Leaderboard Final

Borgata Fall Poker Open Leaderboard - Final Results

By participating in any Borgata Fall Poker Open event (November 9-23, 2011), players earned points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.

Winners are:
1. MICHAEL MICHNIK (HOLLYWOOD, FL):
    $3,500 entry into Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship event (January 29 - February 3, 2012)

2. HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)
    Apple iPod Touch

3. MICHAEL LYDON (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY)
    Apple iPod Touch

4. STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)
    Apple iPod Touch

5. JOHN MCGUINNESS (TOMS RIVER, NJ)
    Keurig coffee maker

6. AMANDA MUSUMECI (PHILADELPHIA, PA)
    Keurig coffee maker

7. ERIC DOERR (NEWARK, DE)
    Keurig coffee maker

8. DANIEL DAGOSTINO (BELLEVILLE, NJ)
    Nikon digital camera

9. LANA OBRIEN (ENGLISHTOWN, NJ)
    Nikon digital camera

10. AUSTEN JOHNSON (WOODSBORO, MD)
      Nikon digital camera

Below are the top 200 scores for the Borgata Fall Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results from all Borgata Fall Poker Open events)

516.275 PTS:  MICHAEL MICHNIK (HOLLYWOOD, FL)

416.138 PTS:  HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)

414.475 PTS:  MICHAEL LYDON (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY)

370.700 PTS:  STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

366.113 PTS:  JOHN MCGUINNESS (TOMS RIVER, NJ)

361.775 PTS:  AMANDA MUSUMECI (PHILADELPHIA, PA)

343.625 PTS:  ERIC DOERR (NEWARK, DE)

329.413 PTS:  DANIEL DAGOSTINO (BELLEVILLE, NJ)

329.100 PTS:  LANA OBRIEN (ENGLISHTOWN, NJ)

322.385 PTS:  AUSTEN JOHNSON (WOODSBORO, MD)

312.320 PTS:  JOHN DELROSSI (MANTUA, NJ)

312.000 PTS:  BARRY LEVY (BROOKLYN, NY)

296.348 PTS:  MARK SYKES (HAMDEN, CT)

294.500 PTS:  ANDREW BADECKER (VERNON, CT)

288.350 PTS:  ILYA VASSERMAN (HUNTINGDON VY, PA)

285.925 PTS:  ROBERT BROWN (MILFORD, NH)

281.525 PTS:  SUNG HA KIM (CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ)

279.475 PTS:  JOHANSSY JOSEPH (SPRING VALLEY, NY)

277.763 PTS:  THOMAS FORMICHELLA (BROOKLYN, NY)

270.825 PTS:  ARIEL ALBILIA (SYOSSET, NY)

Championship Event Recap

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker 2011 Borgata Fall Poker Open Champion

The inaugural Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship's high caliber field was highlighted with three WSOP bracelet holders at the final table. In the end, it's young pro Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT), who won the event and the $388,657 first prize.

Badecker outlasted bracelet winners Freddy Rouhani and Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy and the rest of the 670 total entries to take home the coveted Borgata trophy early Thanksgiving morning.

"Borgata is hands down my most run good casino," said the 24 year old, who won a title in the September 2010 Borgata Poker Open, "I've never had a losing trip here."

Badecker defeated Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) heads up as he started with a 2 to 1 chip lead and never let the rookie poker player double-up. Badecker eliminated Nguyen with king high holding K♠ 2♦.

"This is my first year playing," said the engineer, who earned $218,531 for his three days of work. "I'm really happy coming in second considering I was short stacked all the way to the final table."

Outside of Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ) 7th/$59,084 and Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) 6th/$73,653, Badecker's biggest final table threat was Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) who had the chip lead most of the way. But Alibilia went out 3rd/$137,594 after he was crippled by Nguyen's full house before being eliminated by Badecker.

Day 3 began with 63 players fighting for their piece of the $1,675,000 total buy-in, as everyone was in the money. The eliminations were at a steady clip until the final 10 grinded towards the serious turkey.

After Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA) finished 10th/$21,044, there were three knock outs on three consecutive hands that started with Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ) in 9th/$30,756, followed by Mike Linster (Island Park, NY) 8th/$44,516, and Rouhani.

Play grinded to a halt after Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ) was eliminated in 5th/$89,031, as 4-handed play lasted two hours before Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) busted 4th/$111,694.

Badecker's elimination of Park gave him more than half the chips in play as he controlled the tournament the rest of the way.

The event kicked off Sunday and, after two starting days, the entries totaled 670 and featured lots of recognizable names. WPT title holders Will "the Thrill" Failla, Cornel Cimpan, and Kevin Saul were joined by WPT Season IX Player of the year Andy Frankenberger, but none of them made the money.

Notables who cashed included 2010 Borgata Spring Open Champion Alex Queen 32nd/$7,932, 2010 Borgata Summer Open Champion Billy O'Neil, "Action" Bob Hwang 15th/$15,378, Dave Zeitlin 14th/15,378, and Victor Ramdin 48th/$6,313.

Ramdin, who added to his $3.5 million in career earnings, was impressed with the quality of the field and the turnout.

"East Coast poker showed an impressive display," said Ramdin, who held the chip lead part of Day 2. "This many people willing to play right before Thanksgiving shows we love our poker."

And the most dedicated player was Badecker who, after collecting the biggest payday of his career, got a ride for the five hour trip home to celebrate the holiday.

"It's not too often you get the whole family together at one time," he said. "I'm probably going to be a little late, but I think it will be okay as long as a bring the trophy."

Champion - Badecker

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT)

$388,657

Badecker keeps the pressure on Tony Nguyen and eventually finishes him off with K♠ 2♦ vs 8♣ 9♣.

The board of A♦ A♥ 6♦ Q♥ 7♥ misses both players and Badecker wins with king high to take Nguyen's final 2.3 million chips.

"It feels great," says the 24 year old poker pro. "I've had a really successful year and I'm pretty happy to win it."

Moments after winning the Borgata Fall Poker Open Badecker tweeted:

Andrewbadecker Andrew badecker
SHIP IT! $388,657 my biggest score ever! pic.twitter.com/l40WA2rA

Badecker's Borgata Bounty

2nd Place - Nguyen

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA)
$218,531

Nguyen is a short stack ninja most of Day 3, but finds away to navigate the field and final table to finish runner-up in the Championship Event.

Nguyen was at a 2 to 1 chip disadvantage heads up against Andrew Badecker and never got the double-up he needed to extend the match.

Nguyen finishes in second place and earns $388,657.

Heads Up

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Trophy (& Turkey) Time!

670 entries in the inaugural Borgata Fall Poker Open Championship Event and we're down to two players. Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) and Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) are heads up for the $388,657 first place prize.

Badecker has nearly a 2 to 1 chip lead as he has 13 million to Nguyen's 7.1 million.

Blinds are 75k/150k/25k ante. The antes are now almost as much as the starting stacks of 30k when the tournament began four days ago.

We're only a few hours away from a Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but who knows how long we'll be from crowning a champion.

3rd Place - Albilia

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Ari Albilia
$137,594

Albilia gives his final chips to Andrew Badecker, but it's a devastating blow by Tony Nguyen that helps send Albilia to the rail.

On a board of 2♦ 5♦ J♦ J ♥ 3♦ Nguyen bets 1.2 million, Albilia moves all in for 3.8 million total and Nguyen snap calls.

He shows 2♠ 2♣ for a full house and Albilia doesn't show. The hand leaves Albilia with only 500k and is out a few hands later.

Ari Albilia is out in 3rd place earning him $137,594.

5 Million Chip Pot to Andrew Badecker

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds: 75k/150k/25k ante

With 5 million chips in the pot and the board showing 9♠ 9♥ 3♥ 7♦ 4♦, both Ari Albilia and Andrew Badecker check the river

Badecker shows 3♦ Q♦ for two pairs, 3s and 9s, Albilia studies the board one last time before folding.

Badecker wins the hand and drops to 2.6 million.

4th Place - Park

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ)
$111,694

After two hours of four-handed play there's finally an elimination. On a board of Q♣ 9♣ 5♠ 7♠ Peter Park bets 275k. Andrew Badecker raises to 700k and Park quickly moves all in.

Badecker gets the count of 3.6 million, a little less than half his stack, and makes the call.

Park: 5♣ 4♣ (pair of 5s, flush draw)
Badecker: J♠ 8♠ (flush draw, gutshot straight draw, two overs)

River: K♠

The river gives Badecker the flush and a he now has 12 million of the 20 million chips in play.

Park is out in 4th place and takes home $111,694.

Nguyen Doubles Through Badecker

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen just won't go away as he doubles 2.2 million through Andrew Badecker. Nguyen holds K Q against Badecker's A 4, and hits trip queens to stay alive.

The four players are now very even in chips with Badecker still holding the lead:

Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 8.2 million (68 BB)
Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) 4.5 million (38 BB)
Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 4 million (33 BB)
Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 3.8 million (32 BB)

Blinds 60k/120k/20k

Badecker Chipping Up Through Albilia

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker has taken a couple of decent pots from Ari Albilia who folded to river bets. The two have flipped positions as Badecker is at the the 10 million mark, while Albilia is in the 5 million range.

Tony Nguyen and Peter Park continue to be the short stacks with blinds at 60k/120k/20k ante.

Nguyen Clubs Albilia on River

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Keeps an Eye on the Prize

Tony Nguyen is all in for 1.1 million with A♣ 5♥ vs the 3♣ 3♥ of Ari Albilia.

Flop: K♣ Q♥ 8♣ (Alibila leads with pair of 3s)

Turn: 4♣ (Nguyen picks up flush draw)

River 3♣

Nguyen hits his flush on the river and says, "you know what this is? The nuts," he says with a hearty laugh.

Nguyen stays alive while Albilia continues to hold the chip lead at ~10 million.

Event 21 Recap

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Event 21 is in the books and your champion is accountant/cellist Daniel Penrith (Washington, DC). Daniel just beat out 257 entries and took home $17,450 along with the Borgata Fall Poker Open trophy.

Event 21 was playing alongside the Championship Event and was a nice final Fall Poker Open tournament for players who busted. Everyone loved the affordable buy-in and generous 20,000 starting stacks. Not to mention if you busted out, you could re-enter within the first six levels.

From 11am all the way to the heads-up, John Almanzar held the chip lead. He shot up to 45,000 early on with AA then never looked back.

Some Borgata familiar faces who entered the field included: Andrew Interdonato, Cuong Phung, Kalid Ali, Matthew Piccolo, Micky Woll, and Ta Wey.

Top 27 were happy to win their share of the $64,250 Total Buy-In.

An interesting final table consisting of Michael Miller, John Almenzar, Patricio Trejo, Moshe Dahari, Brian Spencer, Thomas McGarry, Arturas Tamosiunas, Pavel Krapivin, Daniel Penrith, and Marco Huijgen. Pavel Krapivin finished 3rd for $5,921 after knocking out everybody at the final table. Everytime I looked up Pavel had either K-K or A-A.

Our almost wire to wire chip leader fell heads up in two key hands. First Daniel flopped a set of fives then followed up with a flush. 2nd Place of $10,283 was awarded to John Almenzar.

But your big Thanksgiving Day winner once again was Daniel Penrith who is heading into Philadelphia later today to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Congratulations on your huge payday of $17,450. Not a bad day at the office.

Park & Badecker Trade Double-Ups

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park and Andrew Badecker trade 2.3 million chips as they double-up each other. First Park's pocket aces hold against 10♣ 9♣, but Park ships it right back when Badecker hits a full house with K♥ 7♥ against Park's AK.

4-handed play continues with blinds 50/100k/15k ante.

Event 21: 1st Place - Penrith

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Daniel Penrith (Washington, DC)

$17,450

A happy Thanksgiving for Daniel Penrith who just took down Event 21 to the tune of $17,450.

Daniel lives in DC but is home for the holidays in Philadelphia with his family. He thanks all his family and friends for their support and for being the best.

In addition to poker, Daniel is an accountant and plays the cello.

"It was a long-winded journey" said the tired Champion who has been playing holdem since 11am. Daniel was behind when the heads-up started. In just a few hands it was over.

Daniel's set of fives followed by a flush was enough to chop down the perennial chip lead of John Almanzar.

Daniel takes home the Borgata Fall Poker Open trophy in addition to the $17,450 worth of pumpkin pie. Great job!

Daniel Penrith finished in 1st Place earning $17,450.

Final Four Chip Counts

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Park, Albilia, and Badecker

Blinds 50k/100k/15k ante

Name-Chip Count (in millions)

Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 9.6
Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 5.2
Tony Nguyen (McLean, VA) 2.6
Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 2.5

Nguyen Doubles Through Park

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tony Nguyen's KQ catches two pairs on the flop and he doubles through Peter Park's pocket 9s.

Nguyen doubles 1.2 to 2.4 million, while Park drops to 2.5 million.

Event 21: 2nd Place - Almenzar

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

John Almenzar (North Bergen, NJ)
$10,283

John Almenzar was basically the chip leader from wire to wire, except for the last two hands.
Think about how difficult that is to accomplish.

What a great tournament run for John Almenzar who captured the chip lead from the get-go when he limped with AA, found 3 callers and shot up to 45,000.

From that point he never looked back.

Got unlucky heads up as Daniel flopped a set of fives and took down a big pot against him.

John's final hand was 6-7 vs. 7-9. Both guys were suited but only Daniel found his flush.

Great job to John Almenzar and his incredible run.

John Almenzar finished in 2nd Place earning $10,283.

5th Place - Devinsky

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ)
$89,031

Devinsky ships his last 1.1 million to Ari Albilia when his pocket jacks loses the race to AQ.

An ace hits the flop to send Devinsky home in 5th place, earning him $89,031.

Event 21: 3rd Place - Krapivin

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Pavel Krapivin
$5,921

Pavel had an amazing final table. He literally knocked out all of the other players.

Maybe he was doing the dirty work for John and Daniel who still remain and will play heads-up.

Pavel had K-K twice and A-A. His hands were holding up like a champ.

The hand that crippled him was when he lost a race to Daniel. Pavel had K-Q suited and Daniel had A-4. Daniel shoved pre-flop. Pavel thought hard then called. They both had practically the same amount of chips. Daniel at risk.

Flop gave Daniel a pair of fours. The turn gave Pavel an open-ended draw. Blank on the river.

Board: J-4-6-10-5.

Pavel played well and just came up short. Congratulations on a great cash prize.

Pavel Krapivin finished in 3rd Place earning $5,921.

Badecker Straightens Out Devinsky

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The board shows 9♦ 8♠ J♦ 9♥ K♥ and Andrew Badecker moves all in for 1.6 million.
Mike Devinsky makes the call and Badecker shows him Q♠ 10♦ for a flopped straight.

The healthy pot goes to Badecker and takes him to 5 million, while Devinsky is down to 900k.

"It's okay," says Devinsky, "I'm down to 10 bigs, I know what to do with that."

Devinsky Doubles Through Badecker

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky is all in for 1.9 millioin with Ah 6♠ vs the A♠ K♠ of Andrew Badecker.

Flop: 5♣ 6♥ 7♠ (Devinsky pair of 6s)

Turn: 2♥

River: 3♣

Devinsky's pair of 6s hold and he doubles up to 4 million, while Badecker drops to less than 2 million.

Event 21: 4th Place - Spencer

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Brian Spencer - (Tinton Falls, NY)
$4,799

Brian Spencer was short stacked and managed to double up with J-2 when John Almenzar called him in the bb without looking. John's 6-4 did not improve and Brian's J high played.

A couple orbits later our CPA from Tinton Falls was short again so shoved with 4-3 of hearts.

Two callers who were more than willing to check it all the way down to knock out a player.

Sure enough they both ended with better hands.

Pavel's A-3 won on a board of 6-J-9-7-A. Other Opponent had 6-3.

Good couple of days for Brian Spencer who finished 23rd in yesterdays $100 Bounty Event.

Hi to Brian's parent's, sister, and nephew. Congratulations on back to back cashes!

Brian Spencer finished in 4th Place earning $4,799.

Event 21: 5th Place - Dahari

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Moshe Dahari (Long Beach, NY)
$3,739

Moshe Dahari has been trying to cash and get on the Borgata board for quite a while. Tonight persistence paid off. The engineer took a gamble with 8-6 clubs and ran into Pavel's A-A.

Board ran: 10-2-2-9-4.

"I got killed on that hand" said Moshe who is gonna rest up for tomorrow.

Moshe gives a shout out to Heather who is following the borgatapokerblog at home.

This is Dahari's biggest cash and he was very excited.

Moshe Dahari finished in 5th Place earning $3,739.

6th Place - Josephy

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy (Muttontown, NY)
$73,653

Blinds 40k/80k/10k ante

JohnnyBax is short stacked and moves all in with J♥ 9♥ and trails the J♦ J♣ of Tony Nguyen.

Flop: 2♣ 9♣ 4♥ (JohnnyBax trails with a pair of 9s)
Turn: 3♦
River 4♣

Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy dosen't hit trip 9s and is out in 6th place, as the WSOP bracelet holder takes home $73,653.

Event 21: 6th Place - McGarry

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Thomas McGarry (Hazlet, NJ)
$3,116

It was pocket tens that did Thomas McGarry in - twice. First he folded tens and if he hadn't folded he would have ended up with a full house and a monster scoop.

Then he shoved with 10-10 and ran into K-K of Pavel Krapivin.

There was plenty of drama on the hand as Pavel hit a King in the window then Thomas nailed a ten on the turn. Set of kings over a set of tens crippled McGarry.

He did manage to quad up on the next hand as he picked up QQ and hit a Queen on the flop.

Alas he was still very short and got it in with A-3. Wouldn't you know it, Pavel picked up Cowboys again. KK held on a board of Q-3-7-Q-6.

Thomas will be heading home for Thanksgiving and said the turkey will taste that much better since he'll be bringing home $3,116 worth of gravy.

Thomas McGarry finished in 6th Place earning $3,116.

Devinsky Doubles Through JohnnyBax

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky is all in and at risk for 1.3 million with A♣ J♦ vs the K♠ K♦ of Cliff "JohnnyBax" Josephy.

Flop: 2♥ 5♣ 3♠ (Devinsky with wheel draw)

Turn: 8♦

River: A♠

An ace on the river gives Devinsky the double up to 2.7 million and drops JohnnyBax to 400k.

7th Place - Rouhani

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ)
$59,084

Rouhani shows a lot of patience and was the short stack all day. The WSOP bracelet holder raises to 250k, leaving himself just 60k behind.

Tony Nguyen calls, thinks Rouhani is all in, and exposes his hand. Once he realizes Rouhani still has chips the two see a flop of 9♦ 4♠ 4♥.

Rouhani checks, Nguyen moves all in and Rouhani says, "what do you have down there, ace-king of spades," as he throws in his 12 blue chips.

Nguyen: A♠ K♠
Rouhani: Q♠ J♠

Rouhani is in a world of hurt and doesn't connect on the turn or river to finish in 7th place for $59,084.

Event 21: 7th Place - Huijgen

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Marco Huijgen (New York, NY)
$2,493

Marco jammed his short stack holding A♣ J♦. Daniel Penrith thought long and hard then decided to call tabling K♥Q♥ of hearts.

Board ran: 10♦ J♥ 4♥ 5♥ 5♣ . Penrith's flush sent Marco to the rail.

Marco was happy with his one day's worth of work (even though he would have liked to finish higher). He also wanted to thank Ricky T, a friend who has mentored him in the poker world.

Marco Huijgen finished in 7th Place earning $2,493.

8th Place - Linster

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
$44,516

The Mike and Mike show concludes with Mike Linster losing his last 500k with AQ vs the pocket kings of Mike Devinsky.

Linster, who was twice coolered at the final table, finishes in 8th place and takes home $44,516.

Event 21: 8th Place - Trejo

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Patricio Trejo (Chille)
$1,870

The dream ends for Patricio Trejo who shoved with K-10 off-suit on the button but ran into Brian Spencer's A-A.

Board ran: 8-8-7-2-A.

Patricio Trejo finished in 8th Place earning $1,870.

Event 21: 9th Place - Tamosiunas

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Arturas Tamosiunas (Lithuania)

$1,246

Rough way for Arturas Tamosiunas to go out. He got his last 180,000 chips in with the best hand - KK. Arturas raised 75,000 on the button and was called by the small blind and big blind.

Flop came J-10-5 so Arturas shoved the rest of his 180,000. Small blind isolated and tabled 5-5 for a set.

To make matters worse, another five hit the river giving Pavel Krapivin quads.

Arturas is a student back home in Lithuania. He was sad to leave the final table but happy to earn $1,246.

Arturas Tamosiunas finished in 9th Place earning $1,246.

9th Place - Maguire

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ)
$30,756

Maguire ships his last 1.25 million with pocket jacks but runs into the pocket kings of Ari Albilia.

The kings hold and Maguire is out in 9th place for $30,756.

Albilia extends his chip lead and is now up to 8 million.

Event 21: 10th Place - Miller

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Michael Miller
$810

Michael Miller was short stacked at the final table and lost a coin flip.

Michael Miller finished in 10th Place earning $810.

Jacks Cooler Linster, Park Doubles

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds 30k/60k/5k ante

Tony Nguyen opens from the button to 130k
Mike Linster 3-bets to 250k
Peter Park 4-bet shoves to 1.25 million
Nguyen folds
Linster tanks and says, "this is a cooler," and calls with slightly more than Park.

Linster's worst fears are realized when is JJ is against Park's QQ.

The board is clean and Park doubles to 2.5 million, while Linster drops to 200k.

Event 21: Final Table Set

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Final Table of Ten is set in the Poker Room

Seat Pos.....Player
1. Michael Miller
2. John Almenzar
3. Patricio Trejo
4. Moshe Dahari
5. Brian Spencer
6. Thomas McGarry
7. Arturas Tamosiumas
8. Pavel Krapivin
9. Daniel Penrith
10. Marco Huijgen

John Almenzar is the massive chip leader. For now the other nine will have to battle it out.

Quacked Up, Ducks on the River

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The Mike and Mike show go to a river on a board of 6-J-10-10-2. Mike Linster checks, Mike Devinsky bets 985k and Linster tanks.

Linster finally calls and Devinsky says, "full house," turning over 2♠ 2♣ .

Linster who check-called every street can't believe he loses on the river as he shows two red eights.

Double-Ups, Blinds Up

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Andrew Badecker doubles 1.1 million through Tom Maguire.

Badecker: 8 8
Maguire: A K

Flop: A-J-8

Badecker's set of 8s keeps him alive and drops Maguire to 400k.

Maguire then doubles through Cliff Josephy with AJ vs Josephy's pocket 7s. Maguire hits an ace on the turn to take 505k to more than one million while Josephy drops to 2.5 million.

Blinds up, 30k/60k/5k ante.

10th Place - Wertz

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Joe Wertz (Montoursville, PA)

$21,044

Joe Wertz looks down at A-10 in the big blind and jams his last 600,000. Snap call from Mike Linster (Island Park, NJ) who tables A-K.

Joe sees a ten in the window and is feeling good until a king spikes the turn.

Joe made the final table of ten but is the first player out.

He finished 2nd in the 2010 Borgata Winter Open deepstack tournament.

Mike Linster is now up to 4,000,000 and looking to carve up the other players like a Thanksgiving Day turkey.

Joe Wertz finishes in 10th place earning $21,044.

Top Ten

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Final Table

Seat-Name-Chip Count

1 Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA) 785k
2 Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) 2 million
3 Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ) 1.2 million
4 Thang Van Nguyen (McLean, VA) 1.8 million
5 Mike Linster (Island Park, NY) 2.5 million
6 Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ) 1.8 million
7 Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ) 2.9 million
8 Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY) 4.6 million
9 Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ) 1.7 million
10 Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT) 1.5 million

11th Place - Peters

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Art Peters (Brick, NJ)
$21,044

Mike Linster raises UTG to 100k and Art Peters completes from the big blind and checks dark.

Flop: J♣ 9♣ 4♣
Linster bets 200k, Peters moves all in for 900k total, and Linster calls.

Linster: K♣ J♦ (top pair, flush draw)
Peters: 8♣ 10♣ (open ended straight flush draw)

Turn: 2♣ (Linster better flush)

River: 4♦

Peters was live to the Q♣ and 7♣, but when he misses the straight flush he's out in 11th place for $21,044.

Linster wins the 2 million chip pot and sends the remaining 10 players to the final table.

Mikey Sucks Out Again

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

For two days, Nick Manfredo has been shouting out a quote - "Mikey sucks out again", referring to Mike Linster's ability to catch every card he needs. Mandredo is on the rail watching.

Fresh off his tournament saving Queen on the river last level, Mike does it again.

On the button jam holding Q-J and runs into Mike Devinsky UTG holding A-A.

Linster sees the aces and sighs. Devinsky says, "It ain't over yet."

Sure enough the board runs out: 9-7-J-6-Q.

After hitting the miracle two-pair, again Linster celebrates and tells the table, "You guys can't win this tournament".

Mike Linster doubles his 890,000 stack.

Chip Counts

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Chip Counts:
1. Ari Albilia.................4,500,000
2. Mike Devinsky........3,400,000
3. Tony Nguyen...........2,200,000
4. Cliff Josephy.............2,100,000
5. Tom Maguire............1,200,000
6. Freddy Rou................1,100,000
7. Peter Park..................1,800,000
8. Andrew Badecker..........1,400,000
9. Art Peters.......................880,000
10. Michael Linster...............700,000
11. Joe Wertz..........................670,000

Gentlemen are still on two tables.

Break is over and the next 1 hour and fifteen minute blind level begins.

Total Buy-In - $1,675,000

4-Bet Shove Before Break

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Peter Park opens from the cutoff to 90k
Mike Linster 3-bets to 220k from the button
Mike Devinksy tanks from the small blind and folds
Park moves all in for 1.4 million and has Linster covered
Clock hits zero and the other nine players are on a 10 minute break

Linster can't believe Park has 4-bet shoved on the last hand before break. "If I fold will you show," asks Linster. Park nods yes.

After a couple of minutes of wondering if Park has AK, Linster folds.

Park shows J♠ J♥ and Linster says, "you had the best hand, I had eights."

Park breathes a sigh of relief and was hoping that Linster didn't have pocket queens.

All eleven players are on break as the orange (1k) chips are removed from play. Blinds moving up to 25k/50k/5k ante.

We're Jammin'

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY) seems to have one main gear which is ALL-IN. He's been shipping all his chips in pre-flop more than the other players at the table.

Andrew Badecker folded more than once on Cliff's shoves. The last time Cliff jammed he showed 10-10.

In this big hand, Andrew raised and Cliff shipped his 995,000. Andrew had 9-9 and called.

Off to the races with Cliff's A-Q vs. Andrew's 9-9.

Board ran: 4-Q-4-6-8.

Andrew takes a huge hit to his stack and Cliff doubles up close to two million.

Break quickly approaching. Chip counts coming...

12th Place - Olivieri

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY)

$21,044

After being crippled by Michael Linster's hitting his Queen on the river, Nick Olivieri chose to shove his last 290,000 in the small blind holding J-9 off.

Devinsky called in the big blind tabling J-10 off.

On a flop of J-10-8, Devinsky hits top two but Olivieri picks up the open ended straight draw.

Runner-runner 6-6 spelled defeat for Nick who did manage to make it to the next pay level jump. Congratulations on your 12th Place cash.

Nick Olivieri finished in 12th place earning $21,044.

13th Place - Spinella

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Anthony Spinella (Waxhaw, NC)

$15,378

Anthony Spinella was short stacked in the small blind holding K-10. He had 650,000 or 15 bigs and decided to shove.

Mike Devinsky had deuces in the big blind and called.

Board ran: A-A-3-A-4.

Devinsky withthe full house and the knock-out. If another Ace hits the river, he loses the pot.

Anthony Spinella finished in 13th Place earning $15,378.

Linster Does It Again

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Michael Linster (Island Park, NJ) jams in the small blind holding K-Q. Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY) wakes up to A-K in the big blind. "I ran into a cooler" says Linster.

Flop comes down three clubs - J-K-4.

Linster needs a Queen or his tournament is over. Brick on the turn but a Queen on the river.

Michael leaps off his chair celebrating with the scoop.

He's up to 878,000 and Olivieri is crippled to 310,000.

14th Place - Zeitlin

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY)

$15,378.

End of the road for Dave Zeitlin who was in the small blind and got his remaining 450,000 in good tabling 9-9. UTG, Ari Albilia thought for five seconds then made the call holding K-10 of hearts.

Disaster flop for Zeitlin who watches Ari hit both his cards. Dave did pick up a gut-shot needing the J but couldn't connect on the turn or river.

Flop: 10 - K - Q
Turn: 7
River: 3

Ari Albilia is up over 4,000,000.

Dave Zeitlin finished in 14th place earning $15,378.

Devinsky Dazzles

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Mike Devinsky takes down a huge pot and shows the 4 of hearts.

Mike opens for 70,000 and Peter Park 3-bets to 170,000. Mike 4-bets to 270,000 and Peter calls.

Flop falls 6-3-5 rainbow.

Mike bets 175,000, Peter raises to 400,000 and Mike shoves his last 1,000,000 causing Peter to snap fold.

Devinsky showed the 4 of hearts and scooped. After winning another hand since, he's up to 2.5 million.

15th Place - Hwang

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ)
$15,378

Hwang opens to 180k
Andrew Badecker makes it 400
Hwang moves all in for 1 million total
Badecker snap calls

Hwang: A♠ K♠
Badecker K♥ K♣

Hwang is in bad shape and when the board runs out 6-2-J-K-4, Badecker's set of kings takes the
2.4 million chip pot and he now has 3.1 million.

Hwang is out in 15th place earning $15,378.

Event 21: Don't Doubt Thomas

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Thomas McGarry - 400,000 - Chip Leader

Thomas McGarry (Hazlet, NJ) leads the remaining 34 players with a huge stack of 400,000.

McGarry grew his stack from 170,000 to 340,000 after his A-K saw a flop of A-J-8 and Opponent's A-Q was betting into him.

Turn card Q had Thomas in a world of hurt. All the chips got in the middle and McGarry was drawing thin but had outs.

River 10 shipped the pot to Thomas who held Broadway.

Top 27 make the money. 27th Place - $561. 1st Place - $17,450.

Playing Event 21 until it's over tonight.

Ari Takes Chip Lead, JohnnyBax Loses Big Pot

Ari Albilia and Cliff Josephy, AKA JohnnyBax, are in a 2.4 million chip pot and when Josephy calls the 2/3 pot river bet he sees the bad news.

Albilia with a turned set of 10s rakes the pot as Josephy mucks.

Alibilia takes the chip lead with 3.3 million, while JohnnyBax drops to 650k.

Event 21: Chip Czar

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

John Almenzar - 360,000

John Almenzar (North Bergen, NJ) is 2nd in chips overall and #1 at his table.

One hand before dinner break catapulted his stack.

John had 5-5 up against A-K and A-Q. Flop gave him a set and his Opponent's top pair. One man got away while the other stacked-off to John.

Play has resumed with blinds at 4000 / 8000 and 500 antes.

16th Place - Massey

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Aaron Massey (Elmwood Park, IL)
$11,331

Just after returning from dinner break Massey is UTG and shoves 236k (8 BB) and Mike Devinsky calls.

Massey: J♥ 8♥
Devinsky: 5♣ 5♦

Massey can't win the race and is out in 16th place for $11,331.

Fast Food

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

The remaining 16 players are on a 30 minute dinner break. Tournament officials want to keep things moving so play doesn't go too long into Thanksgiving morning.

On the last hand before break, Peter Park wins a one million chip pot as Mike Devinsky folds to a river bet. Park now has 2.4 million and is the big stack on table 1. On table 2 three players are in the 2-2.1 million range.

Chip Stacks (in millions)

Peter Park 2.4
Cliff Josephy 2.1
Andrew Badecker 2.1
Thang Van Nguyen 2.0

The average stack is 1.3 million (42 BB) and when play resumes at 7:45 pm blinds will be 15k/30k/4k ante.

17th Place - Napolitano

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Vinny Napolitano (Brooklyn, NY)
$11,331

On a rainbow board of 9-8-2, Napolitano moves all in for 275k and Nick Olivieri snap calls with pocket 2s for a set. Napolitano is drawing thin with K J and is out in 17th place for $11,331.

18th Place - Spitzberg

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Paul Spitzberg (Tenafly, NJ)
$11,331

Joe Wertz opens the pot with pocket 7s and Spitzberg jams 450k. After a brief tank Wertz is against KQ offsuit.

The board brings three diamonds and gives Spitzberg a sweat with a four flush draw, but the river bricks and he's out in 18th place for $11,331.

Final Two Tables

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

WPT Title Holder Kevin Saul on the Rail
Supporting Friend Aaron Massey

Table 1

Seat-Name

1 Aaron Massey (Elmwood Park, IL)
2 Vinny Napolitano (Brooklyn, NY)
3 Art Peters (Brick, NJ)
4 Peter Park (Jersey City, NJ)
5 Mike Linster (Island Park, NY)
6 Nick Olivieri (Staten Island, NY)
7 Anthony Spinella (Waxhaw, NC)
8 Mike Devinksy (Middletown, NJ)
9 Freddy Rouhani (Brigantine, NJ)


Table 2

Seat-Name

1 Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY)
2 Andrew Badecker (Vernon, CT)
3 Paul Spitzberg (Tenafly, NJ)
4 Ari Albilia (Syosset, NY)
5 Tom Maguire (Florham Park, NJ)
6 Cliff Josephy (Muttontown, NY)
7 Thang Van Nguyen (McLean, VA)
8 Joe Wertz (Mountoursville, PA)
9 Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ)

19th Place - Burgess

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Jerry Burgess (Louisburg, NC) is out in 19th place earning him $8,903.

Table three is now down as the final 18 players are on two tables.

Kings Hold x 2 = Gomes 21st, Berger 20th

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Two more are on the rail as pocket kings hold twice.

Seth Gomes (New York, NY) loses his last half million chips to Mike Devinsky when his 66 is dominated by KK. Gomes is out in 21st place.

That's followed by Bob Hwang knocking out Alex Berger (New York, NY) with cowboys vs AQ. Berger sends 600k to Hwang as he finishes in 20th place.

Gomes and Berger both earn $8,903.

Players are on a 15 minute break; play resumes with blinds 12k/24k/3k ante.

Event 21: Chip Leader

$250 + $30 Big Stack NLH (Re-Entry)

Players Gift Chip Lead to Spencer

Last Main Event is also going on in the Poker Room where 257 entries are going after the first place prize of $17,450.

The chip leader is Brian Spencer (Tinton Falls, NJ) who has 160k (53 BB). The other big stack is Brian Adragna (East Meadow, NY) who's at 130k.

74 players remain with an average stack of 69k (23 BB).

Blinds are 1,500/3k/400 ante.

Down to 21

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Just like that -- another five players have hit the rail.

Each of these players will pick up $8,903:

Place - Player (Hometown) 

26 - MATTHEW BURNITZ (CHESTBROOK, PA)

25 -  FRANK WALKER (ROCKAWAY PARK, NY)

24 -  SAKIP SHEHU (BROOKLYN, NY)

23 -  COREY LIEBLEIN (SANDS POINT, NY)

22 -  WILLIAM RIGLER (AVONDALE, PA) 

21 Players remain.  Average stack is 957k.

27th Place - Steve Ryan

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Steve Ryan got his last chips in with KQ, but ran into a pot contested between Peter Park and Arthur Peters.  Arthur ended up with a set and all the chips and Steve ended up with 27th place.

He'll collect $8,903 for his efforts.

Cliff Josephy and Anthony Spinella are side-by side on table two and both have over a million chips.  They were involved in a pot and got to the river with a board of K 8 7 T A.  Cliff led out for 100k.  Anthony kicked it up to 400k.  Cliff shoved and Anthony snap-called.

Of course then they both rolled over QJ for the nuts and split the pot.

36th - 28th Places

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $7,932:

Place - Player (Hometown)

36 - WILLIAM ONEIL (BERWYN HEIGHTS, MD)

35 - TODD TERRY (HOBOKEN, NJ)

34 - JOHN MYUNG (VIENNA, VA)

33 - SACHIN RAMRAKHANI (FORT LEE, NJ) - 225,000

32 - ALEXANDER QUEEN (BETHLEHEM, PA)

31 - PAUL SCATURRO (OLD BRIDGE, NJ)

30 - VASILLIOS HRISAFINIS (BRICK, NJ)

29 - SCOTT BLACKMAN (EGG HARBOR TWP, NJ)

28 - YAT CHENG (BROOKLYN, NY)

Redraw at 27

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

And just like that, four more players busted out.

Scott Blackman got his chips in with A3 off and ran into the AQ of Cliff Josephy.  The best hand held up and Cliff chipped up to about 1.6 million.  Scott finished 29th.

Level 23 concluded and following the redraw for the final three tables, play resumed with level 24, blinds 10k/20k with 2k antes.

Leaderboard

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

There have been some big pots moving around the felt, but no one else has busted out.

The current chip leaders are:

Thang Van Nguyen - 1.7 million
Cliff Josephy - 1.35 million
Paul Spitzberg - 1.3 million
Anthony Spinella - 1.25 million
Joe Wertz - 1.2 million

31 players remain.

Big Pots

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

On the river with a board of Q♦8♦5♥Q♥2♥, Corey Lieblein fired 45k.  Cliff Josephy popped it for another 200k on top.  Corey thought briefly, then called.

Cliff rolled over two black 8s for 8s full of queens.  Corey mucked.  With that pot, Cliff chipped up to ~1.2 million.

Andrew Badecker shoved for 380k from the small blind after Vasillios Hrisafinis raised.  Andrew's A7 caught a 7 on the turn to beat Vasillios' pocket 4s and Andrew doubled up to ~780k.

More Departures

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Todd Terry got his last chips in with A8, but ran into pocket Tens.  Todd finished 35th ($7,932).

After Paul Spitzberg opened up early, action folded to Alex Queen on the button.  He shoved.  Paul called, showing AK off.  Alex was dominated with AJ offsuit.

The board fell 9 9 5 2 7 and Paul's hand was good.  He chipped up to ~1.3 million.

Alex Queen finished in 32nd place ($7,932).

Break Time Tweets

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Here are some tweets from the championship players, sent during the break.

toddbterry Todd Terry
110k. AKs < AA aipf.

SugDpoker David Zeitlin
517k going to 8k-16k. 35 players remain.

JohnnyBaxPoker Cliff Josephy
824k going to 8k-16k/200. 35 left. Avg around 575k.

nevermissmassey Aaron Massey
Break. 211k 35 players left blinds 8-1600 grinding for my life out here but I've got all the heart. Destiny lies within the next 2 levels

SteveRyanPoker Steve Ryan
Break. Im sure some of these other phenomenal players deserve to win. But I think my brother would have wanted me to win :)

Break Time Leaderboard

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

End of level 22 and time for a break.  35 players will enjoy 15 minutes away from the felt.

William O'Neil is not one of them.  He busted out in 36th place ($7,932).

Chip leaders as of break:

Thang Van Nguyen - 1.5 million
Joe Wertz - 1.35 million
Anthony Spinella - 1 million

Play resumed after the break with level 23, blinds 8k/16k with 2k antes.

45th - 37th Places

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $6,313:

Place - Player (Hometown)

45 - NICHOLAS MANFREDO (LEVITTOWN, NY)

44 - SEAN KNITTER (JENKINTOWN, PA)

43 - LAWRENCE SHARP (NORTH WHALES, PA)

42 - NICHOLAS PETICCA (WALLINGFORD, PA)

41 - ADAM BITKER (NEW HAVEN, CT)

40 - SIROUS JAMSHIDI (BROOMALL, PA)

39 - GIORGI KITESASHVILI (TBILISI, GEO)

38 - SCOTT WARDELL (TABERNACLE, NJ)

37 - STEVEN RODRIGUEZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY)

Down to 36

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

In another battle of the blinds, Joe Wertz shoved from the small and Scott Wardell called all-in from the big.

Joe had A2 and was dominated by Scott's A7.  Then the board came 9 5 3 2 A and Joe claimed the pot with Aces-up. 

Not a nice thing to do to your former roommate.  Scott was okay with it though as he collected his paperwork for 38th place.

Steven Rodriguez got his chips in the middle on the turn with a board of 9 9 3 6, holding 76 suited for two pair.  His opponent had pocket 6s and had turned the full boat.  Steven was tossed in 37th place.

Steven had a good run during this series with four cashes, two of which were 3rd place finishes.

36 players remain at four tables.

The Deets Are In the Tweets

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Some of the latest Tweets from players in the championship event:


SteveRyanPoker Steve Ryan
Good sweats with fellow new yorkers Sach and Dave Z. All Grindin 45 left

nevermissmassey Aaron Massey
360k 45 left at 6-12k were doin it

ArgentinaBoy Alex Queen
Just won kk to jj aipf back up to 400k, 43 left avg is 450k

JohnnyBaxPoker Cliff Josephy
Lost 600k+ pot with AA v AK allin pre. Got about 700k now.

SugDpoker David Zeitlin
Got almost a full double with JJ vs AK, got 300k now. 39 players left.

54th - 46th Places

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Each of these players will pick up $6,313:

Place - Player (Hometown)

54 - CHARLES FUREY (BRIDGEWATER, NJ)

53 - EUGENE JUERGENS (BRIGHTON, MI)

52 - PETER IPPOLITO (E MEADOW, NY)

51 - LEONID LERNER (BROOKLYN, NY)

50 - ROBERT CHUNG-SHUI (NEW YORK, NY)

49 - ELI LOEWENTHAL (CARMEL, IN)

48 - ANNAND 'Victor' RAMDIN (LAS VEGAS, NV)

47 - JOHN ANDRESS (DOYLESTOWN, PA)

46 - CHRISTOPHER GROVE (BROOKLYN PARK, MD)

Blinds Up, Table Down

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Blinds are up to 6k/12k with 1k antes.

Chris Grove was all-in with pocket 4s and was racing against AQ... he lost the race and finished in 46th place.

Table 6 broke and they're now at five tables of nine -- 45 players remain.  The next nine to go will earn $7,123.

Table 1 is now home to Sirous Jamshidi, Alex Queen, Freddy Rouhani, Paul Spitzberg, Todd Terry, and David Zeitlin.

More Action

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

In a battle of the blinds, Victor Ramdin (sb) was all-in with AJ suited against Steven Rodriguez' pocket Tens.  Victor flopped the world with a Royal draw, but missed all his outs on the last two.

Victor finished in 48th place.

Alex Queen was all-in with pocket 9s against Todd Terry's AJ offsuit.  An Ace on the river shipped the double-up to Todd, who is up to ~490k.   Alex was left with ~180k.

More Departures

$2500 + $200 CHAMPIONSHIP NLH

Leonid Lerner got his chips in from the button with pocket Kings, but ran into Joe Wertz' pocket Aces.  The Aces held up and Leonid was busted in 51st place.  Joe chipped up to ~900k.

Eli Loewenthal had a rough day today.  His last hand was all-in with AK against pocket Queens.  Eli flopped a King, but then a Queen hit the turn.  Eli was busted in 49th place.