the Event Center.
It's a Big Stack, meaning players begin with 20,000 chips.
All levels are 30 minutes long.
This is a one day event, so they'll play all night until a winner is determined.
Play is underway!
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Today's second main event is going to fill up the rest of the Event Center.
It's a Big Stack, meaning players begin with 20,000 chips.
All levels are 30 minutes long.
This is a one day event, so they'll play all night until a winner is determined.
Play is underway!
Event 17: Day Two Underway
$1,000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
The remaining 24 players are all in the money and guaranteed to leave with at least $1,717.
Butts in the seats, chips out of the bags, so shuffle up & deal!
Level 15: Blinds 1,500/3k/400 ante
The remaining 24 players are all in the money and guaranteed to leave with at least $1,717.
Butts in the seats, chips out of the bags, so shuffle up & deal!
Event 19: Familiar Faces
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 2: Blinds 50/100
It's a small field in early action, but there are some familiar faces:
Tom McCormick
Frank Bonacci
Thomas Hoglund
Kal Alwan
Matt Salsberg
Ken 'Teach' Aldridge
Alida Vileu
Matt Affleck
Level 2: Blinds 50/100
It's a small field in early action, but there are some familiar faces:
Tom McCormick
Frank Bonacci
Thomas Hoglund
Kal Alwan
Matt Salsberg
Ken 'Teach' Aldridge
Alida Vileu
Matt Affleck
Evebt 19: One Year Ago
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Last year's Borgata Poker Open featured two events with $1,500 buy-ins. The first was a Mix-Max with tables that went from eight-handed to seven-handed to six-handed as play went on. There were only 134 entries and Vinny Pahuja (Hicksville, NY) was the winner, taking $58,491.
The second one was a Bounty event. That tournament saw 248 entries and was won by Michael Brown (Ontario) along with $67,358.
Today's event is neither a Mix-Max nor a Bounty event, just straight-forward full ring No Limit Hold'em, so we can't really call either of these players a 'defending champion', but we'll see if either of them turn up today.
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Vinny Pahuja - 2012 BPO $1,500 MixMax Winner
Last year's Borgata Poker Open featured two events with $1,500 buy-ins. The first was a Mix-Max with tables that went from eight-handed to seven-handed to six-handed as play went on. There were only 134 entries and Vinny Pahuja (Hicksville, NY) was the winner, taking $58,491.
Michael Brown - 2012 BPO $1,500 Bounty Winner
The second one was a Bounty event. That tournament saw 248 entries and was won by Michael Brown (Ontario) along with $67,358.
Today's event is neither a Mix-Max nor a Bounty event, just straight-forward full ring No Limit Hold'em, so we can't really call either of these players a 'defending champion', but we'll see if either of them turn up today.
Event 19: Underway
$1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Today's first main event is a prelude to the Championship event. The $1,500 buy-in is not for the faint of heart.
Players began with 20,000 chips and the first six levels are 40 minutes long (the next six are 50 minutes long, then they go to 60 minutes).
Late registration and re-entry is available through the break after level 6 (until about 3:30pm).
Cards are in the air!
Level 1: Blinds 25/50
Today's first main event is a prelude to the Championship event. The $1,500 buy-in is not for the faint of heart.
Players began with 20,000 chips and the first six levels are 40 minutes long (the next six are 50 minutes long, then they go to 60 minutes).
Late registration and re-entry is available through the break after level 6 (until about 3:30pm).
Cards are in the air!
Event 18 Recap
2013 Borgata Poker Open
$350 Buy-In + $50 Entry Big Stack No Limit Hold'Em (Re-Entry)
Entrants: 377
Prize pool: $131,950
FINAL RESULTS
Not letting a couple bad hands bring you down is one of the essential skills any successful tournament poker player must have. There is nothing worse than playing your best and seeing your chip stack dwindle to nothing. Often times, it will cause you to play in a non-optimal style. The best players, however, know how to adjust. Such was the case for Eric Rivkin tonight. Coming into the final table he was in the middle of the pack but a key loss made him one of the short stacks at the table, at one point being down to just ten big blinds. Rivkin used a combination of good moves and great cards to surge past the rest of the field and take down Event #18 and the first place prize of $34,552. For outlasting the 377 person field, not only did Eric take home the cash, he also received a beautiful Borgata Poker Open trophy and a customized 16 x 20 framed photo with Borgata chip and event information plaque. "It feels awesome to win," said Eric, all smiles while he posed with his trophy. Eric has had substantial scores before including a 60K+ one at the LAPC in recent times, but this was his first outright win.
Entrants: 377
Prize pool: $131,950
FINAL RESULTS
Not letting a couple bad hands bring you down is one of the essential skills any successful tournament poker player must have. There is nothing worse than playing your best and seeing your chip stack dwindle to nothing. Often times, it will cause you to play in a non-optimal style. The best players, however, know how to adjust. Such was the case for Eric Rivkin tonight. Coming into the final table he was in the middle of the pack but a key loss made him one of the short stacks at the table, at one point being down to just ten big blinds. Rivkin used a combination of good moves and great cards to surge past the rest of the field and take down Event #18 and the first place prize of $34,552. For outlasting the 377 person field, not only did Eric take home the cash, he also received a beautiful Borgata Poker Open trophy and a customized 16 x 20 framed photo with Borgata chip and event information plaque. "It feels awesome to win," said Eric, all smiles while he posed with his trophy. Eric has had substantial scores before including a 60K+ one at the LAPC in recent times, but this was his first outright win.
Eric Rivkin, Event #18 Winner
Final table action got underway with the following table lineup and chip counts:
Seat 1: Leonardo Palermo, Toms River, NJ 1.25 million
Seat 2: Pedro Rios, Houston, TX 460K
Seat 3: Paul Stevens, Marlton, NJ 260K
Seat 4: Artur Zaikansky, New York, NY 700K
Seat 5: Pete Zappulla, Brooklyn, NY 1.1 million
Seat 6: Len Vizirov, Philadelphia, PA 480K
Seat 7: Gurvinder Shergill, London, UK 775K
Seat 8: Sean Wallace, Horsham, PA 1.35 million
Seat 9: Joseph "Mush" Galazzo, Union, NJ 475K
Seat 10: Eric Rivkin, East Hampton, NY 705K
Seat 2: Pedro Rios, Houston, TX 460K
Seat 3: Paul Stevens, Marlton, NJ 260K
Seat 4: Artur Zaikansky, New York, NY 700K
Seat 5: Pete Zappulla, Brooklyn, NY 1.1 million
Seat 6: Len Vizirov, Philadelphia, PA 480K
Seat 7: Gurvinder Shergill, London, UK 775K
Seat 8: Sean Wallace, Horsham, PA 1.35 million
Seat 9: Joseph "Mush" Galazzo, Union, NJ 475K
Seat 10: Eric Rivkin, East Hampton, NY 705K
Eric started out aggressive, raising two hands in a row and inducing folds from the entire table. When he raised a third hand in a row, however, someone decided to finally take a stand against him. That someone was Pedro Rios who moved all in over the top of Eric's 70K raise for 322K more. "I hate raising three times in a row," a visibly perplexed Rivkin said. "You could be moving in light knowing how tight seat three is playing," Eric says while counting in his head out loud the pot odds. He gives his cards a quick flip... once... twice... three times, muttering to himself the entire time. "Alright, I call," he finally says, turning over K♥J♣. Rios has A♠8♣ and the board runs out A♣9♦6♥Q♣A♥ causing Eric to tell Rios "I'm never raising light with the chip leader right behind me."
The double up for Rios would establish a trend that would grip the table for the next hour as the short stacks doubled up on their first five successive all in's that were called. The first of those double ups took place when Gurvinder Shergill opened for 84K with the blinds at 15K/30K and found himself staring at a 354K more all in re-raise from Joseph Galazzo. Gurvinder twisted uncomfortably in his chair, standing up, and then sitting upright on his knees. Uncertain, Shergill stood up again, looking around... almost dazed. He ran his finger over his mouth as if trying to tell someone to hush. Sitting back down, he looked back at his cards and played with his stack, shuffling chips in his right hand, fast and deliberate. Shergill counts out a call and places it out in front of him. He has pocket 4's and is racing against the A♥6♥ that Galazzo holds. The flop comes Q♦J♥T♥. Gurvinder is still in the lead so to speak, but it's a horrible flop for him as it gives Galazzo a flush draw and a gutshot straight draw to go along with his two overs. The turn is the 7♣ and it looks like Shergill might actually score the knockout of Galazzo. The river though brings the gutshot straight in the form of the K♠ and Galazzo scores a huge double up.
A few moments later, with the blinds at 20K/40K, Pete Zappulla opens for 80K. Shergill moves all in for his last 288K. Pete starts to tank. While he is tanking, Rivkin stands up and says under his breath, but loud enough for the entire table to hear... "You gotta call." Pete ultimately makes the call and an irate Shergill tells Rivkin "you better quit doing that." A sheepish Rivkin sits down as the hands are turned over. Pocket 6's for Shergill and 3's for Zappulla. The board runs out safe for Gurvinder and he doubles up. An apologetic Rivkin looks at Shergill and says... "you're right, I apologize."
It's a serious table but Paul Stevens, the shortest stack, tries to lighten the table up. "Why is everyone looking at me," he smiles. A player mentions that the action is on him and Paul responds "It's because I'm the best looking one here... and the oldest."
The players go on a 15 minute break, at roughly 3 a.m., and they all
return with the exception of Pete Zappulla. He is nowhere to be found.
Play resumes without him. Eric moves all in for his last 405K and everyone folds causing him to exhale deeply. With the blinds now at 25K/50K, Len Vizirov moves all in for 390K and is called by the big blind Artur Zaikansky. Artur picked a bad time to defend, even with K-Q, as Len has pocket aces. The rockets hold up and Vizirov scores a nice double up to put him back in contention.
The short stack double up theme continues when Pedro Rios opens for 100K. Paul Stevens tanks... for two minutes... and has the clock called on him by Sean Wallace who says "no offense" as he does so. Stevens moves all in for his last 190K and with it only being 90K more for Rios, he makes the easy call. "I was going to much until you called for the clock," Stevens said, turning over 8's. He is racing against Rios and his A♠9♠. The eights prevail to double Stevens up.
We finally get our first elimination when Gurvinder Shergill moves all in for 455K with pocket 8's and is called by Sean Wallace who holds K♠J♥. A king comes on the flop and Shergill is frustrated at being the first person eliminated from the table and makes note that the empty chair where Zappulla should be just made $900 more than him by just being absent.
Gurvinder Shergill (London, UK) - 10th place, $1,664
Pedro Rios's aggression gets the best of him in a couple spots. He opens for 100K and has to fold to a Len Vizirov 315K re-raise. The blinds move up to 30K/60K and Pedro opens again for 120K and folds when Sean Wallace moves all in for just over a million total. A short stacked Eric Rivkin moves all in first to act from the button for just about six big blinds and is quickly called by Leonardo Palermo who holds A-Q. "No good," says a proud Rivkin as he turns over A-K. Big Slick prevails and Rivkin lets out a big sigh of relief as he survives to play another hand. The very next hand Joseph Galazzo raises to 120K and Rivkin moves all in again. This time he has a few more chips in his stack and it's a harder call. Galazzo releases his hand and Rivkin is now over a million in chips. Another big exhale from Rivkin as he starts to stack his chips.
The short stack of Paul Stevens moves all in for 190K and is called by Sean Wallace out of the big blind. Paul has K-9 against Sean's T-6. The board runs out J-3-T-K-Q to give Stevens a straight and the double up. Suddenly, a flustered Pete Zappulla rushes back to his seat. "Why are we playing already," he says. "I was told by the floor that it was a one hour dinner break." The floor responds "why would we have a dinner break at 3 am?" Zappulla's face turns red. "Can I get a manager?" The floor gets the supervisor who comes over and asks the rest of the table if they heard anyone say there was a one hour dinner break. The entire table says no and the floor tells them to play on, despite Zappulla's displeasure. Pete moves all in for 275K the very next hand and everyone folds. "Pity fold," cracks Rivkin.
Joseph Galazzo raises twice and is re-raised twice by Rivkin. Rivkin is taking control of the action and has moved into the chip lead. "Medium pair" he says after the second re-raise. Down to 400K, Leonardo Palermo moves all in from the small blind for 400K. Pedro Rios calls quickly from the big blind and is ahead with A-3 as Palermo has Q♦9♦. The cards are placed out... 6-6-2-7-K and ace high wins the pot and Leonardo is done.
Leonardo Palermo (Toms River, NJ) - 9th place, $2,560
The ever wise-cracking Paul Stevens has moved up two notches on the pay ladder. He says "Hey, what's fold equity? I play poker seven days a week and I still don't know." A player eyes Paul's stack and says "it's something you don't have any of." The table laughs.
Pedro Rios starts applying some big stack pressure, moving all in three times in a row pre-flop knowing he has the stacks left to act behind him covered. All three times everyone folds. With a bigger stack in the big blind, Pedro decides on the 4th hand to just raise to 120K. Paul looks down at his cards and says "they are singing my song... End of the Road by Boyz II Men." Paul starts to sing the song... not very well... and moves all in. He notions to Pedro that it's an easy call but Pedro doesn't get the chance because Len Vizirov re-shoves to isolate the short-stacked Paul. Paul has A-K and has Len crushed as Vizirov only has A-J. But Paul's song choice was prophetic... a jack flops... and it's the end of the road for Paul.
Paul Stevens (Marlton, NJ) - 8th place, $3,776
The still upset Pete Zappulla is next to go when he moves his short stack all in with K-5 with the blinds now at 40K/80K and is called by Sean Wallace's A-J. A king flops for Pete to give him hope but an ace on the turn delivers an end to a very disappointing final table for Zappulla. Pete still wants answers for his extra long dinner break and heads off to the cage trying to figure out what went wrong.
Pete Zappulla (Brooklyn, NY) - 7th place, $4,992
Artur Zaikansky was never able to get anything going and found himself down to just over four big blinds and holding an ace in his hand. He moved all in and was called by the Q♠J♠ of Len Vizirov. A queen would flop to give Len the pot and send Artur off to collect his winnings.
Artur Zaikansky (New York, NY) - 6th place, $6,208
Perhaps the biggest hand of the night would then take place. With the blinds at 40K/80K, Eric raised to 180K only to face an all in re-raise from Len Vizirov. Eric didn't waste too much time before calling. Vizirov held pocket 8's and seemed unhappy and somewhat in disbelief when he saw the K♠Q♠ that Rivkin held. The flop was a good one for Len's snowmen... 9-9-2... the turn not so much as it was a Q. The river just added insult to injury as it was a King. The massive post crippled Vizirov and made Rivkin the runaway chip leader. A frustrated Len would move all in on the next hand with T-2 and Sean Wallace would look him up with K♦7♦. The flop had a 2 in it to give Len a pair but it also had a 7 to give Wallace a better pair. That would be enough to win the hand and send Len shaking his head as he walked over to fill out his paperwork.
Len Vizirov (Philadelphia, PA) - 5th place, $7,552
Pedro Rios continued his first to act aggression, raising to 200K from the button with the blinds at 50K/100K. Sean Wallace moved all in from the small blind and Joseph Galazzo followed suit and moved all in as well from the big blind. Rios quickly got out of the way. Wallace held K♣J♦ and was dominated by Galazzo and his A♥J♥. The board would run out J♠-T♣-6♠-2♠-T♠ and Joe would double up to nearly three million in chips, crippling Wallace in the process.
Eric Rivkin would later open for 200K and find himself facing a re-raise from Pedro Rios. Rios had made it 630K to go which prompted Rivkin to announce that he was all in. Holding pocket jacks, Pedro called with little hesitation. It was a four handed cooler though as Rivkin held kings. The board brought no help to Pedro and Rivkin added even more chips to his substantial chip lead.
Pedro Rios (Houston, TX) - 4th place, $9,599
It would only be moments before the tournament was finished. The incredibly hot Rivken opened for 230K. Sean called all in for less only having 135K left in his stack. Joseph Galazzo re-raised to 750K prompting a shove from Eric. Galazzo made the call. The hands:
Sean - K-6
Joseph - A♣T♥
Eric - Queens
The flop came J♥8♥4♣. Eric still ahead. The turn was the 8♦. One card away from the win for Eric. The river... 5♥... and the ladies hold to deliver the double knockout.
Sean Wallace (Horsham, PA) - 3rd place, $11,942
Joseph "Mush" Galazzo (Union, NJ) - 2nd place, $19,199
Eric Rivkin is our first place winner! A professional poker player since 2007, Eric has had bigger scores
in his career but this is his first outright major tournament win. "The biggest hands were the last two hands and the hand where I had A-K against Leo's A-Q." He added that "no one really got in my way. Even the big
stacks to my left were playing tight." Eric wants to play in the
Championship Event but has a prior obligation that he needs to try and
clear up first. If he has his way though, he'll be here.
Eric Rivkin (East Hampton, NY) - 1st place, $34,552
Event 18 - 1st place Rivkin
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Any tournament poker player knows that the best time to go on a mad rush is at the end of a tournament. Yes, skill always plays a part in winning a tournament but it never hurts to get deal dominating hands. This was precisely what happened to Eric Rivkin today as he cruised to a dominating victory in Event #18 here at the Borgata Poker Open. Once down to close to ten big blinds, Rivking picked up hand after hand and eliminated or crippled multiple players in the process. So dominating was his victory that he took out not one, but two players, on the last hand of the night when he got pocket queens to best the A-T of Joe Galazzo and the K-6 of a short stacked Sean Wallace.
There were 377 entries in this one day tournament and for his victory, Eric takes home an impressive $34,552 and a beautiful Borgata Poker Open trophy for his efforts. A professional poker player since 2007, Eric has had bigger scores in his career but this is his first outright major tournament win. "It feels awesome to win," he said and said the last hand and the hand where he had A-K against Leonardo Palermo's A-Q were the key hands in taking down the title. He added "no one really got in my way. Even the big stacks to my left were playing tight." Eric wants to play in the Championship Event but has a prior obligation that he needs to try and clear up first. If he has his way though, he'll be here.
Congratulations on the win Eric!
Any tournament poker player knows that the best time to go on a mad rush is at the end of a tournament. Yes, skill always plays a part in winning a tournament but it never hurts to get deal dominating hands. This was precisely what happened to Eric Rivkin today as he cruised to a dominating victory in Event #18 here at the Borgata Poker Open. Once down to close to ten big blinds, Rivking picked up hand after hand and eliminated or crippled multiple players in the process. So dominating was his victory that he took out not one, but two players, on the last hand of the night when he got pocket queens to best the A-T of Joe Galazzo and the K-6 of a short stacked Sean Wallace.
There were 377 entries in this one day tournament and for his victory, Eric takes home an impressive $34,552 and a beautiful Borgata Poker Open trophy for his efforts. A professional poker player since 2007, Eric has had bigger scores in his career but this is his first outright major tournament win. "It feels awesome to win," he said and said the last hand and the hand where he had A-K against Leonardo Palermo's A-Q were the key hands in taking down the title. He added "no one really got in my way. Even the big stacks to my left were playing tight." Eric wants to play in the Championship Event but has a prior obligation that he needs to try and clear up first. If he has his way though, he'll be here.
Congratulations on the win Eric!
Eric Rivkin (East Hampton, NY) - $34,552
Event 17 - Start of Day 2 Table Assignments & Chip Counts
Borgata Poker Open
Event 17 -$1000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
September 13-14, 2013
Entries: 236
Total Buy-In: $236,000
Players Remaining: 16
Average Chip Stack: 295,000
START OF DAY 2 TABLE ASSIGNMENTS & CHIP COUNTS:
T1 | S1 - TYLER PATTERSON (EVERETT, WA): 174,600
T1 | S2 - DAVID RANDALL (WESTERVILLE, OH): 114,900
T1 | S3 - KEVIN CALENZO (LAS VEGAS, NV): 129,000
T1 | S4 - JOHN PHILLIPS (PARAMUS, NJ): 33,300
T1 | S5 - MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY): 242,700
T1 | S6 - DANIEL GILMER (ASHLAND, OH): 258,000
T2 | S1 - JACK SCHANBACHER (PITTSBURGH, PA): 187,500
T2 | S2 - DAVID JONES (YORK, PA): 168,100
T2 | S3 - BRIAN ODONOGHUE (BAYSIDE, NY): 480,000
T2 | S4 - JEFFREY HURWITZ (NEW HAVEN, CT): 272,300
T2 | S5 - RYAN DEROO (margate, NJ): 197,100
T2 | S6 - ABRAHAM FARONI (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 304,100
T3 | S1 - RUSSELL CRANE (HOWELL, NJ): 343,000
T3 | S2 - JACKDUYPH DUONG (so. plainfield, NJ): 264,500
T3 | S3 - JONATHAN LITTLE (LAS VEGAS, NV): 88,000
T3 | S4 - JOHN DIBELLA (EASTCHESTER, NY): 430,100
T3 | S5 - KEVIN DIAMOND (LONG ISLAND, NY): 100,000
T3 | S6 - IAN SEARING (SMITHTOWN, NY): 31,300
T4 | S1 - AMARENDER PURI (FLUSHING, NY): 4,700
T4 | S2 - STEPHEN SCALES (RED BANK, NJ): 56,100
T4 | S3 - ALEXANDER ROCHA (SOUTH SETAUKET, NY): 365,500
T4 | S4 - ROBERT HWANG (BARNEGAT, NJ): 81,500
T4 | S5 - RONNIE BARDAH (BROCKTON, MA): 314,200
T4 | S6 - MICHAEL SNEIDEMAN (NEWTOWN, CT): 59,800
Event 17 -$1000 + $90 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em
September 13-14, 2013
Entries: 236
Total Buy-In: $236,000
Players Remaining: 16
Average Chip Stack: 295,000
START OF DAY 2 TABLE ASSIGNMENTS & CHIP COUNTS:
T1 | S1 - TYLER PATTERSON (EVERETT, WA): 174,600
T1 | S2 - DAVID RANDALL (WESTERVILLE, OH): 114,900
T1 | S3 - KEVIN CALENZO (LAS VEGAS, NV): 129,000
T1 | S4 - JOHN PHILLIPS (PARAMUS, NJ): 33,300
T1 | S5 - MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY): 242,700
T1 | S6 - DANIEL GILMER (ASHLAND, OH): 258,000
T2 | S1 - JACK SCHANBACHER (PITTSBURGH, PA): 187,500
T2 | S2 - DAVID JONES (YORK, PA): 168,100
T2 | S3 - BRIAN ODONOGHUE (BAYSIDE, NY): 480,000
T2 | S4 - JEFFREY HURWITZ (NEW HAVEN, CT): 272,300
T2 | S5 - RYAN DEROO (margate, NJ): 197,100
T2 | S6 - ABRAHAM FARONI (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 304,100
T3 | S1 - RUSSELL CRANE (HOWELL, NJ): 343,000
T3 | S2 - JACKDUYPH DUONG (so. plainfield, NJ): 264,500
T3 | S3 - JONATHAN LITTLE (LAS VEGAS, NV): 88,000
T3 | S4 - JOHN DIBELLA (EASTCHESTER, NY): 430,100
T3 | S5 - KEVIN DIAMOND (LONG ISLAND, NY): 100,000
T3 | S6 - IAN SEARING (SMITHTOWN, NY): 31,300
T4 | S1 - AMARENDER PURI (FLUSHING, NY): 4,700
T4 | S2 - STEPHEN SCALES (RED BANK, NJ): 56,100
T4 | S3 - ALEXANDER ROCHA (SOUTH SETAUKET, NY): 365,500
T4 | S4 - ROBERT HWANG (BARNEGAT, NJ): 81,500
T4 | S5 - RONNIE BARDAH (BROCKTON, MA): 314,200
T4 | S6 - MICHAEL SNEIDEMAN (NEWTOWN, CT): 59,800
Saturday, September 14
TODAY'S EVENTS (EVENT CENTER)
11AM: Event 19 - $1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
12PM: Event 20 - $350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
7 PM: Event 46 - $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
11AM: Event 19 - $1500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-6: will last 40 minutes each | Levels 7-12: will last 50 minutes each
Levels 13+: will last 60 minutes each - Players that bust within the first 6 Levels may Re-Enter (unlimited re-entries)
- 2-Day event
12PM: Event 20 - $350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 30 minutes each
- Players that bust within the first 6 Levels may Re-Enter (unlimited re-entries)
- 1-Day event
- Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 25 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 10 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship (Sep 15-20, 2013)
- 1-Day event
7 PM: Event 46 - $700 + $50 Championship Qualifier No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-10: will last 30 minutes each | Levels 11+: will last 40 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 5 will win entry into WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship (Sep 15-20, 2013)
- 1-Day event
Event 18 - 2nd place Galazzo/3rd place Wallace
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 50K/100K Ante 10K
Eric Rivkin opened the action for 230K, Sean Wallace moved all in for 135K, Joe Galazzo re-raised to 750K. Eric asked the floor what would happen if two players busted on the same hand and once he received an answer he said "I'm all in." Joe quickly called. The hands:
Sean K♠6♣
Joe A♣T♥
Eric Q♦Q♣
The board ran out J♥8♥4♣8♦5♥ and Rivkin wins the pot eliminating Wallace in 3rd place and Galazzo in 2nd place.
Blinds 50K/100K Ante 10K
Eric Rivkin opened the action for 230K, Sean Wallace moved all in for 135K, Joe Galazzo re-raised to 750K. Eric asked the floor what would happen if two players busted on the same hand and once he received an answer he said "I'm all in." Joe quickly called. The hands:
Sean K♠6♣
Joe A♣T♥
Eric Q♦Q♣
The board ran out J♥8♥4♣8♦5♥ and Rivkin wins the pot eliminating Wallace in 3rd place and Galazzo in 2nd place.
Sean Wallace (Horsham, PA) - $11,942
Joseph "Mush" Galazzo (Union, NJ) - $19,199
Event 18 - 4th place Rios
$350 + $50 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
Blinds 50K/100K Ante 10K
Eric Rivkin opened the pot for 200K and Pedro Rios took a look at his cards and made a slow, deliberate re-raise to 630K. Rivkin studied Rios for a moment before announcing he was all in. Pedro called quickly and placed his pocket jacks face up on the board. It was a cooler, however, as Rivkin had woken up with pocket kings. The board ran out 9-8-4-Q-A to give Rivkin the huge pot and eliminate Rios in 4th place.
Blinds 50K/100K Ante 10K
Eric Rivkin opened the pot for 200K and Pedro Rios took a look at his cards and made a slow, deliberate re-raise to 630K. Rivkin studied Rios for a moment before announcing he was all in. Pedro called quickly and placed his pocket jacks face up on the board. It was a cooler, however, as Rivkin had woken up with pocket kings. The board ran out 9-8-4-Q-A to give Rivkin the huge pot and eliminate Rios in 4th place.
Pedro Rios (Houston, TX) - $9,599
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