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PokerListings.com - Blog The latest blogs from PokerListings.com http://www.pokerlistings.com/feed/blogs Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:08:51 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 en-us Props To Ivey http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/props-to-ivey Everyone remembers the insane amounts of money being traded at the World Series based on the likelihood of Phil Ivey taking down a bracelet.<br><br> Fastforward two months and Ivey had two bracelets, one Main Event final table appearance and several million in side bets locked up.<br><br> So did everyone learn their lesson? <br><br> Did they realise the dangers of betting against the man many feel is the best player alive? <br><br> Apparently not.<p>Here at the WSOPE £5k Omaha Event, Mike Matusow, Layne Flack and Howard Lederer have been discussing a new prop bet, issued by Howard Lederer to Phil Ivey.<br /><br />Lederer is claiming he has given Ivey 3-1 he won't win two WSOP bracelets in the next two years.<br /><br />He feels he has an edge over Phil. "I'm getting the better of it," he told Matusow.<br /><br />Someone at the table piped up their objections. "Two in two years doesn't seem that hard for Phil," he said.<br /><br />"You think that's easy?" jumped in Matusow. "Before this year, he hadn't won one for five f***ing years!"<br /><br />Despite this, Matusow claimed he would never bet against Ivey. <br /><br />"Everybody who ever goes up against Ivey loses," he said. "People who bet against him forget three very important things. a) he's not human, b) he's not human c) all of the above!"<br /><br />Matusow wasn't finished though, adding, "The guy has sold his soul to the devil!"<br /><br />Whilst Matusow's claims might be a bit over the top, it does seem foolish to bet against Ivey, given his rampant form.<br /><br />Would you?</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:56:14 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/props-to-ivey Nelly's Good Beats Light Up PokerStars WSOP Party http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/nellys-good-beats-light-up-pokerstars-wsop-party PokerStars threw their WSOP party last night and despite all the razz-a-matazz PokerStars could muster, it was rap superstar Nelly who stole the show.<br><br> The party was hosted by Rain nightclub at the Palms casino, and the entertainments were many and varied.<br><br> Dancers revelled on the dancefloor to a musical medley of contemporary dance and rock tunes, their grooves accompanied by alternating gouts of flames, delivered by overhead jets and periodic sprinklings of foam.<p> </p><p>Other features of the entertainment included skimpily-clothed ladies hoisted up via silk ropes, performing Cirque Du Soleil style acrobatics, buxom girls dancing incessantly atop scattered<span> </span>podiums, a bottomless free bar and stilt walkers wandering around handing out an assortment of goodies, including PokerStars branded USB sticks and various types of candy.</p> <p>It's safe to say everyone there enjoyed themselves, Daniel Negreanu being just one of the big names present who was partaking fully of PokerStars' generosity as he gyrated away to the latest euro-dance track.</p> <p>Yet even Negreanu's techno moves were put into the shade once Nelly took centre stage, the crowd going wild for one of the biggest stars of the rap world. He went through a selection of his most popular hits, the audience becoming increasingly excited.</p> <p>Nelly could have mailed it in, seeing this as just another corporate gig to be knocked out and a paycheck collected, but to the rapper's credit, he pulled the stops out and filled his performance with verve, energy and adrenaline.</p> <p>Security had their hands full stopping over-excited girls from climbing onto the surroundings to get an even better view of Nelly. They could barely pull down one drunken groupie before two more took their place, waving and screaming at their hero.</p> <p>Eventually, the music had to end, and end it did to drunken cheering and deafening applause. Security fished various people out of the pool, dragged an inebriated Mark Vos off surprise guests to whom he was giving impromptu lapdances and finished off the evening.</p><p>But everyone was happy.</p> <p>Nelly sure knocked it out of the park, and PokerStars have to be commended for throwing what might be the standout party of the World Series - which is no mean feat!</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:12:43 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/nellys-good-beats-light-up-pokerstars-wsop-party Hellmuth's Ultimate WSOP Party http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-ultimate-wsop-party We are at the stage of the series where many online sites host outrageous parties with the aim being to out-do each other's plans for sheer exuberance.<br><br> Last night saw Ultimate Bet throw their hat into the ring, booking the whole of Studio 54 at the MGM casino.<br><br> We can't help but think they pulled it off too.<p>The night came complete with Ultimate Bet's figurehead, Phil Hellmuth, making an appearance, a raffle for an $8.5k poker package, acrobatic and scantily-clad ladies flying over the stage hoisted by billowing silk ropes and of course, the staple of any good poker party, a free bar till the end of the night.</p> <p>The raffle was an interesting affair.</p> <p>Once the lots were drawn, the winning ticket belonged to a multi-millionaire - which led one bearded drunk to yell out "This s*** is rigged! Just like Ultimate Bet!" - referencing some of the controversy that has surrounded the site in previous years.</p> <p>This didn't stop people hitting up the free bar and having a great time grooving on the dance floor though and the revelling went on into the early hours of the morning.</p><p>With a host of top players and personalities, all the extravagant ingredients for a balla night were there and the other sites will have their work cut out to top Ultimate Bet's offering.</p> <p>Give it your best shot guys!</p><p><em>For footage of the night, see <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com/tv/watch/wsop-headlines-june-30-2009-825" target="_blank">The Daily Rail Rewind show</a> - filmed on location, and complete with introduction from Phil Hellmuth.</em></p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:43:46 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-ultimate-wsop-party Random WSOP Observation #29: Coasting at the Gold Coast http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-29-coasting-at-the-gold-coast If you're getting sick of the garish decor, jam-packed corridors and noise pollution that are some of the hallmarks of the Rio, you might consider sauntering down to the Rio's considerably more low-key neighbor, the Gold Coast.<br><br> Although the slower pace of the Gold Coast is not for all, jump in one of the cash games here and you will face off against an eclectic mix of characters.<p>I found this out last night as I settled down to play some $1/$2 NLHE. I took my seat and was amazed to find myself at a table comprised primarily of Germans.<br /><br />One in particular was hard to ignore, given that he raised liberally and bet virtually every flop - preceding each raise with a look at his cards and an announcement of "whoops, I raise!"</p><p>The max buy-in was $200 and he was sat with $450 which had turned into $650 by the end of the night. Despite his run-good donk-tard-iness, he kept the table entertained and always made sure he bought people he stacked a drink.</p><p>In between hands he was very keen to tell the table about his new bride. <br /><br />"I like 'em blonde, tall and busty!" he said with a twinkle in his eye, and I could sense the relief from the short brunette I at the table with.<br /><br />After several hours I had eked out just a small $16 profit but had had plenty of free drinks and a great time to show for it, making it an enjoyable night all in all.<br /><br />Need a break from the Rio? Take my advice, get down to the Gold Coast, put your name on the cash game list, hit the waitress up for a free white russian and play some poker.<br /><br />You never know - whoops, you might just like it!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:04:23 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-29-coasting-at-the-gold-coast Phil Ivey's Multi-Million-Dollar Bracelet http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/iveys-million-dollar-bracelet The poker world is buzzing with stories and rumors concerning just how much money was on the line when Phil Ivey won his two WSOP bracelets this year.<br><br> It's common knowledge he had a standing $200k per bracelet bet with Daniel Negreanu, but other figures much bigger than this have been thrown about.<br><br> Finally it seems the actual extent of money on the line may have been revealed! (If you believe Vegas cab drivers.)<br><br> Apparently, Phil Ivey spoke to one of Vegas' ubiquitous cabbies and let slip just how much he had riding on that second bracelet.<p>The story starts with Ivey having just collected bracelet number one in the $2.5k 2-7 event.</p><p>Ivey walks off to the player's room to relax with the other ballas. He's congratulated by all and sundry, before calmly announcing, "I'll win another within two weeks."</p><p>Now everyone respects Phil Ivey's mad poker skillz, but to claim he'll win another almost immediately - well that's pushing it a bit far!</p><p>There are some skeptical mumblings.</p><p>"Ok, so who'll give me action then?" asks a defiant Ivey.</p><p>Lots of players throw their hats into the ring, pretty confident that their money is safe. Ivey casually sweeps his hand across the room.</p><p></p><p>"I'll take it all."</p><p>Ivey books every piece of action going that he can win his second WSOP bracelet within two weeks.</p><p>Fast forward just over a week and Ivey has proved the doubters wrong, proudly sporting his second bracelet of the series and seventh in total - an immense achievement.</p><p>But just how much was that bracelet worth to Ivey?</p><p>We've been told that Ivey revealed that including all the side-bets, prop bets and action, it was worth an astonishing $14 million dollars!</p><p>Though we don't have another source to confirm this figure, if true, it would be an incredible sum that would eclipse any previous Main Event win, or indeed tournament win of any kind!</p><p>Can the legend of Phil Ivey get any bigger? We'll soon see!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:44:11 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/iveys-million-dollar-bracelet A Golden Age for Poker http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/a-golden-age-for-poker The Rio is awash with grey beards and balding heads, the gift shop is running low on supplies of denture cream, and the queue for the washrooms is 30 people deep. That can mean only one thing.<br><br> The senior's event is in town!<br><br> A record turn-out has seen an incredible 2,800+ grizzled veterans seize this opportunity to get involved in the World Series. But the path to glory is more complicated than it seems.<p>There are a few dangers and pitfalls that need to be negotiated before taking down the bracelet.<br /><br />Here's a quick guide to surviving the Seniors Event.<br /><strong><br />1) Beware the Sapphire girls!</strong><br /><br />Sure, back in the fifties, you were neck deep in hot girls who would hang on your every word as you related another hilarious anecdote about how you missed a gutshot straight draw once.<br /><br />Things are different now though and staring at bikini-clad, lithe young women could have disastrous consequences for your heart. The buxom Sapphire girls filling the Rio corridors are walking dynamite for the older gentleman so steer clear!<br /><br /><strong>2) Time those toilet breaks! <br /></strong><br />You've had a tough life, toiled hard for your rewards so it's not suprising that your bladder isn't the well-oiled machine it used to be.<br /><br />With nearly 3,000 other seniors in the same boat, don't make the mistake of making a trip to the washroom on the breaks as you'll have to fight your way through massive queues. <br /><br />Instead, just sit out the last ten minutes of the level, get your toilet break in before the hordes descend and come back for level three fresh as a daisy, ready to unleash some old-school pwnage.<br /><br /><strong>3) Golden Girls Requests.</strong><br /><br />Don't ask an official if he can replace the tournament clock with repeats of the <em>Golden Girls</em>.<br /><br />We know you miss Blanche but play your cards right and within days you'll be back in front of the T.V., slippered feet resting comfortably on the dog, watching the ladies go about their comical business.<br /><br />You might just have a bracelet to show the great grandkids too!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:47:30 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/a-golden-age-for-poker Phil Ivey: The Cristal Balla http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-cristal-balla Hang around Vegas a while and you'll hear many tales of luxurious excess, though few can rival this Phil Ivey anecdote we heard moments ago.<br><br> Allegedly a group of businessmen were enjoying dinner at the Wynn when they looked over at one of the nearby tables to see none other than Phil Ivey.<br><br> Big fans of the poker superstar, they summoned the waiter and asked him to send Ivey a bottle of Cristal champagne, compliments of their table.<p>Happy with their deed, they went back to tucking into their top-class steaks.</p><p>Twenty minutes later, the waiter came back...armed with five bottles of Cristal!</p><p>"These are for you, courtesy of Mr. Ivey."</p><p>The businessmen were impressed. These bottles were selling at four or five hundred bucks a pop so $2.5k's worth of top class champagne was a very generous gesture.</p><p>They felt like they still wanted to send a message to Ivey that they were big fans of his though and took the waiter aside for a word.</p><p>"Would you have <em>twenty</em> bottles of Cristal delivered to Mr Ivey please?"</p><p>The waiter raised his eyebrows just a notch but took the order, made arrangements and twenty bottles of Cristal were sent over to the poker legend.</p><p></p><p>The businessmen were satisfied that their point had been made and went back to talking about stocks, shares and of course cracking open a few of the five bottles of champagne stocking their table.</p><p>Some time later, they noticed a group of staff approaching their table.</p><p>They watched with ever increasing disbelief as bottle after bottle after bottle of Cristal was unloaded until their table and surrounding area were filled with no less than 200 bottles of the vintage champagne - retailing at approximately $100k!</p><p>When the delivery had been made the waiter passed the awestruck businessmen a note.</p><p>"This is from Mr Ivey sirs."</p><p>As the waiter walked away they all crowded round to read the note.</p><p>It simply said, "...and I won't stop."</p><p>That's why Phil Ivey is the Cristal Balla!</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:34:37 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-cristal-balla Dressed to Thrill http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/dressed-to-thrill The WSOP is all about making a big impression.<br><br> Whilst the elite players do this by collecting bracelets and winning millions of dollars, others are forced to choose a different path to stand out from the crowd.<p>What better way to court the world's attention than to dress up in outlandish gear?<br /><br />Here are some of the frontrunners at this point in the race to be crowned the wackiest dressed player of the 2009 WSOP.<br /><strong><br />Bryan Micon - The Iridescent Red Jacket</strong><br /><br />When a jacket's so shiny you can see your reflection in it, you know you're making this list.</p><p></p><p>Micon has never been a man to shun the limelight and his technicolor dream coat ensured he took centre court at the final table of the $1.5k H.O.R.S.E. days ago.</p><p><strong>Random Player - The Native American Headdress </strong><br /><br />Lost bet? Strong bond with native American traditions? Temporary insanity?</p><p>Who knows - all we know is that this guy's ridiculous headwear had the media's cameras locked on him from the moment he arrived.<br /><br /><strong>Roland de Wolfe - The Baggy Tracksuit</strong></p><p></p><p>Roland picked up his first bracelet just days ago, and did so wearing a bright blue tracksuit with the U.K. flag emblazoned across the chest.</p><p>It wasn't pretty, though when you have just won the famous Triple Crown, you can just about pull off anything. Rule Britannia!<br /><br /><strong>Random Player - The MySpace Brag<br /></strong></p><p>Bragging about your sexual prowess on MySpace registers a solid 9.5/10 on the 'geek'-dar. The player sporting the T-shirt with "From MySpace to Myface" along with graphic cartoon illustrations at least showed a modicum of wit.</p><p> </p><p>In reality, the real fun will start with the Main Event. Expect an army of ridiculously-dressed players to descend on the Rio at that point. We'll keep you updated!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:53:39 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/dressed-to-thrill The Lost-and-Found Dollar http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-lost-and-found-dollar Everyone's experienced that feeling of elation brought about by finding a $20 bill in the back of their trousers they'd forgotten about.<br><br> For the more balla amongst us, perhaps it's pulling out a $100 bill snuggled away in some undiscovered confine of your wallet that spells a free slap-up dinner.<br><br> Neil Channing, staker extraordinaire, rolls somewhat differently though.<p>When J.P.Kelly shipped the U.K.'s first bracelet of the series today in the $1,500 Pot Limit Hold'em Event, Channing was part of the cheering British hordes watching on.<br /><br />He was congratulated on having bought a 15% stake in Kelly, which dumbfounded him.<br /><br />"No, no I don't have a percentage."</p><p>"Yes you do." he was corrected. "I was there when you bought it!"</p><p>Channing's share of Kelly equates to close to $30k.</p><p>That's a pretty sum to find tucked away under a cushion!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:47:25 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-lost-and-found-dollar Eskimo soldiers on http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/eskimo-goes-fishing Paul 'Eskimo' Clark is a legend of the game, with no less than three WSOP bracelets to his name.<br><br> But sometimes, as we've seen before in poker, even legends can stumble.<br><br> Rumors have been bouncing around again that Eskimo has fallen on hard times.<br/><br/> Clark's plight and renowned hustling for backers has spawned a well-known series of anecdotes concerning him chasing down his next buy-in.<p>Even a <a href="http://twitter.com/eskimoclark" target="_blank">fake twitter account</a> has now been set up, facetiously tracking his hunt for his next stake.<br /><br />Warranted? Too cruel? Maybe, given Eskimo's impressive poker C.V. with results stretching back over 20 years and totalling over $2.5 million.</p><p>Clark is also a Vietnam vet with health problems that have reared up in recent times, most notably when he collapsed with a mini-stroke at the final table of the 2007 WSOP $1,500 7-card stud event.</p><p>He refused to seek medical attention, and even recovered to finish 4th in the tournament.</p><p>He may be running through a dry patch, but it might be premature to write off the Eskimo just yet.</p><p>He still clearly has some poker skills, as he demonstrated recently picking up $10k for third place at a Caesars Palace $300 freezeout.</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:49:36 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/eskimo-goes-fishing Feeding the beasts within - WSOP update http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/feeding-the-beasts-within-wsop-update You're living it up at the Rio, sweating your buddies or waiting for the latest donkament to start when you hear a mysterious low rumbling.<br/><br/> It gets louder and you start to panic. Is it an earthquake? Are you about to be buried alive with thousands of poker players and railbirds, your final words being "That Hollywood Dave sure is a do...."<p>No, don't worry. There's a simple explanation. You're just hungry.<br /><br />So, head over to the Poker Kitchen for a bite to eat. There's plenty of options available to quell that inner growl. We've put together the PokerListings quick guide to the best and worst of the delicacies on offer.<br /><br /><strong>PIZZA HUT</strong></p><p><em>Poker players love pizza and you can pick up a small pepperoni or margarita for just $7.</em></p><p>PROS<em>:</em> A quick hit of cheese and grease can help soak up those seventeen beers from last night.<br />CONS: Not too healthy, limited varieties of pizza which are kept warm rather than freshly made, meaning they can dry out. Pull your socks up fellas!<br /><em><strong></strong></em></p><p><span><em><strong>RATING:</strong></em> 5/10</span></p><p><strong>SPORTS DELI EXPRESS</strong></p><p><em>Burgers and hot dogs - classic American food.</em></p><p>PROS: Pretty popular, the food may not be haute cuisine but the Sports Deli haven't dropped the ball here. Standard, but competent fast food.<br />CONS: If you have a prop bet with Phil Laak to drop 20 pounds at the series, steer clear!</p><p><strong><span><em>RATING:</em> 6/10</span></strong></p><p><strong>BAMBOLO EXPRESS</strong></p><p><em>You like it hot, you like it spicy, you like it Mexican! Arriba! Expect Burritos, tacos, quesadillas. The usual suspects are all lined up to line your stomach.</em></p><p>PROS: Who doesn't like Mexican food? It's all there and it's pretty good. Probably slightly healthier than burgers and pizzas too. Get stuck in!<br />CONS: A bit messy to eat sometimes. You may find you walk back into the amazon after a couple of tacos with tomato sauce and cheese stains on your shirt. And then people will laugh.</p><p><em><span><strong>RATING: 7/10</strong></span></em><br /><br /><strong>MAHJONG CHINESE</strong></p><p><em>Chinese food provides that shot of MSG in a sweet and sour sauce.</em></p><p>PROS: There's some vegetables in the food. Pretty tasty on the whole.<br />CONS: Not the best chinese in the world.</p><p><span><em><strong>RATING: 5/10</strong></em></span><br /><br /><strong>RIO SUSHI</strong></p><p><em>Being in the desert it can seem strange to be eating raw fish, but Vegas is proud of its range of sushi. How does the Rio sushi rate?</em></p><p>PROS: It's rice and fish. Your doctor will be most impressed and Phil Laak will start sweating on that prop bet if you keep eating this. Definitely the healthy option.<br />CONS: Dry, pretty tasteless. Not great. Plus you may be sick of fish by the time you've been stacked for the fifth time in the kippery Rio cash games.</p><p><span><em><strong>RATING: 5/10</strong></em></span><br /><br /><strong>CAPRIOTTI SANDWICHES</strong></p><p><em>The famous chain like to boast they are the official sandwich-makers of the series. Do they live up to the hype?</em></p><p>PROS: Decent range of sandwiches. The Bobbie - a turkey, cranberry and stuffing combo - is a big favourite with the players. These bad boys are BIG as well. You won't need two of them.<br />CONS: A little overpriced.</p><p><span><strong><em>RATING:</em> 7/10<br /></strong></span><br />So it looks like it's a tie between Capriotti sandwiches and Bambolo Express. But what do we know? Head down to the poker kitchen and try things out for yourself.</p><p>See you in the queue!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:27:37 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/feeding-the-beasts-within-wsop-update Stepping up to the Mike http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/stepping-up-to-the-mike Mike Matusow is busy right now signing copies of his book, <i>Check-raising the Devil</i>, just outside the Amazon Room. <br><br>His bid to shift all his stock has been spiced up by a prop bet Matusow made that he would get rid of the lot.<br/><br/> He's hustling hard to win the bet, telling dawdling passer-bys, "Look either buy a book...or f**k off!"<p>His aggressive sales technique is paying dividends right now and he looks set to win the bet.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:02:48 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/stepping-up-to-the-mike The Brit Invasion http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-brit-invasion The Brits are descending on the Rio faster than Jenson Button in his Formula One Brawn vehicle right now.<br><br>We just bumped into online phenomenon Stephen Devlin aka allinstevie, who is sharing a house with fellow online pros Chris "Moorman1" Moorman and Paul "Leadboots" Foltyn.<br/><br/> Quite the line-up of online talent with over $2.5 million in online winnings between them, allinstevie told me that they were having a pretty balla time in Vegas so far.<p>"We all regged for a comp the other day, then hit the craps tables and the bar pretty hard, winning $5k." Devlin told PokerListings.</p><p>"The night continued and by the time we staggered out of Spearmint Rhino at 10am, none of us were in good shape to play so we gave it a miss!"</p><p>They won't have been the first young players to have succumbed to the many temptations of Vegas.</p><p>The three of them are all business today though, as they shoot for the bracelet in the $1.5k NL Hold'em tournament that started moments ago in the Rio.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:55:44 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/the-brit-invasion The Rio Zoo : It's a jungle out there! http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/a-day-at-the-zoo With 5 tournaments on the WSOP schedule today, the Rio is packed to the rafters as ballas and rail-birds rub shoulders in the crowded tournament room.<br><br> Don't feed the animals!<p>Here's a quick guide to the kind of animal life you might encounter if you brave the Amazon room.<br /><br /><strong>5)</strong> <strong>The Zoo-keeper<br /></strong><br />Sometimes the animals like to wander outside of their pens, but on hand are the beefy security offices, patrolling the roped-off areas like vigilant guard dogs. Don't mess with these guys!<br /><br /><strong>4) The Donkey<br /></strong><br />The donkey has come to blow his bankroll on strippers and gutshots. He'll probably be out by level two and double-fisting jaeger-bombs before level three. Watch out though, sometimes those gutshots hit!</p><p><strong>3)</strong> <strong>The Shark</strong></p><p>These guys want bracelets and cash and they're happy to leave a trail of busted donkeys in their wake. J.C. Tran is a prime example.</p><p><strong>2) </strong><strong>The Rail-Bird</strong></p><p>Here to stalk/ support their favourite players, the rail birds come in many flavours, from those begging ballas for buy-ins to those who just want Chris Ferguson to pose next to them in photos.</p><p><strong>1)</strong> <strong>The Whale</strong></p><p>The whale is a made man who lights up his Havanas with burning $100 notes. Money means nothing to the whale who can drop $50k in the cash games without blinking.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:22:34 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/a-day-at-the-zoo $1.5k Omaha/8 - Can't Shake That Thang! http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/cant-shake-that-thang-15k-o8-final-table-set The $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo Split Event has just played to the final table and the amazing news is that last year's winner of the parallel event, Thang Luu, has made the cut.<br><br> Winning an event of this size two years running would be an incredible achievement and Luu is well set to make history and do just that.<p>Here's the final table layout in full:</p><p><table border="0"><tbody><tr><td>Robert Price</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ming Reslock</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Jordan Rich</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ed Smith</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Thang Luu</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pascal Luu</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Jim Geary</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Freddy Deeb</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Senovio Ramirez</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>German fans won't be best pleased by the news that young star Sebastian Ruthenberg was the man who just missed out, bubbling the final table as he saw his dominant chip stack evaporate in quickfire fashion.</p><p>No second bracelet for Ruthenberg just yet then.</p><p>Two players who fared better were Freddy Deeb and Jordan Rich and it looks like it's going to be a monumental battle for the bracelet.</p><p>The question is though, can anyone stop "wild" Thang?</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sun, 31 May 2009 23:40:49 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/cant-shake-that-thang-15k-o8-final-table-set Multitabling Matusow http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/multitabling-matusow The $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo tournament is underway with a sizeable 900 runners juicing up the prizepool.<br><br>Despite the relatively small buy-in, there are big names aplenty at the felt looking to kick-start their 2009 World Series in style by picking up one of the early bracelets.<br><br>Included in that number is none other than Mike Matusow. He still has chips in the $40k event that started yesterday, but that didn't stop "The Mouth" from registering for the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo tournament that began this afternoon.<p>"I was hoping to pick up a bunch of chips before two o'clock then go over there," he said. "But that didn't work out really well when one guy hit a six outer on the river against me."<br /><br />Matusow is making friends, however, claiming almost every player at the table bought a copy of his recently released book <em>Check-Raising The Devil</em>.<br /><br />"Now I have to be nice to them," he said.</p><p>Although the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to book a spot in the NBA Finals tonight with a win against the Denver Nuggets, team owner Jerry Buss may miss it.</p><p>Buss is in the Omaha field today playing poker instead.</p><p>However, something tells us his eyes, and mind, may be elsewhere after the 6 p.m. PT tip-off.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 29 May 2009 14:40:05 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/multitabling-matusow Qui est le grand fromage? EPT Deauville Day 3 Recap http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/qui-est-la-grand-fromage-ept-deauville-day-3-recap La finale!<br/><br/> Forty-five players returned to cross swords in the grandiose Barrière Casino today aiming to make their mark on EPT history by reaching the final table of PokerStars' EPT Deauville.<p>It was a day packed with excitement and intrigue, and despite the deep-ish stacks that the EPT structure afforded at this stage, the action galloped along at a breakneck pace.</p> <p>With €851,400 the attractive first prize on offer for the winner here in France, no quarter was given as the players tore into each other, raising and reraising each other frequently, making their deep stacks look decidedly shallower.<br /> <br /> In a field largely shorn of big names but full of local French talent, Michel Abecassis was perhaps the most recognizable Frenchman remaining on the roster. But his tournament was brought to a premature end midway through the day, his top pair losing out to his opponent's big flush and straight draw.<br /> <br /> The biggest name pro left in the competition, none other than Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott, has experienced a blistering start to the poker year, picking up two titles already, including the €5,000 NLHE Diamond Championship in Paris just a week ago. <br /> <br /> Ulliott was looking to build on this impressive run of form, and came into the day handily placed.  Despite his stack rising imperiously in the early stages, however, he proved unable to keep the pace up, succumbing just outside the top 20 ... but not before he had delivered some classic Devilfish one-liners to entertain his many fans on the rail.</p> <p></p> <p>One Frenchman was singled out by those in the know as a man to watch, the 19-year-old Tristan Clemencon belying his youthful age with a mature performance full of controlled aggression that saw him slide effortlessly through to the final table poised for EPT glory with the chip lead.<br /> <br /> Tristan has carved out a strong reputation as a good online tournament player, under the moniker superroger47, and if his performance here is indicative of his talent, he will be a famous name for years to come in the live arena too.<br /> <br /> Another relative unknown, German Moritz Kranich, also used his skills well to accumulate a big stack and despite his inexperience at this level, he survived a few shaky moments to come through the day just behind Clemencon in second place.<br /> <br /> Andrea Benelli, Jorn Walthaus, Arnaud Esquevin, Jonathan Azoulay, Bruno Launais and Thomas Delattre complete the lineup for the final table.</p> <p>Full chip counts and positions can be found by clicking <a href='http://www.pokerlistings.com/live-tournaments/ept/season5/eptdeauville/chip-count' class=''>here</a>.<br /> <br /> With such a huge first prize on offer, we can expect a highly competitive final to play out, and tomorrow promises to add one more action-packed page to the annals of EPT history. Given the paucity of big names involved, we are guaranteed to be crowning a brand-new EPT champion in less than 24 hours.<br /> <br /> Join us tomorrow for the thrilling finale to the day, where we will bring you all the action, delivered in our uncompromising PokerListings style.</p><p>Au revoir mes amis!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:43:46 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/qui-est-la-grand-fromage-ept-deauville-day-3-recap EPT Deauville: Day 1b Recap - The Path to Glory http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/day-1b-recap-the-path-to-glory Impressive! That one word succinctly summed up the bonanza turnout that mosied into the Barrière Casino to take its shot at EPT glory today.<p>Although 300 plus partook of Day 1a, Day 1b's roster trumped even that, as 343 players sat down, bringing the total for the tournament to a giant 645. <br /> <br /> The EPT organizers will no doubt be delighted at the popularity Deauville has garnered, given its recent reintroduction into the EPT schedule.<br /> <br /> The massive collection of players contributed to a bloated and highly attractive prize pool of €3,096,000, with €851,400 the mouthwatering first prize on offer for the man or woman who could best the other 644 hopefuls.<br /> <br /> The cavernous hall in the Barriere casino, bedecked on all sides by luxurious drapes and illuminated by ornate chandeliers, played fitting host to a day filled with exciting, aggressive poker.</p> <p>The field was principally composed of French players, keen to showcase their poker skills in their home country. Two of the better-known Frenchmen involved were Winamax player Anthony Roux, short in stature but big in talent, and Bruno Fitoussi, the man who finished second in the $50k WSOP H.O.R.S.E. tournament to Freddy Deeb in 2007.</p> <p></p> <p>Fitoussi was to succumb before the end of the day, though, as the fast pace that was the hallmark of the action took its toll on the Frenchman, whereas Roux endured slightly better fortunes, making the cut for Day 2, albeit with a short-ish stack.<br /> <br /> Other big-name players sprinkled into the mix included EPT Baden winner Julian Thew, WSOP Main Event winner Peter Eastgate, Team Pokerstars Pro's Noah Boeken and Luca Pagano, and celebrated bracelet winner Dario Minieri, still searching for his first EPT title despite many close calls.<br /> <br /> Minieri wasn't to break his duck here today, busting out to a cooler in a blind-on-blind confrontation where his turned straight was no good versus his opponent Michael Fratty's turned flush. <br /> <br />The day proved similarly fruitless for those other prominent names, as they all crashed out on their first day at the felt, unable to add to their already success-packed histories.<br /> <br /> It wasn't all doom and gloom for the pros though, as Freddy Deeb, Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott, Ivo "The Chessmaster" Donev and Jesper Hougaard all navigated their way through the day successfully.<br /> <br /> Of these, Devilfish and Donev were the most successful, with Donev running his stack up to $45,000 while the Devilfish created a story of his own. The celebrated U.K. player finished the day top of the pile with a whopping $120,000, good enough to lead the pack when the players sit down for Day 3.</p> <p>Two hundred and forty-eight survivors from the opening two days will line up tomorrow as the quest for EPT glory continues. It should prove an exciting day here in France, and we can't wait to see who will bag-uette the title!<br /> <br /> If you can stomach more sickening puns like that, then make sure you hook up with us from 12 p.m. local time tomorrow, as we bring you all the stories of carnage from the felt in our unique PokerListings style.<br /> <br /> See you there!</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:02:47 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/day-1b-recap-the-path-to-glory Cashing Czechs: EPT Prague Day 3 Recap http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/cashing-czechs-ept-prague-day-3-recap What a day! The 32 remaining players reconvened at the Hilton Casino today to play down to the Pokerstars EPT Prague final table and far from a dry, arid affair, we were treated to a bombastic spectacle, filled to the brim with dramatic developments.<p>A whirlwind start saw five players eliminated in quick succession. Hopes that a local player could pick up the title were dashed with the first elimination of the day, the final remaining Czech player, Petr Samcenko bowing out in the first level. <br /> <br /> He was swiftly followed by another rash of eliminations and it looked like the breakneck speed the players were going at would see the day done in a few short levels.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile Ludovic Lacay, <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com/poker-player-interviews/ept/season5/the-lacay-man-ludovic-lacay-interview" target="_blank">subject of a PokerListings interview only yesterday</a>, entered the fray well placed as the second chip leader, but he was about to experience severe turbulence.</p> <p></p> <p>When his aces up ran into Alexiou Konstantinos' bigger two pair, his stack was dealt a painful though noncritical blow. The crucial hand that led to Lacay's demise saw him play out a huge three-way pot with pocket kings, though German player Daniel Drescher's pocket jacks won out to bad-beat the Frenchman and leave him on life support.<br /> <br /> He was soon out, yet one more victim of the blistering pace that characterized today's play, with the frequency of bust-outs incredible to behold.<br /> <br /> Whilst Lacay's fortunes were suffering, the reverse was true of Italian Salvatore Bonavena, who started the day bottom of the pile with only a handful of chips, but saw his stack soaring up through the leaderboard as the final table approached.</p> <p></p> <p>By the time the final eight were decided, Bonavena had completed his rags-to-riches journey, finding himself chip leader in a remarkable turnaround.<br /> <br /> EPT Barcelona winner Sebastian Ruthenberg battled through the day, never acquiring a big stack but staving off elimination right to the cusp of the final table.</p> <p>Any hopes he would make his second "official" final table evaporated, though, as his attempted double-up fell on stony ground and the German joined the growing contingent on the rail, picking up the unwanted final-table bubble award.<br /> <br /> Throughout the day a boisterous Italian rail cheered on their homegrown heroes, and there was a measure of hysteria round the last two tables as not one, not two, but <em>three</em> Italians made the last eight, raising hopes that Italy will see its first EPT champion crowned tomorrow when the players resume.</p> <p></p> <p>Here are the other players who fought their way through to the final:  <br /> <br /> Salvatore Bonavena -- $1,402,000<br /> Alexiou Konstantinos -- $1,382,000<br /> Francesco Cirianni -- $807,000<br /> Fredrik Nygard -- $666,000<br /> Massimo Di Cicco -- $429,000<br /> Nasr El Nasr -- $376,000<br /> Raul Mestre -- $313,000<br /> Andrew Alan Chen -- $309,000<br /> <br /> If today's play is replicated tomorrow, we are in for a firecracker of a denouement to what has proved a fantastic EPT Prague. We can't wait, so make sure you join us as we bring you all the news from the felt in classic PokerListings style.<br /> <br /> It's a 1 p.m. local time kickoff. We'll see you there, people!</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:42:58 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/cashing-czechs-ept-prague-day-3-recap EPT Prague: Day 1a Recap - The Czech Mates http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/ept-prague-day-1a-recap-the-czech-mates The EPT Strikes Back! The latest stage of the Pokerstars.com-sponsored EPT brought the European Poker Tour bandwagon careering into the beautiful city of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic.<p>Two hundred and seventy-two hopefuls descended on the basement of the plush Hilton Hotel Casino to try their luck, a welcome increase on the poor numerical showing the tour witnessed at EPT Warsaw.</p> <p>The attraction of the town's much-vaunted beer, sparkling, fairytale nighttime vistas and well-proportioned, attractive women proved an irresistible lure to many, as we saw players from all over the globe make the trip to the Czech Republic to try their hand at securing prestigious EPT glory with all the accompanying fame and riches.<br /> <br /> Two players of note who turned up for Day 1a were two of this season's winners, EPT Barcelona champ Sebastian Ruthenberg and the victor in this season's EPT London, Michael Martin. The two former champions were to experience vastly contrasting days.<br /> <br /> Martin appeared to be climbing effortlessly through the field in the early stages but was undone as a series of coolers, including a cruel set-over-set affair, curtailed his progress before he finally succumbed in the middle stages.</p> <p></p> <p>Ruthenberg's fortunes panned out in diametrically opposite fashion as he built his stack steadily and surely throughout the day.<br /> <br /> The EPT Barcelona champion will be well-placed with over $50k when the players resume arms for Day 2. If he is to win a record-breaking second EPT title, however, he will first have to contend with Frenchman Ludovic Lacay. <br /> <br /> Lacay final-tabled in EPT Warsaw and although he started the day badly and at one point looked on the verge of joining the rail with only a very small stack to his name, he turned this round in dramatic fashion, continuing his recent astonishing form.<br /> <br /> Ludovic didn't lose heart through his early troubles, and a series of double-ups including a key $50k flip with queens versus the big slick of fellow Frenchman Otto Richard saw him build a mighty stack toward the end of the day.</p> <p></p> <p>When he eventually polished off his compatriot, defeating the unfortunate Richard's pocket kings with his pocket aces in a frosty cold-deck situation, he looked well set for yet another deep EPT finish, his $94k good for the chip lead by the day's close.</p> <p>His team Winamax colleague Arnaud Mattern had also final-tabled in EPT Warsaw and as last year's winner of the Czech EPT, he would have nursed ambitions of repeating that achievement.</p> <p>Ultimately, however, he proved unable to emulate Lacay's ascent through the leaderboard as he crashed out in the middle stages when his semi-bluff move with the nut-flush draw failed to pay off.<br /> <br /> One interesting aspect of the day was the decision to jettison the dinner break in favor of more snappy 15-minute breaks every two levels. With a more than adequate (if slightly overpriced) buffet on hand to service the players throughout the tournament, they never went hungry, and most seemed very happy with the decision to hurry through the day's eight levels, as it freed up time to visit some of the many local attractions on offer later in the evening.</p> <p>By the time the chips were bagged and tagged, only 83 of the day's initial 272 players remained. These 83 will return in two days' time, where they will join whoever manages to make it through the tomorrow's Day 1b.</p> <p></p> <p>Here are the top 10 chip counts by the end of Level 8.<br /> <br /> Ludovic Lacay                         $94,200<br /> Dan Pedersen                         $71,200<br /> Constantin Cirstea                   $69,500<br /> Lukas Gideon Schwartz Orbach  $69,200<br /> Vasilis Chantzaras                   $67,700<br /> Jose Luis Navarro                     $63,500<br /> Philip Hepburn                         $62,500<br /> Allan Baekke                           $62,300<br /> Henrik Lundstrvm                     $60,500<br /> Roy Von Der Locht                    $58,300</p> <p>So that brought Day 1a to a close. A similar number of players, including the much-heralded Chris Moorman, will be tunneling deep into the bowels of the Hilton Hotel here in Prague tomorrow aiming to join these chosen few at the top of the leaderboard. If they can match the compelling poker we witnessed here on Day 1a, we should be in for a heck of a show.</p> <p>We'll see you there, where as usual we'll be capturing all the action as it happens at the felt. You won't want to miss it so come <em>Czech</em> it out!</p><p> </p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:41:09 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/ept/season5/ept-prague-day-1a-recap-the-czech-mates