Monday, May 13, 2013
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Break Time
This will be the last break that the players go on today, and when the 43 players remaining return, the blinds in Level 15 will be 2,000/4,000/500.
Big Stax 300: Recap
Parx Big Stax 300: $300 + 30 NL Hold'em (Re-Entry)
It surely didn't mirror the heads up battle from February's Big Stax 300 (which lasted until 9:30am), but that didn't bother eventual winner Mike Wert II (Coal Township, PA). Wert went into heads up play with a four-to-one lead against Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ), and watched as Ross shrunk that deficit to almost half that. It would be Wert's pure run in the late stages, and excellent final table play though that would overcome in end. The win came in front of a handful of friends, who watched as he collected $63,000 for the win. Chapman, who missed the first 70 minutes of the day, walks away with $35,605.
The buzz coming into this event was evident as over 400 entries made it for Day 1A. We saw all of the faces we love, including defending champ Jason Rivkin (Eatowntown, NJ) in the field. 43 players ended the night, with Pofuk Ying (Highland Park, NJ) leading the way (525,000). We saw 242 entires on Day 1B, and after the 33 remaining players bagged at the end of the night, it was Kevin Grabel's (South Hampton, PA) 638,000 that would top. Day 1C would be the last chance to dance, so it was no surprise that 419 entries made their way in and out, and Kevin Truong (Freehold, NJ) would bag 505,000 (tops of the 63 that remained that night).
There were a total of 139 coming back for Day 2, and it would be a day without a shortage of action. It would only be a few hours in before we reached the money bubble, but we saw players like Kevin Benitez (Hillburn, NY) and Akib Ali (North Brunswick, NJ) reach 1,000,000 chips and above. The bubble would only last a few hands, and once it broke we saw Asher Conniff, Joel Frank, Gordon Eng, Kyle Bowker, and Jack Duong collected money in the first wave of cashes. One time leaders Pofuk Ying finished 55th ($959) Kevin Grabel 47th ($1,150), and notables such as Jonas Wexler (44th-$1,342) and Marvin Siegal (28th-$1,534) made deep runs as well.
After the first redraw at 27, things began to take form, and we saw the bigger stacks of Joe Primavera, Kevin Truong, Kevin Benitez, and Mike Wert. Ross Chapman turned a set of jacks, and but a crippling beat on Divakaran Marella (who finished 22nd). It was bittersweet for Alex Rocha who knocked out one of his best friends Norman Michalek in 21st. Once the field was down to 18 though Rocha would be seated to Wert's immediate left, and would fall victim to some of his pure run (going home in 13th for $2,821. WPT Parx Poker Open Classic television final table member Chris VanDeursen would be the final table bubble boy (11th-$3,122), and everyone would take off for Mother's Day.
Players arrived at 1:00pm, all except Ross Chapman who was rumored to possibly not be showing up at all (job conflict). Wert's pure run continued to the final table as he grabbed a mountain after flopping a gutshot straight flush draw against the top set of Jospeh Primavera (Brooklyn, NY)...and getting there. Antonio Walker (8th Place-$4,766) lost half his stack to blinds and antes, and his A K fell to the pocket fours of Kevin Huong. Short stack ninja Nicholas Partenope (Colonia, NJ) never held more than 30 big blinds at the final table, but managed a 5th Place finish for $10,955. Kevin Benitez would fall victim to a miracle river versus Jeff Wicker (Bristol, PA), while Truong to Wert's final table run good (AK<A8). We were heads up between the player who was a possible final table no show, and the player who had all the chips (Wert had 22,000,000 of the 28,000,000 to begin heads up play). Chapman made a great effort to close the gap, but a great read and all-in river call would win Wert the trophy.
Wert is no stranger to the nosebleed no-limit games on the east coast, or online (pre-Black Friday). He had basically no tournament earnings coming into today, but said he loved his chances in tournament play. He wouldn't commit to whether he'd be joining us for the Big Stax 1500, but we're sure we'll see a player of that quality again in the near future.
It surely didn't mirror the heads up battle from February's Big Stax 300 (which lasted until 9:30am), but that didn't bother eventual winner Mike Wert II (Coal Township, PA). Wert went into heads up play with a four-to-one lead against Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ), and watched as Ross shrunk that deficit to almost half that. It would be Wert's pure run in the late stages, and excellent final table play though that would overcome in end. The win came in front of a handful of friends, who watched as he collected $63,000 for the win. Chapman, who missed the first 70 minutes of the day, walks away with $35,605.
The buzz coming into this event was evident as over 400 entries made it for Day 1A. We saw all of the faces we love, including defending champ Jason Rivkin (Eatowntown, NJ) in the field. 43 players ended the night, with Pofuk Ying (Highland Park, NJ) leading the way (525,000). We saw 242 entires on Day 1B, and after the 33 remaining players bagged at the end of the night, it was Kevin Grabel's (South Hampton, PA) 638,000 that would top. Day 1C would be the last chance to dance, so it was no surprise that 419 entries made their way in and out, and Kevin Truong (Freehold, NJ) would bag 505,000 (tops of the 63 that remained that night).
There were a total of 139 coming back for Day 2, and it would be a day without a shortage of action. It would only be a few hours in before we reached the money bubble, but we saw players like Kevin Benitez (Hillburn, NY) and Akib Ali (North Brunswick, NJ) reach 1,000,000 chips and above. The bubble would only last a few hands, and once it broke we saw Asher Conniff, Joel Frank, Gordon Eng, Kyle Bowker, and Jack Duong collected money in the first wave of cashes. One time leaders Pofuk Ying finished 55th ($959) Kevin Grabel 47th ($1,150), and notables such as Jonas Wexler (44th-$1,342) and Marvin Siegal (28th-$1,534) made deep runs as well.
After the first redraw at 27, things began to take form, and we saw the bigger stacks of Joe Primavera, Kevin Truong, Kevin Benitez, and Mike Wert. Ross Chapman turned a set of jacks, and but a crippling beat on Divakaran Marella (who finished 22nd). It was bittersweet for Alex Rocha who knocked out one of his best friends Norman Michalek in 21st. Once the field was down to 18 though Rocha would be seated to Wert's immediate left, and would fall victim to some of his pure run (going home in 13th for $2,821. WPT Parx Poker Open Classic television final table member Chris VanDeursen would be the final table bubble boy (11th-$3,122), and everyone would take off for Mother's Day.
Players arrived at 1:00pm, all except Ross Chapman who was rumored to possibly not be showing up at all (job conflict). Wert's pure run continued to the final table as he grabbed a mountain after flopping a gutshot straight flush draw against the top set of Jospeh Primavera (Brooklyn, NY)...and getting there. Antonio Walker (8th Place-$4,766) lost half his stack to blinds and antes, and his A K fell to the pocket fours of Kevin Huong. Short stack ninja Nicholas Partenope (Colonia, NJ) never held more than 30 big blinds at the final table, but managed a 5th Place finish for $10,955. Kevin Benitez would fall victim to a miracle river versus Jeff Wicker (Bristol, PA), while Truong to Wert's final table run good (AK<A8). We were heads up between the player who was a possible final table no show, and the player who had all the chips (Wert had 22,000,000 of the 28,000,000 to begin heads up play). Chapman made a great effort to close the gap, but a great read and all-in river call would win Wert the trophy.
Wert is no stranger to the nosebleed no-limit games on the east coast, or online (pre-Black Friday). He had basically no tournament earnings coming into today, but said he loved his chances in tournament play. He wouldn't commit to whether he'd be joining us for the Big Stax 1500, but we're sure we'll see a player of that quality again in the near future.
Big Stax 500 (Day1B): Big Hold
Level 13 - 1,200/2,400/300
Stephanie Hubbard vaults to the top of the leaderboard with a big double up:
Stephanie Hubbard vaults to the top of the leaderboard with a big double up:
275k 1200/2400 33>kq on a kq3 board for a full double and I hold :) #ParxBigStax
— Stephanie Hubbard (@StephHub31) May 14, 2013
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Locals Leading
Level 13 - Blinds 1,200/2,400/300
After taking a lap around the room, there are 51 players remaining from the 147 total entrants. Locals to Pennsylvania (and the Parx Poker Room) Nancy Martin (Washington Crossing, PA) has just under 200,000, while Jonas Wexler (South Hampton, PA) also put together a sizable stack (close to 170,000).
Our third place finisher from the Big Stax 300 is also in the field, and it only took Jeff Wicker a short break before he was back at the cage getting into this event.
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Back In The Clubhouse Room
Level 13 - Blinds 1,200/2,400/300
We are now back in the clubhouse room with dedicated coverage of the Big Stax 500 (Day 1b). We'd like to congratulate again Mike Wert II of Coal Township, PA, winner of the Big Stax 300.
We are now back in the clubhouse room with dedicated coverage of the Big Stax 500 (Day 1b). We'd like to congratulate again Mike Wert II of Coal Township, PA, winner of the Big Stax 300.
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Still Growing
Level 12 - Blinds 1,000/2,000/300
The field is still growing in the clubhouse room, as now 145 entries have been calculated for today. That brings the total to 245, including latecomer to the tournament, Parx regular Jack Duong.
The field is still growing in the clubhouse room, as now 145 entries have been calculated for today. That brings the total to 245, including latecomer to the tournament, Parx regular Jack Duong.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 1st Place - Wert ($62,996)
Mike Wert II (Coal Township, PA)
Big Stax 300 1st Place - $62,996
Ross Chapman limped the button, and Mike Wert raised to 320,000. Chapman called and we went to the flop:
Flop: K♠ 8♠ 2♥
Wert fired out a bet of 525,000, and was subsequently raised to 1,600,000 by Chapman:
Turn: 5♣
First to act, Wert now checked to Ross, who put in a bet of 875,000:
River: 2♦
Chapman announced himself all-in (which was out of turn), and there was a moment of confusion. Wert then checked and Chapman again declared himself all-in, which was for about 5,000,000. Mike checked down at his cards one last time and announced a call. Chapman was clearly displeased when he heard that, and showed 10 8 (pair of eights). Wert tabled 9 9 table pumped his fist in celebration, becoming our champion of the second ever Big Stax 300!!!
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 2nd Place - Chapman ($35,605)
Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ)
2nd Place - $35,605
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Upward Trend
Level 28 - Blinds 75,000/150,000/25,000
Chapman continues to chip up, as he wins a nice sized pot with a rivered full house. Chapman has now eclipsed the 10,000,000 point, and has gone from a 4:1 dog to a 2.5:1 dog.
Chapman continues to chip up, as he wins a nice sized pot with a rivered full house. Chapman has now eclipsed the 10,000,000 point, and has gone from a 4:1 dog to a 2.5:1 dog.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Chipping Up
Level 28 - Blinds 75,000/150,000/25,000
Ross Chapman has taken down some pots here and there, and has built his stack up to 8,500,000 (from the 6,500,000 he started heads up with).
Ross Chapman has taken down some pots here and there, and has built his stack up to 8,500,000 (from the 6,500,000 he started heads up with).
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): What They Are Playing For
Level 28 - Blinds 75,000/150,000/25,000
Here is a reminder of what the two players will be taking home respectively this evening:
1. $62,996
2. $35,605
Chapman has been taken down to just under 6,000,000 since start of heads up play (20) minutes ago.
Here is a reminder of what the two players will be taking home respectively this evening:
1. $62,996
2. $35,605
Chapman has been taken down to just under 6,000,000 since start of heads up play (20) minutes ago.
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Numbers Update
Level 10 - Blinds 600/1,200/200
Players just came back from dinner break, with 143 entries so far today. That brings our combined total up to 243 entries. Some faces in the field that were not mentioned earlier:
Matt Glantz
Alex Queen
Ken Silberstein
Players just came back from dinner break, with 143 entries so far today. That brings our combined total up to 243 entries. Some faces in the field that were not mentioned earlier:
Matt Glantz
Alex Queen
Ken Silberstein
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Heads Up Play Begins
Level 28 - Blinds 75,000/150,000/25,000
Heads up play has started after the shortened dinner break, with Mike Wert holding 22,000,000 against the 6,800,000 of Ross Chapman.
Ross Chapman (Left) Heads Up v. Mike Wert
Heads up play has started after the shortened dinner break, with Mike Wert holding 22,000,000 against the 6,800,000 of Ross Chapman.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 3rd Place - Wicker ($20,267)
Jeff Wicker (Bristol, PA)
3rd Place - $20,267
Mike Wert opened the pot for 275,000, and Jeff Wicker three-bet shoved for 3,100,000. Ross Chapman tanked for a few minutes, and almost seemed pained when he folded. Wert immediately made the call:
Wicker: 6♦ 6♣ Wert: 7♦ 7♥
Flop: 10♠ 9♣ Q♥
Turn: K♦
River: 5♠
Wicker would collect $20,267 for his third place finish, while Wert would chip up to 22,000,000. Players have decided to go on a (30) minute dinner break, with Wert holding an almost 4:1 chip lead.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 4th Place - Truong ($14,242)
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Kevin Truong raised to 275,000 out of the small blind after it folded to him, and Mike Wert three-bet all-in out of the big. Truong called and his AK was up against the A8 of Wert. Mike Wert's pure run continued as he turned an 8 after both missed the flop. He would chip up to 19,000,000, and send Truong to the cage to collect $14,242.
Kevin Truong (Freehold, NJ)
4th Place - $14,242
Kevin Truong raised to 275,000 out of the small blind after it folded to him, and Mike Wert three-bet all-in out of the big. Truong called and his AK was up against the A8 of Wert. Mike Wert's pure run continued as he turned an 8 after both missed the flop. He would chip up to 19,000,000, and send Truong to the cage to collect $14,242.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Dinner Break In 20
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Players will be on a (75) minute dinner break after this level. Here are your current chip counts with (22) minutes left in this level:
Mike Wert - 16,800,000
Ross Chapman - 5,100,000
Jeff Wicker - 3,100,000
Kevin Truong - 3,100,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Wert Dominating
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Mike Wert is currently holding over half the chips in play, with a stack of 16,000,000 (28,000,000 in play).
Mike Wert is currently holding over half the chips in play, with a stack of 16,000,000 (28,000,000 in play).
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Wicker Now The Shorty
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Jeff Wicker calls Mike Wert's 1,500,000 bet on the river (Board: A 10 J K 9 no flush draw), and Wert shows Q 9 for broadway. Wicker said he had two pair, and he now sits with 2,700,000.
Jeff Wicker calls Mike Wert's 1,500,000 bet on the river (Board: A 10 J K 9 no flush draw), and Wert shows Q 9 for broadway. Wicker said he had two pair, and he now sits with 2,700,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Chapman Doubles
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Ross Chapman doubles through Jeff Wicker, chipping up to 7,000,000. Wicker goes down to 5,000,000, while Kevin Truong sits as the short stack with 3,200,000.
Ross Chapman doubles through Jeff Wicker, chipping up to 7,000,000. Wicker goes down to 5,000,000, while Kevin Truong sits as the short stack with 3,200,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Four-Handed Chip Counts
Here are your four handed chip counts:
Mike Wert - 11,800,000 (118 big blinds)
Jeff Wicker - 8,450,000 (85 big blinds)
Kevin Truong - 4,400,000 (44 big blinds)
Ross Chapman - 3,800,000 (38 big blinds)
Mike Wert - 11,800,000 (118 big blinds)
Jeff Wicker - 8,450,000 (85 big blinds)
Kevin Truong - 4,400,000 (44 big blinds)
Ross Chapman - 3,800,000 (38 big blinds)
Big Stack 300 (Day 3): Running Out Pure
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Only two hands after we lost Partenope, we had an all-in between Jeff Wicker and Kevin Truong (the short stack of the four remaining). It was the AK (off-suit) of Wicker against the A K of Truong. Kevin was freerolling on the flop (which brought one heart), and the turn and river proceeded to bring Truong the flush. He would get a full double up to about 4,400,000.
Only two hands after we lost Partenope, we had an all-in between Jeff Wicker and Kevin Truong (the short stack of the four remaining). It was the AK (off-suit) of Wicker against the A K of Truong. Kevin was freerolling on the flop (which brought one heart), and the turn and river proceeded to bring Truong the flush. He would get a full double up to about 4,400,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 5th Place - Partenope ($10,955)
Level 27 - Blinds 50,000/100,000/10,000
Nick Partenope came into the day nine out of ten players in chips, and was almost always the smallest stack in the field. He managed to jump a handful of spots with some stellar patience and play. His hand versus Truong would cripple him, but only for a moment. He would rebuild to 2,500,000 at the peak, but got it in with K 9 (with 1,000,000 left), and was dominated by the K J of Jeff Wicker.
Nicholas Partenope (Colonia, NJ)
5th Place - $10,955
Nick Partenope came into the day nine out of ten players in chips, and was almost always the smallest stack in the field. He managed to jump a handful of spots with some stellar patience and play. His hand versus Truong would cripple him, but only for a moment. He would rebuild to 2,500,000 at the peak, but got it in with K 9 (with 1,000,000 left), and was dominated by the K J of Jeff Wicker.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Back From Break
Players have returned from break and the cards are in the air for Level 27 (50,000/100,000/10,000).
Big Stax 300 (Day 2): Level Up/Chip Counts
Players will be going on a (10) minute break at the end of this level. When they return the blinds in Level 27 go up to 50,000/100,000/10,000. Here is an updated count as of right now:
Mike Wert - 10,600,000
Jeff Wicker - 9,100,000
Ross Chapman - 6,000,000
Kevin Truong - 2,800,000
Nick Partenope - 1,100,000
Mike Wert - 10,600,000
Jeff Wicker - 9,100,000
Ross Chapman - 6,000,000
Kevin Truong - 2,800,000
Nick Partenope - 1,100,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Back To The Drawing Board
Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000
Nick Partenope is back to the 10 big blind mark as he loses to Kevin Truong QQ vs. KK. Partenope had Kevin covered, so after losing the hand he would be left with 650,000.
Only a few hands after Partenope gets paid off by Huong on a A A K 8 6 board, when Partenope showed AK against Truong's AQ (Partenope did not go all-in during the hand). Nick goes back up to 1,100,000.
Nick Partenope is back to the 10 big blind mark as he loses to Kevin Truong QQ vs. KK. Partenope had Kevin covered, so after losing the hand he would be left with 650,000.
Only a few hands after Partenope gets paid off by Huong on a A A K 8 6 board, when Partenope showed AK against Truong's AQ (Partenope did not go all-in during the hand). Nick goes back up to 1,100,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 6th Place - Benitez ($8,764)
Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000
Jeff Wicker opened the pot for 120,000, and was three-bet by Kevin Benitez (small blind) to 330,000. Wicker called and they would go to the flop:
Benitez bet out 375,000 and Wicker made the call.
Benitez now took some time before betting out 600,000, and the tank from Wicker afterwards almost seemed painful. He looked at his cards, cut his chips, and went through that motion a few times before finally deciding to make the call.
Benitez waiting about 15-20 seconds before pushing the rest of his chips in (1,200,000), and it took no time for Wicker to call this time. Benitez looked at him and sheepishly asked, "Jacks?" Wicker nodded yes and showed the rivered full house. Kevin showed his A A and took the beat with class, taking home $8,764 for sixth place.
Kevin Benitez (Hillburn, NY)
6th Place - $8,764
Jeff Wicker opened the pot for 120,000, and was three-bet by Kevin Benitez (small blind) to 330,000. Wicker called and they would go to the flop:
Flop: 9♣ 5♠ 4♦
Benitez bet out 375,000 and Wicker made the call.
Turn: 5♥
Benitez now took some time before betting out 600,000, and the tank from Wicker afterwards almost seemed painful. He looked at his cards, cut his chips, and went through that motion a few times before finally deciding to make the call.
River: J♠
Benitez waiting about 15-20 seconds before pushing the rest of his chips in (1,200,000), and it took no time for Wicker to call this time. Benitez looked at him and sheepishly asked, "Jacks?" Wicker nodded yes and showed the rivered full house. Kevin showed his A A and took the beat with class, taking home $8,764 for sixth place.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Trying To Hung On...
Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000/5,000
Hung Truong (Freehold, NJ) came into the day as one of the chip leaders, and got off to a promising start. He has been trending downwards ever since and now sits with 1,900,000 in front of him. He has been pretty active, and found himself in some difficult spots where he would have to fold to large river bets or pay bets off. He's also been unlucky when he's been getting some premium hands, as the players around him seem to have better.
Hung Truong (Freehold, NJ) came into the day as one of the chip leaders, and got off to a promising start. He has been trending downwards ever since and now sits with 1,900,000 in front of him. He has been pretty active, and found himself in some difficult spots where he would have to fold to large river bets or pay bets off. He's also been unlucky when he's been getting some premium hands, as the players around him seem to have better.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Shorty No More
Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000
Nick Partenope started this level with only 550,000 (9 big blinds), but has doubled up once, and just won a nice pot from Mike Wert. Partenope now has just about 2,500,000, and although he is the short stack, as gotten a little healthier.
Nick Partenope started this level with only 550,000 (9 big blinds), but has doubled up once, and just won a nice pot from Mike Wert. Partenope now has just about 2,500,000, and although he is the short stack, as gotten a little healthier.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Updated Stacks
Level 26 - Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000
Here are the stacks during break:
Here are the stacks during break:
- Jeff Wicker - 8,500,000
- Nick Partenope - 550,000
- Kevin Benitez - 2,900,000
- Ross Chapman - 3,400,000
- Kevin Truong - 6,000,000
- Mike Wert - 8,800,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 7th Place - Bressler ($6,436)
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
Kevin Bressler (Wayne, PA)
7th Place - $6,436
On the last hand of the level, Kevin Bressler shoved his last 450,000 out of the big blind after both Wicker and Benitez limped. Wicker just flatted (with the intention of having Kevin call behind), but Benitez folded, and the hands were tabled:
Wicker: 7♦ 9♣ Bressler: 8♠ 8♣
Flop: 10♦ 7♥ 5♣
Turn: K♣
River: 9♦
Bressler couldn't fade the river and would be sent home in 7th place, collecting $6,436.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Second Break
The remaining 7 players are about to head on another (10) minute break, and when they return to Level 26 the blinds will be 30,000/60,000/10,000. We will get you updated chip counts during the break.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Same Old Story
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
We are beginning to see a trend here, as Truong, Wicker, and Wert are clearly the most active players at the table. The short stacks have folded every hand but one (Bressler shipped and it folded around), and Chapman and Benitez have picked their spots to play.
We are beginning to see a trend here, as Truong, Wicker, and Wert are clearly the most active players at the table. The short stacks have folded every hand but one (Bressler shipped and it folded around), and Chapman and Benitez have picked their spots to play.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 8th Place - Walker ($4,766)
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
Antonio Walker (Wilingboro, NJ) seemed to not play a single hand at the final table up to now. He shoved his last 450,000 in middle position, and was called by Kevin Truong in the small blind. Mike Wert folded from the big blinds, and the hands were tabled:
Walker played as patiently as possible throughout this entire tournament, with very few missteps. Unfortunately for him, he could not win a race at the most crucial moment. He takes home $4,766 for his efforts, while Truong sits third in chips.
Antonio Walker (Wilingboro, NJ)
Antonio Walker (Wilingboro, NJ) seemed to not play a single hand at the final table up to now. He shoved his last 450,000 in middle position, and was called by Kevin Truong in the small blind. Mike Wert folded from the big blinds, and the hands were tabled:
Walker: A♥ K♥ Truong: 4♦ 4♥
Flop: 9♣ 7♣ 5♣
Turn: 2♦
River: 4♣
Walker played as patiently as possible throughout this entire tournament, with very few missteps. Unfortunately for him, he could not win a race at the most crucial moment. He takes home $4,766 for his efforts, while Truong sits third in chips.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Both Shorties Have Doubled
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
Now both short stacks at the table have doubled after Nick Partenope doubles through Ross Chapman with A 4 against 2 2. Partenope flopped an ace and would take his stack to 700,000.
Now both short stacks at the table have doubled after Nick Partenope doubles through Ross Chapman with A 4 against 2 2. Partenope flopped an ace and would take his stack to 700,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Bressler Two Outs To Double
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
The action folded around to Kevin Bressler on the cut-off, who then went all-in for his remaining 340,000. Jeff Wicker called from the big blind, and Bressler would be at risk:
Bressler hits one of the two remaining nines, and doubles up to 810,000.
The action folded around to Kevin Bressler on the cut-off, who then went all-in for his remaining 340,000. Jeff Wicker called from the big blind, and Bressler would be at risk:
Wicker: A♥ K♠ Bressler: 9♣ 9♥
Flop: 3♥ 10♣ Q♦
Turn: K♥
River: 9♠
Bressler hits one of the two remaining nines, and doubles up to 810,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Level 25 Cards In Air
Level 25 - Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000
The players are back seated, and the cards are in the air for Level 25.
The players are back seated, and the cards are in the air for Level 25.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Chapman Arrives, Level Up
Level 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000
The level is about to end, and players will be on a (10) minute break. When they return to Level 25 the blinds will be going up to 20,000/40,000/5,000, and the chip average among the 8 players is 90 big blinds.
The level is about to end, and players will be on a (10) minute break. When they return to Level 25 the blinds will be going up to 20,000/40,000/5,000, and the chip average among the 8 players is 90 big blinds.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 9th Place - Primavera ($3,615)
Level 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000
Joe Primavera (Brooklyn, NY)
9th Place - $3,615
Joe Primavera three bet Mike Wert's button raise pre, and after Wert made the call we would be going to the flop (450,000 in the pot):
Flop: J♦ 8♠ Q♠
Joe fired out a bet of 500,000, and Wert grabbed a stack of white chips equalling about 1,300,000. Before Wert could cut out his raise, Primavera announced himself all-in (~2,700,000). Wert called and we would have the largest pot of the tournament to date. The hands we tabled:
Primavera: Q Q (set of queens) Wert: J 10 (gut shot straight flush draw and pair)
Turn: A♣
River: K♥
Wert would win the hand, making the last hand anyone would think when the chips went in (runner-runner broadway). Mike Wert is now the overwhelming chip leader, with over 10,000,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): 10th Place - Maglaras ($3,122)
Level 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000
We have lost our first player of the day, as Antonios Maglaras (Hamilton, NJ) is sent home in ninth place. Kevin Bressler opened the pot for 60,000 and was called behind by Kevin Truong, followed by Antonios going all-in for his final 75,000. Jeff Wicker then three-bet to 300,000 and watched Bressler fold behind, and Truong call:
Truong check-called Jeff's 310,000 bet on the flop.
Action then went check-check.
Truong check-called Wickers river bet of 425,000. Wicker turned over Q Q, and after Truong mucked we saw that Maglaras was holding K 10.
Antonios Maglaras (Hamilton, NJ)
10th Place - $3,122
We have lost our first player of the day, as Antonios Maglaras (Hamilton, NJ) is sent home in ninth place. Kevin Bressler opened the pot for 60,000 and was called behind by Kevin Truong, followed by Antonios going all-in for his final 75,000. Jeff Wicker then three-bet to 300,000 and watched Bressler fold behind, and Truong call:
Flop: 10♠ 2♣ 5♥
Truong check-called Jeff's 310,000 bet on the flop.
Turn: 4♠
Action then went check-check.
River: 4♣
Truong check-called Wickers river bet of 425,000. Wicker turned over Q Q, and after Truong mucked we saw that Maglaras was holding K 10.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Interesting Side Note
Level 24 - Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000
In an interesting turn of events, Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ) who has over 111 big blinds (3,340,000) coming into the day, had made it known to other players on Saturday that he may not be showing up. Chapman had a work interference that kept him from being free today, so we will keep you updated on the status of his chips.
In an interesting turn of events, Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ) who has over 111 big blinds (3,340,000) coming into the day, had made it known to other players on Saturday that he may not be showing up. Chapman had a work interference that kept him from being free today, so we will keep you updated on the status of his chips.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Final Table Cards Are In The Air
The clock is about to start, and players are ready to go!!
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Play To Resume Shortly
A few of the players have arrived early to get their chips out of the bag and settled. Play will begin at 1:00pm with 45:09 left in Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000).
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Notable Faces
Level 2 - Blinds 75/150
Many more notables today in the field, some we're seeing for the first time:
Mike Marder
Jason Paster
Trevor Savage
Michael Shasho
Nancy Martin
Jeffrey Spence
Rocco Luciano
Matthew Burnitz
Many more notables today in the field, some we're seeing for the first time:
Mike Marder
Jason Paster
Trevor Savage
Michael Shasho
Nancy Martin
Jeffrey Spence
Rocco Luciano
Matthew Burnitz
Big Stax 500 (Day 1B): Almost Underway
There were 100 players who came and went during Saturday's opening day of play in the Big Stax 500. Only 14 were able to bag chips, with Ragavan Thiagarajah bagging a shocking 898,000. Day 1B will have the cards in the air in only minutes, and we will bring you live coverage sporadically throughout the day. Once the final table of the Big Stax 300 concludes, dedicated coverage for this event will resume.
Big Stax 300 (Day 3): Meet Your Final Table
The tournament started on Wednesday, and at some point over the next 24 hours (hopefully) we will have crwoned a champion for the Parx Big Stax II 300. Here is a little more information on our final table competitors:
Seat 1:
Jeff Wicker (Bristol, PA)
Final Table Chip Count: 5,025,000 (167 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $120,224
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: WPT Regional Parx $1,500 Main Event - $19,650
Recorded Tournament Wins: 2 (Philly Poker Open Events at Chester)
How he got here: Wicker's key hand was late in Day 2, when his AK bested the QQ of Kevin Truong for a pot worth over 2,000,000
Seat 2:
Antonio Walker (Wilingboro, NJ)
Final Table Chip Count: 825,000 (27.5 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $48,143
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Antonio had used keys hands early (doubling through Mike Dentale in Day 1, and accumulating chips in busting out Matthew Burnitz).
Seat 3:
Nicholas Partenope (Colonia, NJ)
Final Table Chip Count: 720,000 (24 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $52,483
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 1
How he got here: Partenope has done a solid job of grinding the short stack throughout this event, playing just under average until late Day 2, where he got a double with QQ to come into today with that size stack.
Seat 4:
Kevin Benitez (Hillburn, NY)
Final Table Chip Count: 2,320,000 (77 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $609
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Benitez had been moved from his original Day 2 starting seat, and once he sat down it took under an hour to go from 200,000 to 1,200,000.
Seat 5:
Ross Chapman (Florham Park, NJ)
Final Table Chip Count: 3,340,000 (111 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $0
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Ross had a huge hand in the middle stages of Day 2 where he floated a flop of K 2 4, and turned a set of jacks against an opponent who shoved the turn with a set of deuces.
Seat 6:
Kevin Bressler (Wayne, PA)
Final Table Chip Count: 485,000 (16 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $560
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: WPT Parx Open Poker Classic $200 NL (32nd place - $560)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Bressler was able to triple up late in Day 3 when he flopped a set of nines against AJ and QQ.
Seat 7:
Kevin Truong (Freehold, NJ)
Final Table Chip Count: 5,955,000 (198 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $152,456
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: WPT Parx Open Poker Classic $3,500 Main Event (42nd place - $7,202)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Truong has played many big pots, but would like most to give a shout out to poker buddy Gordon Eng.
Seat 8:
Mike Wert (Coal Township, PA)
Final Table Chip Count: 6,300,000 (210 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $794
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Wert comes into the final table as the chip leader after busting Alex Rocha. Wert four-bet shoved K 2 against the A J of Rocha, and after he watched Alex flop an ace, went runner diamonds to add 1,000,000 to his stack.
Seat 9:
Antonio Maglaras (Hamilton, NJ)
Final Table Chip Count: 105,000 (3 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $0
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Magcaras had been the definition of short stack ninja, coming into Day 2 with only 10 big blinds, and reaching the final table with 3.
Seat 10:
Joseph Primavera (Brooklyn, NY)
Final Table Chip Count: 3,600,000 (120 big blinds)
Career Earnings: $47,764
Largest Parx Poker Room Cash: (No Parx Cashes)
Recorded Tournament Wins: 0
How he got here: Primavera watched after dinner break on Day 2 as two players shoved in front of him, and he woke up with pocket aces in the big blinds. He would scoop that pot and go over 1,400,000.
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