The Heartland Poker Tour at Golden Gates (Feb. 7-16) continued its successful run. Of the 731 entrants, including pros such as Greg “Fossilman” Raymer and Bryan Devonshire, a retired Salt Lake City resident named Doug Milner emerged victorious to capture the title and $230,582.
The nationally televised final table consisted of many players with vast HPT and other notable tournament experience, including veterans Keith Love, making his third HPT final table, and Dan Heimiller, with more than $4 million in tournament earnings. Eventually the table whittled down to Milner and Las Vegas pro Colin York, who recently had cashed at the HPT at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in California, home to the Ante Up World Championship in August.
SIDE NOTE: Shane Behnllock, a teacher from Arvada, Colo., never really considered playing much poker until he arrived at the Golden Gates Casino and Poker Parlour in Black Hawk on Feb. 15.
“The hype and excitement in the casino centered around the Heartland Poker Tour that was taking place, and I just felt compelled to play for the first time in a long while,” said Behnllock, who mostly enjoys the slots and blackjack.
He sat in cash game and proceeded to win a substantial amount at $1-$2 spread-limit hold’em. “I’ll definitely be back, so plan on seeing me around,” he said.
WSOPC: The next noteworthy poker event will be the WSOPC at the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk (April 24-May 5) promising a large field and a solid tournament structure.
— Email Hans at anteuphans@gmail.com.
