I look forward to the World Series of Poker every year, hopeful some jewelry will come home to the great state of Mississippi. This year, Kyle Cartwright is the first to deliver. Though he’s from Memphis, he’s a Mississippi grinder through and through. A five-time WSOPC ring-winner, Cartwright is well known in all of the Tunica and Biloxi poker rooms. All of his dreams came true this year when he beat 2,222 contenders in Event 4 ($1K no-limit hold’em) for his first bracelet.
“This has been my whole life’s dream,” he said. “I’ve wanted this for so long.” Cartwright, recently married, took home $360K and the coveted gold bracelet.
I was present for the bracelet ceremony, where Jack Effel, the tournament director for the WSOP, presented Cartwright with his bracelet. When the national anthem played and those in the room stood to share the moment. It was pretty hard to not be a little emotional. Congratulations, Kyle, we’ll see you in Biloxi this fall.
In other news, Harrah’s Tunica is closed. While there’s still opportunity for the property to be acquired by another casino, there are no offers, which means we’re down to two poker rooms in Tunica: Horseshoe and Hollywood. Horseshoe appears to be doing better than ever since its recent renovations. It’s common to have 10 or more games going around the clock at the Shoe. Hollywood is a smaller cardroom that has a group of dedicated regulars who keep things going.
In Biloxi, we’re getting ready for the Gulf Coast Poker Championship, Aug. 21-Sept. 1. This is my favorite Biloxi event. Not only does the Beau Rivage pull consistently good numbers but the fall is the perfect time to be on the coast. Because it’s still early, it’s a great time to book your rooms. Get more information at beaupoker.com.
Come find me during the WSOP main event and tell me about your summer. Next month, I’ll do a WSOP wrap-up and try to feature as many of you as I can. Send me your bad-beat stories and as always good luck at the tables.
— Email Jennifer at jennifergay80@hotmail.com.
