The World Series of Poker Circuit is under way at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, Ind., ending Oct 8.
While most of the disciplines will be standard no-limit hold’em events, there will be a few exceptions, including a $365 six-max Oct 1, a $365 pot-limit Omaha on Oct. 2 and a $250 seniors event Oct. 4. The $1,675 three-day main event begins Oct. 6. Also, $100 tournaments and/or $250 mega satellites will be nightly at 7.
One player who is sure to be there will be the “Rooster.” I spoke with him at a $1-$3 cash game after he had just won another small, but frequent pot.
“Sure, there’s the nightly tournaments, but I like to play in the big ones,” said Rooster, a.k.a. Steve Winslow, a retired businessman from Indianapolis who makes the two-hour drive about twice a month to play in any of the casinos along the Indiana border. “I’d be happy with at least cashing in one of those. I’ve played in the seniors events at the WSOP. I didn’t do good, but it was fun no matter.”
Referring to the racinos around Indianapolis, he said, “I won’t play those electric poker tables. I’ve never even played on the Internet. I don’t mind the drive to be able to play with real cards and people to talk to. I want to hold my money after I win it.”
Quite the character, Rooster said, “Why not?” when asked why he calls himself that. He, like many players, is looking for that big win.
“I play mostly the cash games and some of the nightly tournaments, but what I really like is when the circuit events come around. Everyone wants to play and there’s a lot of money to be made. I like how some of these kids play, but there’s usually one or two that think I’m just an old guy and they’re beggin’ me to take their momma’s money.”
— R.C. Thorne is Ante Up’s Southern Indiana Ambassador. Email him at anteuprc@gmail.com.
