Tales from the WSOP

I busted out of the $550 satellite without winning a Main Event seat.  Despite that my first time attending the World Series of Poker has been a great experience.  As a big poker fan it has been wonderful to see the places, the faces and the events of legend.

It was hard for me to focus on the satellite when I was playing it.  I kept noticing things like Barry Greenstein or Eli Elezra walking through the room, instead of focusing on my cards.  Next time I think I will be able to focus more on the poker and less on the spectacle.

My brother finished Day 1C with 54,625 in chips.  For perspective, this places him with the 649th largest stack of the more than 2,200 people that finished Day 1C.  He also has more chips than the 11,525 that Phil Ivey ended the day with.  Needless to say I am proud of his achievements and am rooting him on.  (I've also informed him that he has to wear an Ante Up patch if he makes it to a televised table.)



While my brother played Day 1C, I was able to walk through the Pavilion, Amazon, and Brasilla rooms that I had heard about on my podcasts.  I was also able to see the $11 sandwiches and overpriced beverages in the poker kitchen.  I sat in the stands where they record the ESPN feature table and I saw lots of famous faces.  For example all the complaining about the heat is somewhat justified.  With temperatures every day over 100 degrees, I felt liked I need a shower after the walk from the car to the air conditioned Rio.  Of course it is a dry heat and that does seem to make a difference.  110 in Vegas is like 95 in Minnesota.  Still way too hot.

I've seen several famous poker faces so far.  I practically ran into Joe Cada and Mickey Appleman.  I saw TJ Cloutier yell "Hello" to Humberto Brenes from across the room.  I saw Doyle Brunson riding his scooter down the hallway during the brake.  I watched Antonio Esfandiari playing on the ESPN feature table.  Other than actually winning the Main Event myself, this trip has surpassed my expectations.

Next year I may need to work on getting a press pass so I can have more access to the WSOP.  I met fellow Ante Up's Illinois ambassador, Joe Giertuga, and he informed me that the press passes are worth their weight in gold. And I haven't been shirking my duties for Ante Up either.  I've been on the been on the look out for fellow Minnesotans.

II took a picture of Minnesota pro Jason Senti playing his day 1.  I also saw Molly Anne Mossey (third place finisher at the MSTP event in Tama, IA) and some of her friends.  I know Erick Wright is also out here, at least according to his facebook posts.  Minnesota Poker Magazine has a good overview of the standings going into Day 2.


I'm having a great time.  Wish you all were here.