Six-digit tournament scores were once a dream in Central Florida, but have now become a regular occurrence in the bay area. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa hosted its World Poker Tour event in which a $100K-plus first prize was possible. The 14-event Tampa Bay Open ran from June 1-11 and had a total prize pool of more than $1 million.
The $2,500 main event had $400K up for grabs with David DeBoer of Winter Haven, Fla., winning the title and $128K. Final-table results are below.
PRINCE’S CAMP: If you’re ready to do what DeBoer did and win a major tournament but need to brush up your skills, check out the boot camp featuring none other than the Prince of Poker, Scotty Nguyen, at Seminole Casino Immokalee on Aug. 18. This will undoubtedly increase your poker knowledge and will give you a chance at picking the brain of one of the game’s greatest.
The camp is $600, which includes a lunch buffet, a copy of Nguyen’s book, That’s Poker Baby! and entry into a $2K freeroll event on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. Top three spots pay $800, $400 and $200. During the event you’ll be able to ask Nguyen for advice on any one hand. The Seminoles do a fine job at bringing players new and interesting events with large prize pools and a lot of excitement.
— Garrett Roth is the Ante Up Ambassador for Central Florida and the Where to Play editor. Email him at roth@anteupmagazine.com and follow him on Twitter @GarrettRoth.
WPT Tampa Bay Open
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa • June 1-11
$2,500 MAIN EVENT
Entries: 146 • Pool: $400K
1. David DeBoer, $128,000
2. Peter Walsworth, $74,000
3. Amelio Amato, $48,000
4. Robert Lebeau, $33,000
5. Daniel Hicks, $25,400
6. Debra Dorcy, $19,800
