Poker veteran takes WSOPC Caesars first prize

Poker veteran John Spadavecchia returned to the poker limelight last week when he won the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Caesars Palace event. Outlasting a field of 209 players, Spadavecchia took home a first place prize of over $648,000 and WSOPC championship ring.

The WSOPC event at Caesars Palace was the first circuit event hosted in the resort's poker room since it re-opened last December after a 15-year hiatus from the Las Vegas poker scene.

In an interview with Jeff Haney of the Las Vegas Sun, Spadavecchia said, "I'm glad Caesars is back in the poker business. This has been a very lucky place for me."

Spadavecchia, a resident of Lighthouse Point, Florida, won Seven-Card Stud and No-Limit Texas Hold'em events at Caesars in the 1980s when it hosted the Super Bowl of Poker.

"For some people, it's more about the money," he continued. "For me, it's more about the win and the trophy. The ring is always very important - although the money doesn't hurt much, either."

The WSOPC Caesars Palace final table featured several other high profile poker personalities, including long-time pro Billy Baxter and "Kill Phil" co-author Blair Rodman.

The $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em Championship final table results are as follows:

Please see Harrah's Announces New Dates For WSOPC Caesars Palace or www.worldseriesofpoker.com for further details on the circuit event.