Global Gaming & Hospitality

News focusing on the gaming industry as it relates to hospitality and entertainment.  Bringing news from key gaming markets in Las Vegas, Macau, and greater Asia.

[11/14.11]
Twenty-Two Year Old Claims Poker's Richest Prize of $8.7 Million

First published by Christina Kwan on Technorati:

In poker, it’s a mental battle, with yourself and against your opponent. The 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event final table featured thirty-five year old Martin Staszko of Czech Republic and 22-year-old Pius Heinz of Germany. A culmination of play that first started in July at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, the lone two remaining vie for the $8.7 million first place prize. Considering that second place still receives a whopping $5.4 million, simply being in this position is incredible – it took the efforts and stamina that outlasted 6,863 other players.

So it is the setting in the Penn & Teller theater where $8.7 million cash rested comfortably on the poker table felt just a few feet away from each player. They could see it and they could sense it – victory, yet one wrong move and a mental lapse could considerably swing the momentum to their opponent. Each player made their way to Las Vegas from their residences overseas, they came too far for these errors.

With staunch supporters in each of their respective “fan boxes”, all night they cheered, “Mar-teeeeen! Mar-teeeen!” while across the stage they yelled “Pi-us! Pi-us!” Original songs were sung and chants continued throughout the evening. More than a game of poker, it seemed like the World Cup of soccer. An electric vibe reverberated throughout the theater while both players seemed unphased. Each player stared intently at the other in hopes of picking up a read, a gut feeling.

Interestingly, when both players were asked prior to play opening if they would take second place money if it meant that they would not win, Heinz replied, “Absolutely.” Staszko, however, was opposite, he said, “No, because I would not win. The gold bracelet is worth a lot more than the money….there is only one bracelet.”

After battling back and forth heads-up for hours, Heinz felt the immense pressures of often having the shorter chip stack only to slowly grind his way back to near even. At times, he even overtook the chip lead momentarily. Staszko methodically plugged away with his stoic demeanor while Heinz showed more of the drain that came with the swings.

It’s the test of champions after all. The grandest prize in all of poker and Heinz found himself jumping up in victory just fifteen minutes after the clock struck midnight. Asked how his victory would be received in Germany, Heinz replied: “I can only imagine. I think it’s going to be huge when I get home.”

Achieving instant rockstar status, Heinz will go on to become yet another young face in the sea of World Series of Poker Main Event Champions. A native of Cologne, Germany, Heinz’s win will continue to help spur the growth of the poker movement across continents.

Heinz quote provided courtesy of the World Series of Poker media guide.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Boncek/2011 WSOP.

[9.10.11]
Quiet Erik Seidel Makes Loud Impact

The low key demeanor carried by poker pro Erik Seidel doesn’t mean that his presence doesn’t speak volumes.  The number two ranked player in the world according to the Global Poker Index had cruised to the final table once again at Epic Poker’s second tournament of the season. Heading into the tournament’s final day second in chips at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Seidel continues to consistently battle the oppositions.

While the world of poker has its fair share of boisterous and colorful personalities, Seidel has been a veteran of the game and has always let his play do the speaking.  Most may remember the scene from the poker movie Rounders when Matt Damon’s character watched Johnny Chan’s 1988 championship winning move against Seidel.  Perhaps that was one of the most mainstream public moments of Seidel’s career, albeit, most likely not at his urging.

Playing in his hometown of Las Vegas, Seidel looks to become a regular at Epic Poker tournaments.  At the inaugural Epic Poker tournament in August, Seidel made it to final heads-up play against the eventual champion David “Chino” Rheem. Unlike Rheem, however, Seidel had once again made it to the final table.

The 2011 year has been good to Seidel. He has been enjoying much success across multiple continents which had earned him an Epic Poker  five year league card that is based on a specified criteria of consistent placements within tournaments. In an effort to standardize some kind of qualification process to its league tournaments, Epic Poker awards players on card levels that range from two-years to  five-years. Once a player’s card expires, the player is again reevaluated for their card qualification.

Seidel, a poker hall of fame inductee, has enjoyed dual careers before. As a Wall Street trader, Seidel was guaranteed a steady paycheck. However, the stock market crash of 1987 prompted Seidel’s return to poker on a full time basis. To date, he has earned over $16,616,082.

While some public figures today seem to need the antics, Seidel remains completely content with letting his play do the talking. His success is not paid for by corporate sponsorships that want to use him to reach the public. Rather, his success comes by way of executing incredible skill at the poker table day in and day out.  There’s no doubt that any endorsement by Seidel would be lucrative, yet he doesn’t need or care for the limelight. His veteran status in the world of poker has gained the industry’s respect.

At a time where there are frequent debates on the success levels of internet players versus live table players, Seidel appears to have solidified the notion that skill is skill no matter what era or what platform the skills are sharpened. Seidel comes from a time when poker didn’t have the mainstream media it does today.  Now, the playing fields are flooded with both old school and new era internet players. While it’s not known exactly how Seidel has arrived at his formula for successfully navigating the poker tables, one thing is for sure, he possesses stone cold talent for a game that relies on both the cards and the right attitude.  

For his efforts at the second Epic Poker tournament, he walked away with a fourth place payout of $184,100 to complement his inaugural Epic Poker tournament second place $604,330 payout. Consistency, once again, this is why Seidel’s name tends to surface at the top of the list.

[9.8.11]
Expect More. Performance, Innovation, Entertainment - Only from IGT

With a complete suite of show-stopping games and systems, International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) gives casino operators the power to perform as it unveils its latest products at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) from Oct. 4-6, 2011 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

IGT's Booth 2241 will intrigue guests with great games created from pop culture icons and blockbuster titles that deliver new levels of entertainment to players worldwide. IGT's systems and games allow operators to develop new levels of player loyalty and enhance their ability to efficiently market to players while differentiating their casino floors. IGT's global focus and growth will be showcased at G2E as well, with localized themes and solutions.

IGT will highlight how the Company's worldwide pop culture success continues. Attendees will see MegaJackpots® titles that resonate with players worldwide such as Ghostbusters(TM) Who Ya Gonna Call, Elvis The King® Multi-Level Progressives, Big Buck Hunter® Pro, Breakfast at Tiffany's(TM), The Twilight Zone®, Sex and The City(TM) Fabulous and The Joker's Heist(TM).

Joining the all-time player-favorite Wheel of Fortune® lineup is Wheel of Fortune® Triple Extreme Spin(TM), Wheel of Fortune® Wild Getaway and a new Wheel of Fortune® Multi-Level Progressive game.

As the curtains part, IGT will premiere the expansion of the MegaJackpots® Center Stage(TM) series on the eye-catching 103-inch and 70-inch platforms, and the new Center Stage Duo(TM) with its 55-inch screen. Joining the top-performing American Idol® and Wheel of Fortune® titles on stage will be the highly anticipated The Dark Knight, Ghostbusters(TM), Big Buck Hunter® Pro and Texas Tea®. This new lineup will refresh casino floors with the flexibility and efficiency operators have come to expect from IGT's innovative Center Stage(TM) series.

Delivering outstanding, entertaining games to casino floors has long defined IGT and this year is no different. IGT will deliver a portfolio of new, spectacular Core games that are sure to create unforgettable player experiences and drive significant value for customers. IGT's Core games have a serious focus on entertainment and performance with a combination of innovative math models, outstanding graphics and amazing MLD® technology. Big pop culture brands at G2E from the Core product line includeRingling Bros.(TM) Riches, Atari® Centipede®, and Huevocartoon®. Wolf Run 2 Into the Wild(TM), the sequel to player-favorite Wolf Run®, joins with the progressive excitement of Sky Pilot(TM) and Mount Fortune(TM) OnCore Progressives, and the MLD® amazement in Pink Diamond® at G2E.

IGT's classic spinning-reel games have been popular with players for decades. This year, IGT stages a revival of these popular, classic games with the introduction of an unprecedented lineup of spinning-reel games including the premiere of the industry's first 5-reel community bonus game called Fast-Hit Progressives(TM). Other spinning-reel offerings include thrilling 3-reel, 1-line games such as Haywire Multipliers(TM) and Blue Blazes Win Zeros!(TM).

A long-time market leader in Video Poker action, IGT will add to its award-winning line up of games with titles such as the new Build A Wheel Poker® game. This next generation of wildly successful video poker wheel games offers the first-ever dynamic video wheel used in a video poker bonus, and is designed to appeal to both video poker players and slot players who like to spin and win.

IGT continues to set the standard in cabinet design with the G20, G23, S AVP® and Universal Slant models. The G20 is designed for comfort and entertaining game play. The G23 widescreen is IGT's premium upright cabinet. The Universal Slant has the ergonomics of a slant with the merchandising features of an upright. The Universal Slant for Poker has a custom poker button panel for a superior poker play experience. Also, coming to G2E is an updated version of IGT's long-performing S AVP® cabinet, now featuring enhanced top box attract lighting.

IGT delivers the best in casino gaming and fun right to players' phones and laptops. IGT's experience in gaming extends well beyond the traditional casino floor with more than a decade of experience in the online and mobile sphere. Pop culture themes such as MONOPOLY, Elvis The King®, Wheel of Fortune® and Star Trek(TM) entertain both online and mobile players. With the acquisition of established online gaming supplier Entraction earlier this year, IGT now offers a complete interactive gaming portfolio of casino games, multi-player poker, sports betting and bingo.

As a thought leader in server-based gaming, IGT has transformed the player experience in casinos throughout the world with its Systems solutions. IGT's unmatched systems offerings at G2E include dynamic ways to communicate with players, unrivaled flexibility and connectivity, and the critical tools needed to manage the casino floor, players, promotions and operations. IGT also will introduce a suite of player personalization capabilities, expanding IGT's Intelligent Bonusing(TM) solution that can track and manage a player's experience in real-time, allowing the Casino to deliver custom content and offerings to the slot machine based on patron metrics and behavior such as coin-in, coin-out, points earned and games played. New Intelligent Bonusing(TM) applications will include Point Pursuit(TM), Team Challenge(TM), Message Blast(TM), Auction Action(TM), Game Pulse(TM), Big Game Hunt(TM), Tournament Manager and more application concepts. In addition, IGT will show third-party Service Window applications developed by Synergy Blue, an application and content developer, at G2E.

IGT also expands its Systems solutions with the Universal Game Adaptor for hybrid or pre-G2S slot floors. This innovative device allows for the delivery of rich media across the casino floor using a GSA, open standard add-on. It enables any game manufacturer to certify and support floor-wide, IGT picture-in-picture Service Window functionality on its slot machines while preserving the games' behavior and integrity.

[9.5.11]
Aristocrat to Premiere Three Exciting New Modules of its Oasis 360™ System at G2E

All around the globe, Aristocrat creates the world’s greatest gaming experience every day. At G2E 2011, Aristocrat will show how that experience is enhanced with its Oasis 360 system and its three new exciting modules, which will premiere at G2E: nCompass™, a single-solution content delivery technology; nRich™, a completely new type of bonusing solution; and nVision™, the industry’s most
advanced business intelligence solution.

“We have been actively listening to our customers and their changing needs. nCompass, nRich and nVision are new technologies that we developed in direct response to customer feedback,” said Aristocrat Vice President for Systems Sales & Marketing Kelly Shaw. “We have demonstrated the new technologies to customers, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Now we are very excited to show these technologies to the world at G2E.”

nCompass is the next generation in casino management system technology at the gaming device that encompasses the property’s total offerings with the player’s unique gaming experience. nCompass connects both new and legacy games, delivers high-impact content, advanced bonusing, and above all, empowers a property to have direct and interactive contact with its players. nCompass is a single solution that delivers video or animated content, provides state-of-the-art touch-screen interactivity, displays player points earned in a day (or points earned based on tier ranking), and gives a property and/or their vendor(s) the power to develop custom content. nCompass is the ultimate in flexibility, allowing a property to go so far as to even target marketing messages to specific players on individual gaming machines.

nRich offers a bonusing solution that is dynamic and reaches every carded player on the floor and grows every player on the floor based on their individual historical play/worth. nRich is different from all other bonusing applications in that bonusing offerings do not use static triggering mechanisms such as Coin-In, which could be meaningless or unachievable by a large majority of players. nRich increases profitability by focusing on growing every player in the CMS database, provides a personal bonusing experience to every
player thus driving increased loyalty, increased visitation and increase in players share of wallet.

nVision is a breakthrough in business intelligence. Casino management systems are designed to gather data; however, only nVision gathers meaningful performance information and provides analytical resources and toolsets that are customizable and can grow as demand for information evolves and grows. nVision empowers users to access key performance indicators across the entire operation, enabling faster and better decision making through quick insights into current and historical performance data. Additionally, nVision allows the user to choose standards reports or ad hoc reports that allow the user to segment performance data on any metric in the data warehouse. Oasis 360 is the most widely used system in North America, currently monitoring devices at more than 265
casinos. Oasis 360 is one of the gaming industry’s most sophisticated systems, and includes robust, proprietary features that can be tailored to each property’s individual needs.

[9.3.11]
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to Host 18th Annual Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction to Benefit Ann Storck Center, September 23

Dozens of South Florida's most celebrated and beloved Celebrity Chefs will converge at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m. for the 18th Annual Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction to benefit the Ann Storck Center, one of Florida's most respected non-profit organizations. The event is presented by Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hochberg and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This year's "Heart of Gold" theme celebrates the commitment of Marvin C. Gutter, Ann Storck Center's Board President  from 1981-2010, who passed away in December 2010 after a long-lasting illness.

"This not-be-missed showcase provides our best local chefs with an opportunity to tout their culinary skills, serve great food and benefit a great cause," says Ann Storck Center's Executive Director Charlotte Mather-Taylor. "Food connoisseurs and our loyal attendees all agree that the Ann Storck Center's Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction is one of the most outstanding fundraisers of its kind."

One of the tastiest kick-off events of the season, The Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction will feature the distinct and varied gourmet flavors of South Florida prepared by more than 20 elite talented chefs. Guests will enjoy classic cuisine and conversation at elegantly appointed tables with designated seating amidst imaginative and fanciful decor, including one-of-a-kind, hand embellished electric guitar centerpieces created by Ann Storck Center artists. These guitars can be purchased for $100, with all proceeds directly benefitting the Ann Storck Center.

Local restaurants confirmed on this year's esteemed roster include 3030 Ocean-Marriot Harbor Beach, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Anthony's Runway 84, Aruba Beach Cafe, Bamboo Noahs, Blue Martini Lounge, BlueBell Creameries, Bob Roth's New River Groves, Bongos Cuban Cafe, Brooks Restaurant, Casa D'Angelo, Chef Elisa's Catering, Hard Rock Cafe,  Hi-Life Cafe, Jimmie's Chocolates, Johnny V, Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen, Oceans 234, Renegade BBQ, Specialty Bakers, Sweet Girls Shop, TATU Asian Restaurant, Whole Foods Market/Wholesome Meal, Tequila Avion and PRP Wine International.

A variety of top-notch luxury silent auction items will include vacation packages, jewelry, sports items, autographed memorabilia and more hand-picked items in massive, professionally decorated gift baskets. A unique live auction called "Bids for Kids" lets guests make a difference by sponsoring a child attending the Ann Storck Center's Preschool.

 "We are so grateful to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the chefs and the hundreds of people who participate in this spectacular event to help the Ann Storck Center raise vital funds for the important services they provide," said Roz Perlmutter, co-chair of the event together with Joan Ast, Maria Delegal and Marge Osceola.

[8.29.11]
Four Winds Hartford Announces Grand Opening

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians announces that its new casino, Four Winds Hartford, will open to the public at noon Eastern time on Tuesday, August 30. Located at 68600 Red Arrow Highway in Hartford, Mich., Four Winds Hartford is approximately two and a half miles west of the city of Hartford between exits 41 and 46 on Interstate 94, and 45 miles northeast of Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich. (Four Winds New Buffalo). 

“Hartford is an area that is home to a large number of Pokagon Citizens and we are extremely proud to open a new Four Winds Casino here,” said Matt Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. “Four Winds Hartford has created approximately 400 new jobs within the casino in addition to the hundreds of jobs that were created during construction. We look forward to welcoming area residents to our new facility.”

Maintaining a similar look and feel in design and finishes to Four Winds New Buffalo, Four Winds Hartford features 500 slot machines, nine table games including blackjack and roulette, a 100-seat restaurant called Timbers Fast Food and Deli and a 15-seat bar. Four Winds Hartford is also home to Four Winds Outfitters gift shop where guests can find Four Winds logo apparel, Tribal artwork and other unique merchandise. 

Matt Harkness, General Manager for Four Winds, added, “When Four Winds New Buffalo opened in August 2007, it set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. We are thrilled to bring the same high level of service to Hartford along with the exceptional gaming experience and promotions available at Four Winds New Buffalo.”

Adding to the excitement of the Four Winds Hartford Grand Opening, all Four Winds W Club members can win a share of $150,000 at either Four Winds location, including a grand prize of $100,000 in cash, on Sunday, September 4 during Labor Day weekend. Additionally, new players who sign up for a Four Winds W Club membership at either casino location can receive up to $400 in free slot play, earn points and redeem direct mail offers and promotional giveaways at both properties. More information on this promotion is available at the W Club inside each casino location. Copper Club members visiting Four Winds Hartford will also have access to a dedicated entrance on the east side of the building with priority parking. 

[8.23.11]
WMS Receives Approval from Nevada Gaming Commission for the Initial Commercial Release of WAGE-NET(R) Networked Gaming System

WMS Gaming Inc., a subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE:WMS), announced approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission for the initial commercial version of the Company's WAGE-NETnetworked gaming system solution interoperable with a specific slot accounting system. This first approval includes Remote Configuration and Download ("RCD") functionality of the WAGE-NET system.

WMS will begin to commercially launch its new Portal applications at casinos in Nevada, including the Jackpot Explosion(R) application, the first themed application in WMS' Ultra Hit Progressive(R) ("UHP") Portal application family. The UHP series is the first in a lineup of differentiated Portal applications and content designed to interoperate with WMS gaming machines on a casino floor utilizing the networking capabilities of the WAGE-NET system.

Dean Ehrlich, Vice President, Network Solutions, for WMS said, "Securing Nevada Gaming Commission approval for the first commercial version of the core WAGE-NET system, coupled with the launch of our Jackpot Explosion game, our initial UHP Portal application, represents another major milestone in our growth plan to bring exciting and innovative new gaming experiences to casino patrons and to provide a premium value proposition to casino operators. We expect to receive approvals in Nevada for interoperability with the other slot accounting systems in the future. Our initial placements in other jurisdictions have clearly demonstrated the incremental value of our Portal applications and RCD capability on our popular Bluebird(R)2 and Bluebird xD(TM) gaming machines.

"Our UHP application adds an integrated, secondary mystery progressive bonus experience to the base game," noted Ehrlich. "TheJackpot Explosion game's volcanic theme shows rising lava levels on the base game interface as coin-in increases and the trigger to the progressive jackpot is approached. With its random rewards and innovative ability to broadcast how close the progressive is to being won through stronger visuals and a unique ambient sound package, UHP enables unmatched levels of player excitement and celebration of the big win."

UHP is the first in a series of several unique Portal families of applications that WMS plans to introduce over the next several years. These Portal application concepts will feature multiple themes and reflect the Company's commitment to create innovative new products and solutions that provide exciting new gaming entertainment for players and are designed to drive increased performance for casino operators. To enhance players' entertainment experiences, the Portal applications combine WMS' industry-leading video and mechanical-reel base game content with the additional gaming entertainment offered by the Portal applications. Casino operators longer-term will be able to determine which Portal application they want to operate on each WMS gaming machine connected to theWAGE-NET system, which will enable them to uniquely tailor their casino floor to best suit their casino patrons.

[8.12.11]
New League Scales Epic Proportions

Since its inception, the newly formed and recently debuted Epic Poker League has created a monumental challenge to itself: to live up to its name. Conceptualized and operated by its parent company, Federated Sports + Gaming (FS+G), Epic Poker aims to revolutionize the poker landscape in all realms: live tournaments, its dedicated all inclusive online site, nationally televised events, social media games, and interactive digital programming.  

Epic Poker’s trademark slogan, Players First, is not just a line for careful positive branding, but a genuine reflection of the doctrines of its executives which include former President and Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, Jeffrey Pollack, and professional poker player Annie Duke. The league’s inaugural season includes four rake-free $20,000 Main Event tournaments with $400,000 in added money. The top 27 players with the highest earnings from the league’s regular season will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the $1,000,000 free roll event, the Epic Poker Championship.

Operating a league that includes many of the world’s top players is carefully gauged by its entry criteria. Utilizing FS+G’s Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking system, there is a comprehensive and legitimate calculation on Epic Poker’s player qualifications. Players are ranked weekly based on their performance by finishing in cash positions in qualifying tournaments occurring over the previous 36 month period. To date, over 200 players have qualified for the league.

While superstar veteran poker personalities like Erik Seidel and Phil Hellmuth have long engrained their names in the history books, Duke sees the Epic Poker League and its media resources as a way to shine the light on poker’s emerging players. “To see the incredible number of rising stars who showed up to support is really incredible,” said Duke. “There is a great mix of the players that people already know and the players who they should know but who just have not gotten the attention. To see that combination of players come together really exceeded my expectation.”

The Epic Poker League undoubtedly puts “Players First” on all levels. Launching their new site, editor-in-chief of Epicpoker.com, Michael Craig, said “Our team behind EpicPoker.com is aiming to raise the bar – for the standard of poker feature journalism and live-tournament poker coverage, in addition to the recognition for poker professionals as elite competitors with skills and charisma to capture the general public.” Integrating guest posts by the world’s best players, the site not only aims to shine light on the decorated unknowns, but to involve, encourage, and educate the new generation of aspiring poker stars.

While the Epic Poker League’s tournaments may seem to be an all-inclusive platform for just the world’s most successful players, FS+G’s acquisition of the Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) places yet another element of star creation to the mix. Adding to an unprecedented tournament structure, with HPT’s trademarked motto “Real People. Unreal Money”, satellite tournaments that start at $40 can take an unheralded player to the final table prize with the world’s qualified elite.  Duke went on to quantify the significance of this structure, “For a $40 investment, anyone can have a shot at the glory on a national stage, a million dollars, and poker’s most exclusive title. That opportunity is unmatched in poker.”

For the inaugural season’s five Main Event tournaments, its exclusive partnership with the Palms Casino Resort guarantees that the establishment will be the launching pad of Epic Poker’s first full schedule of events.  Looking into the league’s future expansion, Duke said, “We would obviously love to be on the East coast. Over one-third of our player base is European in terms of qualification and obviously we would love to bring something to them as well.”

While on-site play can be observed solely in Las Vegas for now, Epic Poker’s partnership for a collective 20 hours of programming with the CBS and Velocity by Discovery networks opened up their players’ exposure to over 140 million homes combined. Coming out of the gates with worldwide attention and focus, Epic Poker has placed itself on the fast rising track to innovate and establish its brand on a massive scale. Reinforced by Bob Scanlon, senior vice-president of Velocity network, he commented, “The Epic Poker League is set to take the game of poker to a new level, and we’re excited to air these competitions featuring many of the world’s best live tournament players.”

Moving at unprecedented speeds, FS+G has positioned the Epic Poker League to become the ultimate destination and resource for today’s generation of poker players. Taking live games from the floor to the screens of millions in its inaugural season marks an unparalleled rise in world of poker. There are no baby steps and no shortage of support from the most successful players from across the globe. To grow a league that needs the affirmation of its players, the Epic Poker League has carefully nurtured the powers that have the ability to propel its organization to become an unstoppable force and it all began with two simple words: Players First. 

Photo courtesy of Epic Poker League.

[6.21.11]
World Series of Poker's November Nine Symbolizes Widespread Global Interest in Poker

The World Series of Poker’s (WSOP) final table of players, aptly named the November Nine for when they once again reconvene at the final table in Las Vegas in November at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, is definitively distinguished by the seven different nations in which they represent. Hailing from the United States, Belize, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and the Ukraine, the November Nine comprise different personalities, different cultures, and different styles of play, yet they all commenced on July 7th, along with 6,856 other players from 85 nations, to play for the game’s richest top prize – $8,711,956.

Through eight days of play, the members of the November Nine undoubtedly exhausted their energies day in and day out. Now – just for a little while – they can all breathe a sigh of relief as they now wrap their minds around the possibility and notion that “It could be me, the 2011 World Series of Poker Main Event Champion.”

The emerging champion will have their name mentioned and printed alongside his predecessors, many of whom are legends in the game, yet with the title comes an even greater responsibility. It’s carrying the prestige of the coveted title while utilizing the stage as a platform for advocating the legitimacy of poker that has undeniably surged in immense popularity and participation with the game’s global appeal.

Though forever bound by the November Nine group title, individually these players look to carve out prominence for their own name.  These perceptive players from vastly different backgrounds were bound by a common denominator, a common passion that breaks all language and cultural barriers; it is poker, a game unique to each person, and a game for people who come from all walks of life. From the formally educated to the self-taught, from the impoverished to the millionaires, from the old to the young, from one race to another, men and women, the poker arena is open to everyone and anyone who is willing to tackle the complexities of the game.

So, on November 5th, the November Nine, will once again find themselves on the very property that presented this opportunity to them just three months before. Hoping to recapture the momentum that propelled them through to the final table, the players should have already celebrated the fact that they’ve not only made a minimum of $782,115, but that they’ve also survived to be within the top 0.13% of the total starting entrants for the Main Event.
Together, the players that comprise the 2011 November Nine are a very special group, yet in just three months, they will each step out of the shadow of the group and sit down as individuals. While they don’t expect everyone to know or have witnessed their entire journey, they would hope that their achievement thus far in the WSOP Main Event will forever be reminisced and celebrated.   

Come November, it will be one of them. So remember: Martin Staszko, Eoghan O’Dea, Matt Giannetti, Phil Collins, Ben Lamb, Badih Bounahra, Pius Heinz , Anton Makiievskyi, and Sam Holden. While collectively they will always be known as the 2011 November Nine, only one name will emerge and be indelibly inked as the 2011 World of Series Main Event Champion.

[6.16.11]
World Series of Poker Keeps Kwan's Patience and Discipline in Check
by Henry Lee, MSNBC Newsvine

Figuratively speaking, United States National and World Champion boxer Christina Kwan’s gloves are on and her guard is up when she sits down at a poker table. Carrying over the mental toughness and discipline she has acquired through a brutally demanding physical sport, Christina applies many of the same lessons she’s learned from inside the boxing ring to her seat at the card table.  Every hand is a new round and every round is a mental regroup.

While at the poker’s grandest and richest stage where nearly $192 million in prize money is paid out, the World Series of Poker, annually held at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Kwan reports for double duty. She is representing her own global marketing and media company, Kwan International, as she reports on gaming results and insights from the series while also taking down pots as a player.  

The parallels of boxing and poker are endless. “Poker is a combination of analysis, strategy, mental assertion, and stamina. It’s everything that I’ve always had to implement in boxing. My opponents in either forum are trying to get inside my head and disrupt my thought process.  I stick to my plan and I don’t let them sway me,” says Kwan.

While the demographics of poker players are vast, Kwan undoubtedly brings a new dimension to the scene. Multi-faceted and creating success for herself on multiple platforms has made her an intriguing individual. Rattling off her credentials is no short list. Aside from achieving elite champion status as a boxer, the North American born Chinese is also a leading businesswoman as she operates her own company that makes the Las Vegas Motor Speedway its home.  She is an honors scholar from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  She is an entrepreneur who has a diverse gaming background. She is heavily involved in the motorsports industry as an elected board member on the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) Businesswomen’s Network, a motocross rider, and the driver of an 18 foot Challenger drag boat where she has built an engine that is capable of pushing 1,300 horsepower. Kwan most notably brought international awareness to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) on ESPN while representing an 8,000 horsepower Nitro Funny Car.

A power packed resume, Kwan is the atypical representative of her involved roles. Standing 5’3” and just 100 pounds, she is confident and articulate, exuding an unforgettable presence and impression upon anyone she meets. While there are many talented players in the world of poker, Kwan brings a unique skill set to the table.   

“Many have said that my discipline from boxing has helped me in poker, but there’s no doubt that the lessons from poker have helped me in boxing.  Patience, every second counts and every decision counts,” says Kwan. “I’m around so many incredibly great, smart, and strong players in the game of poker. I am honored to play in the same arena as them.”

When asked if there are other boxers she would like to see in the poker world, smiling, she replied, “Sure, all of them.  This is a venue where weight divisions don’t matter. More than calling any boxers out, however, there are a few promoters and matchmakers that I’d like to have the opportunity to knock out.”

While balancing a life that is full of professional endeavors, Kwan has found success in poker.  Seen regularly playing tournaments including the exclusive Media Tournament at the WSOP, Kwan has made a consistent statement on her future in this game of skill.  As the month and a half long series concludes on the Rio floor, Kwan is elated to have participated in the event as both a player and as a representative of the media.  Look for her ending analysis of the series, including in-depth coverage of the November Nine final table, on this record breaking year for the WSOP at Kwan International.

[6.08.11]
GODADDY.COM Becomes Official Sponsor of 2011 WSOP

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) today announced GoDaddy.com as a new premier sponsor of the 42nd Annual World Series of Poker.

GoDaddy.com, the world’s largest Web hosting provider and domain name registrar, will be visible throughout the 2011 WSOP, both with on-site branding and television integration as the primary sponsor below the flop. 

For those unfamiliar with poker, all community cards dealt on a poker table are positioned in the middle of the felt.  GoDaddy.com has secured primary positioning just below these cards throughout all tournament action on televised tables, which is highly visible in all broadcasts of poker. 

“When you talk about GoDaddy.com, you are talking about some of the best marketers in the world, who are thoughtful about their platforms and selective in their promotional partnerships,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart.  “We know GoDaddy.com has a fun and edgy style and we welcome them into the greatest poker spectacle on the planet, which shares its personality.”

Go Daddy CEO & Founder Bob Parsons is the architect of the company’s incredibly effective advertising campaigns.  “We like this poker sponsorship because so many of the fans are passionate, loyal and interested in the Internet,” Parsons said. “We’re all in, baby!”

[6.02.11]
WSOP Announces $1 Million Tournament Buy-In Tournament Along With One of The Most Significant Charity Initiatives in Poker History

The World Series of Poker® (WSOP) announced today that it is adding a new $1 million buy-in poker tournament as part of the 43rd Annual World Series of Poker on July 1, 2012 to benefit ONE DROP, a non-governmental organization aiming to fight poverty worldwide by supporting access to water and raising each and every one’s awareness of water-related issues.

The BIG ONE for ONE DROP (TM) tournament is expected to generate one of the largest prize-pools in tournament poker outside the WSOP Main Event and award the winner millions of dollars and a specially-designed WSOP platinum bracelet.ONE DROP has received commitments from 15 participants thus far. They are: Guy Laliberté, Chair of ONE DROP and Founder of Cirque du Soleil; Bobby Baldwin, four-time WSOP gold bracelet winner and President & CEO City Center Group; Phil Ruffin, Owner, Treasure Island Resort, Las Vegas; poker professionals Patrik Antonius, Gus Hansen, Daniel Negreanu, Johnny Chan, Tom Dwan and Tony Guoga.  Quebec’s Casinos and a European group intends to offer satellites as well, plus a prominent businessmen will also join, in addition to Andy Beal.

Caesars also intends to offer two additional entries. One will go to the winner of a Mega Satellite, while the other will come from a yet to be determined promotion.

"We are proud to align the planet's premiere poker event with the foundation created by one of our generation's most creative entrepreneurs, Guy Laliberté, to help make the world a healthier place," said Gary Loveman, Caesars Entertainment Corporation's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“We agree with ONE DROP that water is one of the most important issues of this century and this tournament was created to take advantage of our infrastructure and resources to help ONE DROP fulfill its important mandate,” said Mitch Garber, CEO of Caesars Interactive Entertainment. “With The BIG ONE for ONE DROP, we hope to attract public figures and recognized business community leaders, who will join our efforts and participate in a historic event while supporting ONE DROP’s activities.”

“Since giving back to the community is a key part of Quebec’s Casinos’ philosophy of social commitment, we couldn’t miss out on the opportunity of partnering with ONE DROP for this grand charity event. We often organize benefit tournaments, but this tournament definitely stands out. Our team is ‘all in’, without hesitation,” said Claude Poisson, President of Quebec’s Casinos.

“I'm very happy to participate in this event. As a partner and friend to Guy, I have always admired his commitment to ONE DROP,” said Phil Ruffin,Owner, Treasure Island Resort, Las Vegas.

“A million dollar buy-in seems crazy, and well, it is, but when you factor in a great cause like ONE DROP getting a percentage of the prize pool, all of a sudden it seems like a fantastic idea, and a great way to raise money for charity,” said Canadian poker pro Daniel Negreanu. “Count me in.”

“I'm very excited to play this tournament because I think ONE DROP is a great charity organization and this will be the biggest tournament with part of the prize pool used for a good purpose,” added professional poker player Patrik Antonius. “It will be a lot of fun!”

“ONE DROP is an extremely intelligent, important charity organization and I'm honored to play a part in giving back,” said businessman and poker pro Tony Guoga. “This is a perfect partnership for the WSOP and for poker in general. 

“I am buying in,” exclaimed young poker professional Tom Dwan. “$1 million has a nice ring to it. It’s so sick, and for such a good cause, now I just gotta win.”

“Supporting Chris Ferguson’s charity I spent 4 weeks in Africa last year, and I came to realize what a precious resource water is—therefore it is a pleasure to enter the biggest poker tournament ever and at the same time support the ONE DROP organization,” said recent WSOP gold bracelet winner Gus Hansen.

The tournament is expected to take place at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on July 1, 2012 and intends to be structured as a three-day tournament. The event intends to take a maximum of 48 players.  Final funds are expected to be due 14 days prior to the event commencing. Subject to the rules of the tournament, anyone age 21 or older is eligible as long as they have the $1 million entry fee.  11.1% of the tournament buy-in intends to be donated to ONE DROP, with $889,889 going towards the prize pool.

“Since its creation, ONE DROP has reached out to millions of people to support access to water and raise each and every one’s awareness of water-related issues. And today, knowing that one person dies from a water-borne disease every 20 seconds, I urge everyone to do even more,” said Guy Laliberté. “We are looking forward to The BIG ONE for ONE DROP as a creative and innovative solution to fund ONE DROP projects that help fight poverty by supporting access to water worldwide.”

U.S. television network ESPN intends to televise this event as part of its coverage of the 43rd Annual World Series of Poker in 2012. A specially-designed WSOP platinum bracelet will be awarded to the winner, as long as at least 22 participants are entered in the event.  (Doyle Brunson defeated a field of 22 players for his first of back-to-back WSOP Main Event titles in 1976).

The tournament is expected to pay out a record 20% of the field—double the typical poker tournament payout structure. For example, if 20 players enter, four will cash. If 30 players enter, six will cash, etc.

The tournament will bring together individuals in an unusual way for the cause of water for all. It is the belief of the organizers that this event will attract high-net-worth individuals from all over the globe and across a wide range of businesses and occupations.

The BIG ONE for ONE DROP is an unprecedented effort to raise awareness of water-related issues amongst the poker community and to raise funds to allow ONE DROP to continue to deliver on its important mandate. Funds will be directed to ONE DROP projects around the world, where the team is hard at work dealing with the local water crisis.

[5.12.11]
Las Vegas Headliner Penn Jillette To Kick Off G2E 2011 As Opening Day Keynote Speaker

Penn Jillette – magician, comedian, author and the larger, vocal half of “Penn & Teller” – will energize gaming executives from around the globe when he kicks off Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2011 as the keynote speaker. The premier trade show and conference event for the international gaming entertainment industry, G2E 2011 will take place Oct. 4-6 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to feature Penn Jillette as the opening day keynote speaker at G2E 2011,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “As one of Las Vegas’ most sought-after entertainers, Penn is sure to deliver a fun and exciting performance for all G2E attendees.” 

Jillette has been entertaining audiences for more than 35 years and currently appears nightly alongside his stage partner Teller at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. After graduating from high school in 1973, Jillette spent a year at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College before moving to San Francisco to team up with Teller and another friend to perform a musical magic show. Gaining popularity in the 1980s, Jillette and Teller took their two-man show Off-Broadway and won an Emmy Award after their first TV special, “Penn & Teller Go Public,” aired on PBS. Shortly after, the duo began the first of two successful Broadway runs.

Along with Teller, Jillette co-hosted “Penn & Teller: BS!” which aired on Showtime from 2003-2010 and also co-authored three best-selling books, “Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends,” “How to Play with Your Food” and “How to Play in Traffic.” Jillette serves as a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has lectured at Oxford University and the Smithsonian Institution. He also was the co-recipient of the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award in 2001.

[5.09.11]
Caesars Entertainment Unveils Caesars Global Life Unit To Develop Non-Gaming Hotels and Restaurants

Caesars Entertainment Corporation today announced the creation of a new unit to develop branded luxury hotels, restaurants and other lifestyle amenities in resort destinations around the world.

The new unit, named Caesars Global Life, will pursue non-gaming hotel developments using the Caesars luxury brand and other brands owned by the company. Most of the developments will revolve around licensing, franchising and management agreements.

The primary objective of this new unit is to expand the company’s presence overseas, especially in Asia and Latin America, where Caesars is widely recognized for its luxury brand.

As part of the initiative, Caesars in March announced a partnership with world-renowned restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa to develop a Nobu hotel and restaurant at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

In addition, the Global Life unit is expected to expand beyond the Caesars’ brand to include the development of boutiques and lifestyle brands on Caesars Entertainment-owned real estate in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

For example, Caesars recently announced that it is opening four new restaurant concepts operated by BR Guest Hospitality, a leading New York-based restaurant company led by founder and President Stephen Hanson and owned by Starwood Capital Group. The new restaurants include Bill’s Bar & Burger, Dos Caminos, Atlantic Grill, and a casual restaurant featuring celebrity chef Sam DeMarco. Caesars also recently signed a non-binding letter of intent with New York-based entrepreneurs Rowen Seibel and Chris Barish to create a joint venture operating bars and lounges in Las Vegas and elsewhere. 

“Our brands and reputation are our most substantial assets overseas, and this plan will allow us to leverage them into growth opportunities in hospitality and gaming,” said Caesars Entertainment Chairman, CEO, and President Gary Loveman.

[5.08.11]
The Long Standing Sahara Hotel & Casino to Close May 16th.

The Sahara Hotel & Casino will be clos­ing its doors on May 16, 2011 but will remain fully operational until that time. All room reservations made prior to May 16 will be honored.

“We are working with our partners to assess a variety of options for the property, including a complete renovation and repositioning,” said Sam Nazarian, CEO of SBE Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the Sahara. “While no final decisions have been made at this point,” Nazarian said, “The continued operation of the aging Sahara was no longer economically viable.”

“We see the northern end of the Strip as the future of Las Vegas,” Nazarian said. “With Las Vegas showing early signs of recovery, we are confident that we ultimately will find a creative and comprehensive new solution for this historic property.”

Meanwhile, the hotel and casino will remain fully operational until May 16th. The Sahara will be honoring all room reservations and players’ club events until that time.

The Sahara has been working with MGM Resorts International on possible solutions for both customers and employees.

“SBE is fortunate to have a strategic relationship with MGM Resorts International. As a result, we will work together to try to find jobs for Sahara employees in cases where there are open positions in MGM Resorts’ properties,” added Nazarian. “We will also work with MGM Resorts to accommodate Sahara hotel and group customers with reservations following our closure.”

Additionally, Sahara’s human resources department will be working with team members through this transition. The Sahara also plans to offer sessions with Nevada Job Connect and provide career counseling.

“We sincerely appreciate the service and dedication shown by the many Sahara team members over the decades,’’ Nazar­ian said. “They have been the heart and soul of this iconic property. We thank them for their long­standing service.’’

A prime piece of land on Las Vegas Boulevard, there's no doubt an establishment will emerge from Sahara's closure that will prove to be a powerful brand and resort.

[4.23.11]
The World Series of Poker® Will Make Its Presence Known in Just Over One Month

Since the Final Table of the November Nine, the months in between the 2011 World Series of Poker (WSOP) have flown by. In a little over one month, the 58 bracelet event will be on the grounds of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Around the clock, 24/7, poker players and their fans will be around the tables and navigating the halls of the venue.

In 2010, the total prize money awarded was an earth shattering $187,109,850. Players from 117 countries played in the 2010 WSOP. With the return of Jack Link's Beef Jerky as the event's presenting sponsor, players should be able to find the energy to keep going and going and going.

For the main event, players will be chasing down 2010 WSOP defending champion Jonathan Duhamel, the first Canadian to take down the prestigious title and $8,944,310. The defending $50,000 champion is Michael Mizrachi with a win of $1,559,046.

The 2011 WSOP is the breeding grounds of the next great poker superstar. The world awaits!

[4.22.11]
Golden Tavern Group's Homer Gesmundo Puts A Sting in Jack Daniel’s Mixology Event at MGM’s Tabu

With the launch of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey, the race to create unique drinks that incorporate the newly released and sweeter versioned liquor from the Jack Daniel’s family became the setting for the mixology competition and event at MGM’s Tabu Ultra Lounge. One of Las Vegas’ most colorful bar hosts, Homer Gesmundo, of the Golden Tavern Group’s Sierra Gold establishment, impressed Jack Daniel’s executives with his uniquely blended drink: The Bee’s Knees. 

Combining Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey with Grand Marnier, Black Sambuca, fresh lime and lemon juice, and agave nector, Gesmundo topped off his drink with a garnish that incorporated black dyed ginger wrapped with a lemon twist – hence becoming the “bee” that is perched upon the rim of his specialty cocktail.  Chosen to be one of fourteen to compete at the MGM event, judges based their decision on several drink factors: appearance, aroma, overall taste, and overall presentation.  Organizer Dave Stewart said, “This competition shows the creativity and the craft of mixology in Las Vegas.”

A veteran of mixology and bartending competitions, Gesmundo was a top finalist chosen from the world’s best two years in a row at the annually held International Nightclub and Bar Convention and Tradeshow (NCB) in Las Vegas. He describes mixology as the “innovative way of taking ingredients you wouldn’t normally put together.” 

The first year that Gesmundo was announced as a finalist came courtesy of his Golden Dragon concoction. It combined Absolut Mango, Madarin Napoleon Liqueur, blood orange juice, fresh mangos, and his homemade ingredient, a mix of basil, mint, and kumquat organic simple syrup. The recipe garnered a fifth place finish in the international competition.

Exemplifying his style of marrying unlikely combinations, he recalls his Dilly Wabbit creation that drew acclaim during his second consecutive finals invite and appearance at NCB.  The drink recipe combined Plymouth Gin, Grand Marnier, Fee Brothers West Indian Bitters, fresh carrot juice, fresh Granny Smith apple juice, and fresh dill. The creation placed fourth in the competition.

 At the Jack Daniel’s event, Gesmundo describes his recipe as “a twist to a classic”. The process of creation and presentation placed competitors under pressure. With the opportunity to prepare their ingredients prior to officially pouring, mixing, and, at times, shaking their creations, competitors, one by one, stood behind the bar and carefully crafted their drinks in real time. While Gesmundo’s creation was not declared as the event’s winning drink recipe, event attendee and taster Janet Colosimo said, “Homer’s drink is one of the best ones here.”

Looking toward the future, Gesmundo will never be too far from a mixologist competition as his mind never ceases to explore and to create new innovative drink recipes.  His passion for pairing and blending flavors keeps him experimenting.  “I’d like to keep competing not only in the U.S. but around the world,” says Gesmundo. “I enjoy the camaraderie between my fellow mixologists and also the competitive nature of the contests. They challenge me to create newer, more avant-garde, and more flavorful cocktails.”

With his innate ability to light up a venue, Gesmundo not only wants to create his own playbook of drinks, but to also share his knowledge with others. He concludes, “I’d like to start a consulting firm and to teach people and businesses how to make proper, innovative, and wonderful cocktails. I love showing everyone how a certain spirit or liquor can be showcased in a cocktail that is ‘out of the box’ yet at the same time, still respecting the integrity of the product.”

[2.19.11]
Hospitality Gets Its Own Social Network: Welcome to PineZapple.com

Hospitality insiders—including those in travel, lodging, food and beverage, meeting and events, gaming, entertainment and recreation, tourism services, and visitor information—can now create a professional profile, maintain a list of contacts, and invite others to join their list of industry connections.

"With downsizing, industry consolidation, and budget cutbacks, " says PineZapple President, Todd Kempinger, "there's no place for the hospitality industry to connect." In addition, traditional trade shows are becoming cost-prohibitive and ineffective. "Today's 'industry' conventions only link up small subsets of the available talent, insight, and innovation," continues Kempinger, "and big social networking sites don't have the focus and structure to be effective for the unique needs of today's uber-connected hospitality staffers."

PineZapple also offers a fun and effective way to search for jobs, business opportunities, people, events, news, take advantage of insider travel bargains, and much more.

With the increasing demands on hospitality professionals during these downturn times, the PineZapple community can connect, share, learn, and grow all within one easy to use online destination: PineZapple.com.

[2.11.11]
Full Tilt Poker Launches Series España Online Qualifier Tournaments 2011

Beginning February 14th, Full Tilt Poker is giving players worldwide the opportunity to win their seats at the prestigious Full Tilt Poker Series – España.

Featuring a total of €1 million in prize money and drawing some of Europe’s best poker players, Series España is Spain’s top series of live tournament events.

Running over four events, tournaments are scheduled for venues across Spain, with the opening event taking place at the Gran Casino in Madrid from March 11th-13th.

Full Tilt Poker is holding exclusive online qualifier tournaments offering prize packages worth at least $3,200, including entry to a live Series España event. Online qualifier tournaments will take place at Full Tilt Poker on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 15:45 ET with buy-ins from $200 + $16. Players can also satellite their way into qualifier tournaments.

The top players in Series España events will qualify for one of four televised Masters Series events, Spain’s most exclusive poker series. The Masters Series features limited fields and a unique format that challenges players to show their skills in a variety of poker formats.

[1.27.11]
Team Full Tilt’s Erik Seidel Wins Largest Ever Buy-in Poker Tournament

Erik Seidel continued his spectacular start to 2011 by winning the Aussie Millions AU$250K Super High Roller Event. Featuring a buy-in of AU$250,000 – the largest in history for a poker tournament – the recent Poker Hall of Fame inductee beat out a star-studded line-up, including fellow Team Full Tilt members Phil Ivey, John Juanda and Tom Dwan, to take down the first prize of AU$2.5 million (US$2.47 million).

Seidel’s biggest threat for the Super High Roller Event title came from the on-fire Sam Trickett – winner of the AU$100K Aussie Millions event earlier in the week. As heads-up play began, Trickett held over 80% of the five million chips on the table. However, Seidel fought back through a series of double ups and maintained the momentum after the chips stacks had evened out. The final hand saw Trickett check-raise all-in with As-Qh on a 3s-5h-9h flop. Seidel swiftly called with Jh-9c showing top pair, and two blanks followed giving the popular poker pro another prestigious title.

Seidel has been in great form since the turn of the year, winning over US$3.3 million in January alone. A fourth-place finish at the 2011 PCA High Roller Event – worth US$295K – was followed by a third-place finish in the AU$100K Aussie Millions tournament last week for a further US$618K. His latest AU$2.5 million (US$2.47 million) haul moves him up to third in the all-time career tournament money list, one place below Phil Ivey.

[1.09.11]
Team PokerStars Pro Isildur1 is Viktor Blom

Poker fans have speculated for more than a year about the identity of online phenom Isildur1, with Viktor Blom being the firm favourite. The debate was finally settled at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, on Day 1a of the $10,000 Main Event, when Blom entered the tournament area wearing the iconic PokerStars patch.

Blom entered the tournament arena to loud celebration and flashing cameras as he sat down to play a live heads-up exhibition match against fellow Team PokerStars Pro Bertrand ‘ElkY’ Grospellier. The two players brought $10,000 each to the table to play a game of $25/$50 No Limit Hold’em, which quickly escalated to $50/$100 with $20,000 in reserve for each. Much to the delight of the gathered crowds, Blom kicked off his PokerStars career in style by beating ElkY.

In an interview published on the PokerStars Blog, Blom explained why he chose to join PokerStars: “It's the biggest site – they do things right... You can find every game on the site, from one cent to really high stakes. I really like to play the best and improve – that’s why I joined Team PokerStars.”

Blom is now targeting live success in 2011, but realises he has to continue improving. “I need to learn to be more patient. I need to learn to let go of some more hands,” he said. “I want to have some good live results and maybe win an EPT.”

It was only just over a month ago that Isildur1 joined the ranks of Team PokerStars Pro and the focus of the poker world has been on him ever since. On December 19 he played his first SuperStar Showdown match against Isaac Haxton and was a $41,000 loser. But on January 2 he stormed back to beat Tony G in a second match, winning $44,820 over 2,500 hands of No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. 

Blom is now set to play Day 1b of the $10,000 PCA Main Event with the poker world waiting to see whether he can go deep in his first appearance as a Team PokerStars Pro. The young Swede already has one live tournament cash to his name after he finished 16th in last year’s World Series of Poker Europe Main Event for £33,582. He’ll be hoping to add a few zeros to that this week with the first prize of the PCA Main Event expected to be more than $2,000,000.

This news piece courtesy of PokerStars.

[11.08.10]
Jonathan Duhamel Becomes First Ever Canadian to Win World Series of Poker Main Event
 
It took just over two hours of heads-up play for Quebec’s Jonathan Duhamel to claim the coveted $8.9 million winning prize of the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event. Heading into tonight’s play with a 6-to-1 chip lead over John Racener, Duhamel seemed to be a shoe-in as this year’s champion, yet he had to encounter one double-up from Racener during one all-in play early on.

In the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio in Las Vegas was an eclectic crowd of cheering and supporting Canadians dressed in red hockey jerseys.  Chanting throughout the entire heads-up play for their countryman, Duhamel supporters conglomerated both on stage and in the audience. 

With his grand prize winnings, Duhamel has pledged $100,000 to children’s charities in Montreal.  A national figure in Canada with his new found fame and wealth, Duhamel becomes not only a recognizable figure, but one who has every intention of becoming a respected figure for the game and his country. 

[11.07.10]
Canada’s Duhamel Carries Exuberant Attitude as He Heads into Monday’s Final Heads-up Play at WSOP

Jonathan Duhamel, 23, of Quebec, Canada is the World Series of Poker’s (WSOP) Main Event’s youngest player at this year’s final table.  With a commanding 6-to-1 chip lead over John Racener, Duhamel knows that his $188,950,000 chip count cannot ever be safe against great players.  “It’s a dream come true for me,” says Duhamel.  With a win, Duhamel has thoughts of traveling the world and winning more poker titles.  He continues, “I love playing poker so much.”

Learning to play poker at age 15 from his friends, Duhamel quickly realized that he had a passion for the game.  Duhamel developed his skills by playing poker online and he realizes that getting to be the lone standing player in 2010’s Main Event is by making sure that he makes no mistakes.  If his current position means added pressure, Duhamel wants to prove to himself exactly what he can do. 

An art to playing great poker is the ability to keep emotions and running adrenaline in check.  Duhamel releases tension by playing hockey three times a week.  “I love hockey.  It’s how I release my built up energies,” says Duhamel.  If Duhamel wins, he will be the first Canadian to ever win the WSOP Main Event.  He is not only a national figure to his country for his accomplishment thus far, but he is sure to surge as a recognizable figure across many platforms and industries. 

In the past years, poker has exploded at the seams.  From being prominently displayed in the background of combat sports to being on motorsports race vehicles, poker has no limitations in its ability to reach the masses.  As the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the world’s largest automotive aftermarket industry gathering in the world, wrapped up a successful weeklong event on Friday in Las Vegas, poker names were seen displayed throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center’s floor on featured customized vehicles.

One exhibitor at SEMA Show 2010 was the Speedway Commerce Center, the two million square feet business center that serves as the gateway to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Speedway Commerce Center spokesperson, Christina Kwan, of Kwan International, says, “In Las Vegas, we have the prominence of gaming and more importantly, we have also witnessed the rise of poker within our city and around the world.  The game truly has a far reach.  We have even seen poker highlighted on motorsports charity tournaments like the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) annual Speedway Children’s Charities Poker Tournament.” 

Poker has the power to bring players on all levels to gather together for fun, competition, and for the greater benefit of others.  Duhamel, in his selflessness, has already thought of how his win will benefit others beyond himself.  He is passionate about donating a portion of his winnings to children’s charities.  

[11.07.10]
Duhamel and Racener Prepare to Battle for Poker’s Grandest Prize

In the world’s most exciting city, on poker’s most elite stage stood the World Series of Poker’s Main Event’s finalists heading into the tournament’s heads-up showdown tomorrow at the Rio in Las Vegas, Nevada.   Outlasting 7,317 other players in the 2010 event’s  grandest and most enduring tournament, Jonathan Duhamel, 23, of Quebec, Canada, and John Racener, 24, of Port Richey, Florida acted as if they had already won, with each competitor guaranteed to take home no less than the $5.5 million second place prize. 

Going into the event’s final day on Monday, November 8, Duhamel, with $188,950,000 in chips, carries a 6-to-1 chip lead against Racener, but he is not taking that for granted.  He is just happy to have gone this far.  “It’s a dream come true for me,” said Duhamel.  If he were to win, he said he would “..travel the world and win some more. I love playing poker so much.” 

In order to win, Racener assesses that “[Duhamel] is a great player.  If I can double-up off the bat, I’ve got a chance.”  For Racener, it’s about having stability.  If he were to win, he would “…help family, close friends, buy a big house, and enjoy myself.”  After a grueling 14-hour session on Friday, reaching heads-up final table play is very much considered a victory.

[10.25.10]
Boyd Gaming Declines to Exercise Option to Buy MGM Resorts' Interest in Borgata

Boyd Gaming Corporation today announced that, following a careful review, it has decided not to exercise its right to match the offer MGM Resorts International received for its non-controlling 50% interest in Borgata that it announced on October 12, 2010.

Given other opportunities and our current focus on deleveraging our balance sheet, the current offer would not provide a sufficient return on investment for our shareholders. Despite this decision, we are confident in the future of Borgata. The property represents a major investment by Boyd Gaming, and it has delivered substantial value for our shareholders. We remain comfortable with our current position as managing member and 50% owner of Borgata, the region's premier destination resort.