The World Series of Poker (WSOP) final table is finally over. After the 117 day intermission, the November Nine finally reassembled in Las Vegas to continue their quest for the WSOP Main Event bracelet. Although poker traditionalists were originally against the idea, many poker fans are considering this experiment to be a success. More people, including myself, were closely following the WSOP coverage since a champion had yet to be determined. This renewed interest was clearly shown by ESPN’s 50% increase in ratings from last year. Overall, I believe that Harrah’s will incorporate the Main Event final table scheduling delay next year. Before they make their final decision, I’m sure that Harrah’s will listen to the Player’s Advisory Council for suggestions and improvements. My personal suggestion would be to shorten the delay slightly by about a month. In the coming months, we eagerly await the release of the 2009 WSOP schedule.
With regards to the play at the WSOP final table, first and foremost, congratulations to Peter Eastgate. This 22-year old Dane not only won the 2008 WSOP Main Event bracelet and the $9.1 million first prize, but also became the youngest Main Event champion ever. He bested Phil Hellmuth’s 19 year-old record, when he won the event at the age of 24. Overall, Eastgate’s championship represents a victory for several emerging poker groups: European players, the young guard, and internet players from all over the world. Congratulations once again to our new WSOP Main Event Champion.
Here are some of my additional thoughts about the WSOP final table:
1) The Crowd: Within the Rio’s Penn and Teller Theatre, the capacity crowd (estimated to be about 1,200) was absolutely electric, which made the final table atmosphere resemble a true sporting event.
2) Worst Bad Beat: On hand #118, Scott Montgomery was eliminated in fifth place by Eastgate on a one outer (6d). This hand was the first step in Eastgate’s upward march in becoming the chip leader and his eventually victory.
3) Best Bluff: Early at the final table on hand #18, Ivan Demidov pushed all-in with only A-Q versus Phillips’ A-K on a J-10-8 board. This critical hand between the chip leaders changed the balance of power early at the final table.
4) Best Comeback: Although suffering an unexpected meltdown at the beginning, Dennis Phillips kept his composure and made a solid comeback, eventually finishing in third place.
5) Emerging Poker Star: Besides Eastgate, Ivan Demidov also emerged from this year’s WSOP as one of the brightest stars in the poker world. Although he did not win either bracelet, he is the only player in history to make both the WSOP Main Event (finishing second) and WSOP Europe (finishing third) final tables in the same year. Demidov is now a bona-fide poker superstar, especially in his homeland of Russia.
While most of the poker world was paying attention to the WSOP final table, the World Poker Tour’s (WPT) World Poker Finals was well underway at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Due to my previous success at the World Poker Finals (two titles over the past two years), I was looking forward to some good results.
My first event was the $600 No Limit Shootout. In the past couple of Foxwoods tournaments, I had progressively finished better in this event, placing 19th and 13th, respectively. Day 1 of this event started slow, but ended with a huge rush of cards. Ultimately, I entered the final table (which was played on Day 2) as the chip leader and never looked back. After a seven hour final table, I was crowned the champion when my Ac-7c out-flopped (Ah-6c-5s) my opponent’s Kd-6h. When the ace of spades fell on the turn (and I needed it as the river was the 6d), my third victory at the World Poker Finals in the last three consecutive years was sealed. Although the top prize was not huge (almost $23,000), I was extremely pleased to capture my third title in as many years. One of my friends e-mailed me suggesting that there are very few people who have accomplished this feat over the past decade. Whether this is true or not, I’m very proud to have accomplished this feat.
My hot streak continued later in the week, as I made another final table, which was the tenth of my career. This time, I was playing in the $3,000 No Limit event. Unfortunately, I could not duplicate the magic of the $600 No Limit Shootout, as I finished eighth and took home $8,555.
I felt very confident about my game heading into the World Poker Finals $10,000 Main Event. However, Day 1 was a roller coaster ride as I finished the day with 33,525 chips, which was just about my starting stack of 30,000. Unfortunately, I went completely card dead during Day 2. In the first hour, I only played two hands, winning them uncontested pre-flop. Then, my queens were outraced by my opponent’s A-K when an ace hit immediately on the flop. Shortly thereafter, I was sent packing. Although this was disappointing, I was pleased with my week: making two final tables, winning one event, and earning over $31,000. I guess it could have been a lot worse. With only a few events left in 2008, I hope I can continue my hot streak.
As December approaches, my second book, The Final Table, Volume II, is in its final stages and will be completed in time for the holidays. This book is a follow-up to Volume I, which was released in July of 2008. Volume II is a compilation of all of my Boston Herald poker columns from 2007 through June 2008 with additional teaching points and poker anecdotes. The foreword was written by poker legend T.J. Cloutier. Readers can visit my website, www.BernardLeePoker.com, to purchase an autographed copy.
For a limited time only (until November 30th), all PokerNewsDaily.com readers are invited to a special pre-holiday sale. Visit www.BernardLeePoker.com/BookSale to receive a 20% discount for pre-ordering the book. The Final Table, Volume II (and Volume I) makes a perfect holiday gift for all poker fans.
Since finishing 13th in the 2005 WSOP Main Event, Bernard Lee has cashed in numerous tournaments, capturing three titles and earning over $1.3 million. He is a columnist for the Boston Herald and ESPN.com Poker Club. He is also the radio host of “The Bernard Lee Poker Show.” Listen every Tuesday night from 6-7pm EST on 1510am in Massachusetts and also on 1510thezone.com and RoundersRadio.com. The show is replayed several times during the week and is also available on podcast. Visit BernardLeePoker.com for the latest news regarding Lee.
