It was not the ideal day for a BBQ, but I made it happen anyways - under the patio cover I was grilling come hell or high water! 10 luscious patties were cooked up and consumed, along with one wiener and then it was time for cards!
This was our first annual Tournament of Champions, the TOC, where all players were winners of the previous years tournaments - and thus entered for free to play for a chance at big bucks and a coveted Player of the Year bracelet and name on the perpetual plaque.
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| All the champs lined up and ready to go. |
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| Table is ready for battle... |
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Nice banner!
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| Let's see what we have here shall we? |
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| Hollywood Park SWAG for the bubble boy. |
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| $200 for third, $300 for second - plus custom metal card protectors. |
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| And of course, the big bad boy bracelet and $500! |
But that wasn't all! Because everyone in attendance was already a winner for taking down a tournament earlier in the year - they all deserved something special. Every champ got...
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| A commemorative card protector... |
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| ...customized with each players name on the reverse. |
Nice! So with everyone already a winner - we commenced to card playing. We started a little late, as many rolled up at quarter to one and then ordered a burger; but no big whoop. Action was hot and heavy right off the bat, with very little limping and lots of three betting.
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| Quads anyone? |
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| Guess Mike brought his own card protectors. How much do you have behind sir? |
Despite the aggression, this was a table of champions after all, it was over three hours before we had our first bust out. Greg H. departed with a smile on his face and only one middle finger extended.
As always, the players dropped off slowly at first, and then as we entered the fifth hour there was a flurry of action, with plenty of suck-outs and monster collisions.
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| All the money went in pre-flop. Best not to mention who was in the hand. |
Finally we entered the sixth hour, and the money bubble burst just shortly thereafter. Mike P. immediately ripped his shirt off and threw his Cornhusker hat in the trash so he could don his new Hollywood Park t-shirt and cap and make a bee line to The Bike.
Actually, he cheerfully declined the SWAG and stayed to deal three handed play. Thanks for that Mike, you do indeed rock!
I was looking to be in pretty good shape and severely cripple Jason when I got my money in very good on the turn. Instead, this happened.
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| Only a 96% favorite. I really need to do better. |
So I had to settle for third place and $200. I'll take it! And then there were two...
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| It's all on the line baby! |
Thanks in large part to my bad beat exit, Jason had a substantial chip lead over Allen Q. And sure enough, this time the molehill was unable to overcome the mountain and we had our champion!
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Final hand. Careful, you might get there.
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| I've got a spare tire, that's what a Jack is Four! |
So fittingly, the one champ to win two tournaments this year was the one to come out on top in the TOC. Well played and well deserved Mr. Jason! Congratulations also to Allen Q. who played patient but darn near perfect poker to lock up a not insubstantial $300 and a groovy metal custom card protector. Well done both of y'all!
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| Great end to a great day. |
I have to say a big thanks to all the champs who came out to play in this very special first annual event. The day really couldn't have gone any better - there was great poker of course, with such an impressive line up of players, but there was also a great time had by all thanks to the super friendly vibe that every player brings along with them. This host very much appreciates everyone's efforts to get along and have fun. I am humbled and grateful to have such a great group, month after month and year after year.
I am so looking forward to another successful season at Pepper Street - we already have our first qualifier, Mike K., who will be joined in next season's TOC by nine other champions. Time's a wasting everyone! Our next tournament is in two weeks, Saturday January 24 at 7pm. Hope you can make it. Until next time, peace and we out!
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