Natasha Barbour was a college student at the University of South Florida studying microbiology, but her heart was really in poker. She even used to take her books with her into the casino, playing while studying. Then, a year ago, after doing well at the tables, she decided to drop out of school and pursue her real love.
Tonight (Feb. 23) she struck gold in the form of a gold-and-diamond championship ring when she joined a handful of women, perhaps seven or eight, ever to win a WSOP Circuit open tournament. Her victory, in Event 10 ($300 no-limit hold’em) was worth $12,444 at Harrah’s Council Bluffs in Iowa.
The effervescent 23-year-old from Lebanon could barely contain her excitement and delight throughout the final table, her first ever as she follows the circuit tournament trail. Her previous best tournament finish was a 30th in the Bayou Poker Challenge at Harrah’s New Orleans.
Tonight she said she played a very steady game and was able to make big laydowns.
