Steve Galey’s plan was to play out the World Series of Poker Circuit National Championship in New Orleans, and then drive to Downstream Casino Resort to play in the Four States Poker Championship Ante Up Poker Tour event. But it didn’t go to plan.
Galey was running so badly in the Big Easy that he left early and returned home to Petersburg, Ind. But he still got in his car and drove down to Downstream, which turned out to be a great idea as he won the Main Event and $13,413. Galey will be featured on the cover of the July issue of Ante Up Magazine, and also received a championship bracelet from Pro Poker Gear and a personalized Tour champion’s jacket from Ante Up.
The Four States Poker Championship played out in the pall of the tornado tragedy that struck nearby Moore, Okla., just as the series got underway. Memories of a devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., just across the state line from Downstream, almost to the day two years prior, remained fresh in players’ and employees’ minds. Downstream, as it did for the Joplin tragedy, provided supplies and donations to those reeling in Moore.
The Four State Poker Championship challenged players in a number of events not normally seen on tournament schedules, including razz and 2-7 triple draw. While Steve Marlowe and John Blanken shared Downstream’s "Best All Around" award, it was Marlowe who earned the most Ante Up Player of the Year points – 378.94 – behind two victories.
Ante Up’s Oklahoma Ambassador, Robert Kelly, will have more on the event in the July issue of Ante Up.
FOUR STATES POKER CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONS
Event #1, No-Limit Hold’em – Mesgana Tesfalidet
Event #2, Pot-Limit Omaha – Lonnie "Rob" Jump
Event #3, No-Limit Hold’em – Dana Dhondt
Event #4, Bonnie & Clyde Couples No-Limit Hold’em – Robert & Sheila Bryan
Event #5, No-Limit Hold’em – Michael Kennedy
Event #6, Ante Only No-Limit Hold’em – Jeri Young
Event #7, Razz – Bobby Sadler
Event #8, Raise Or Fold Limit Hold’em – Randy Murfin
Event #9, HORSE – Trent Elyler
Event #10, 2-7 Triple Draw Limit – Steve Marlowe
Event #11, Stud – Steve Marlowe
Event #12, No-Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Hold’em – Jerry Morris
Event #13, Limit Omaha/8 – John Blanken
Event #14, No-Limit Hold’em Main Event – Steve Galey
