Let’s hope Imad Lahham got some sleep now.
“After we finished playing on Saturday, I couldn’t get a room here or anywhere close by, so I ended up playing cards all through the night. I’ve been up almost 48 hours now,” said Lahham, who is Ante Up’s new world champion after outlasting Michael Monaghan heads-up in the Ante Up World Championship at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, Calif. “When I’m playing poker, I’m all in tune with the game. My wife asks, ‘why do you love the game so much?’ It’s because it’s really trying to outplay people. There’s more of a high in the game itself. When you divorce yourself from the money aspect of it and focus on the game itself, you’ll do well.”
Lahham of Redwood City, Calif., earned $91,421 for the victory after the final four players agreed on an ICM deal and played out the event for the remaining $11,000, the title, trophy and the cover of Ante Up Magazine. Monaghan of Jackson, Miss., earned $107,015 for being chipleader when the ICM deal was reached.
“I feel wonderful,” said Lahham, who came into Day 2 as the chipleader after being eliminated on his first entry. “I stayed consistent in my game play. I didn’t take too much risk. I like to play small ball, and when I have the goods, I punish them.”
Lahham triumphed over a stacked final table that included Monaghan, who was one of Pearl River Resort’s Ante Up Poker Tour champions, former Ante Up World Championship champion and runner-up Justo Avalos, Brandon Eisen, who has more than a quarter-million dollars in live cashes, online phenom and strategy book author Jon “PearlJammed” Turner and Yin Vang, who had final-tabled this event twice before.
Lahham was comfortable in chips for most of the final table until he got it in all-in with pocket 7s against chip-heavy Monaghan’s ace-king. When an ace spiked, Monaghan looked unstoppable and Lahham looked like his sleepless run would come to an end.
“That was a huge misstep on my part,” Lahham said. “He was opening with a wide range of cards and I misjudged the strength of his hand. I thought I could push him off of his hand, and mine didn’t hold up.”
But Lahham almost immediately quadrupled up and when action got to four-handed, the clock stopped for the players to work out the ICM deal. For Lahham, it didn’t matter one way or another.
“Everyone wanted to do it. I was fine either way. I had just lost that big pot. If we didn’t do it, I would have been OK. I was comfortable,” he said. “I was going to open up my game and regain the chip lead. I did that in four or five hands after the deal. The money meant more to some of the people. I was after the trophy, regardless of the money breakdown. The deal does alleviate the pressure on the money. When you only have $11,000 to play for now, you’re playing poker and for the trophy and to win. Less pressure helps you focus on the game itself.”
With the pressure lessened, Lahham set his sights on Monaghan, who was working on his own Cinderella story. Monaghan booked his flight to Sacramento last minute on advice from a friend and was eliminated on the entry he won at Pearl River. He decided to jump into a $365 satellite and won a second seat and then found himself heads-up with Lahham with a six-figure payday locked up.
“I was able to maneuver. I was willing to gamble. I was raising no-look and making some moves and looking for reactions on bet sizes,” said Lahham, who does engineering design and consultation in Silicon Valley. “In the end, it worked out wonderfully.”
Lahham, whose previous best finish was eighth in the Shooting Stars event at Bay 101 in San Jose, Calif., says he’ll have more time to dedicate to poker, as he plans to retire soon and his daughter will be going off to college next year.
“I promised my wife whatever winnings I got if she keeps letting me play,” he said with a laugh.
The Main Event shattered the $500,000 prize pool guarantee with 506 entries and a prize pool of $739,772. The event concluded a 20-event series that spanned more than three weeks and included another Ante Up Poker Tour championship event, the Ante Up NorCal Classic. Al Sanchez was the Player of the Series, cashing seven times, including two final tables. It was the first Ante Up Poker Tour series in Thunder Valley’s new poker room, which features 50 tables during tournament series. It opened in February and held a lavish grand opening in April.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort is a AAA Four Diamond luxury resort that features a Las Vegas-style casino, more than 400 oversized and well-appointed guest rooms, a spa with complimentary steam room and sauna access for hotel guests, outdoor pool, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, including the signature High Steaks Steakhouse, where a lavish special players’ reception was held the night before the Main Event.
The Ante Up World Championship and Ante Up NorCal Classic events will return to Thunder Valley in July 2019.
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
MAIN EVENT – No-Limit Hold’em
Buy-in: $1,650
Entries: 506
Prize pool: $739,772
PLACE NAME CITY CASH
1 Imad Allahham Redwood City, CA $91,421
2 Michael Monaghan Jackson, MS $107,015
3 Jon Turner Las Vegas, NV $73,931
4 Srinivasa Godavarthy Mtn, House, CA $82,840
5 Ying Vang Sacramento, CA $34,710
6 Justo Avalos Elk Grove, CA $28,930
7 Gary Hansen n/a $24,080
8 Brandon Eisen n/a $19,235
9 Mitch Gamble Roseville, CA $14,425
10 Kyle Phillips San Carlos, CA $11,975
11 Thanh Nguyen Sacramento, CA $11,975
12 Sameet Lal Fremont, CA $11,975
13 Charisse Case Sacramento, CA $9,530
14 Nathan Pelkey Sacramento, CA $9,530
15 Alan Engel Las Vegas, NV $9,530
16 Ian Steinman Carson City, NV $8,010
17 Sang Tran Granite Bay, CA $8,010
18 Derrick Lee Sacramento, CA $8,010
19 Katherine Stahl Manteca, CA $6,755
20 Bradford Jensen Fremont, CA $6,755
21 Tony Bracy W. Sac, CA $6,755
22 Exequiel Fernando Elk Grove, CA $5,650
23 Edward Lewis Brentwood, CA $5,650
24 Xai Vang Eureka, CA $5,650
25 Jed Hoffman Reno, NV $4,860
26 Michael Capener San Mateo, CA $4,860
27 David Paletta Colusa, CA $4,860
28 Tyler Patterson Scottsdale, AZ $4,165
29 Loren Cloninger Salinas, CA $4,165
30 Yiming Liu n/a $4,165
31 Robert Abelon Sacramento, CA $4,165
32 Stephen Kujubu Sacramento, CA $4,165
33 Yauheni Rusin SF, CA $4,165
34 Ferit Bullitogli n/a $4,165
35 Matthew Cardinalli Stockton, CA $4,165
36 Donald Landwirth Redwood City, CA $4,165
37 Kevin O’Donnell Petaluma, CA $3,575
38 James Boyle Clovis, CA $3,575
39 Steven To Castro Valley, CA $3,575
40 Ben Salah Paris, FR $3,575
41 Anthony Schutter Honolulu, HI $3,575
42 Phillip Hansen n/a $3,575
43 Randy Gil Roseville, CA $3,575
44 Salas Alam Hayward, CA $3,575
45 Charles Maddalena n/a $3,575
46 Nippa Watari Sunnyvale, CA $3,025
47 Prasad Inamdar SF, CA $3,025
48 William Wendling San Jose, CA $3,025
49 Dalvinder Bains Yuba City, CA $3,025
50 Blake Baker New Orleans, LA $3,025
51 William Watchman Las Vegas, NV $3,025
52 Travis Fujisaka Wlnut Crk,. CA $3,025
53 Yotam Shmuelov SF, CA $3,025
54 Christopher Nichols Chico, CA $3,025
55 Tommy Buyak S. Lake Tahoe, CA $2,590
56 Adam Curchack Petaluma, CA $2,590
57 Joseph Mussat San Jose, CA $2,590
58 Masoud Shojaei El Dor .Hills, CA $2,590
59 Raymond Ratto Modesto, CA $2,590
60 Yuanjing Zhang Newark, CA $2,590
61 Edward Miller Granite Bay, CA $2,590
62 John Newmerzhycky n/a $2,590
63 Mary Walker Carlsbad, CA $2,590
64 William Chao Elk Grove, CA $2,590
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #1 – No-Limit Hold’em Kickoff
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 342
Prize pool: $44,460
Place Name City Cash POY Points
1 Adrian Aguilar Bay Point, CA $5,013 49
1 Nino Klebik Napa, CA $5,013 49
3 Mark Garaman Santa Rosa, CA $4,513 49
3 Abraham Meyers Sacramento, CA $4,513 49
3 William Grubb Vacaville, CA $4,513 49
6 Donnae Benjamin Hayward, CA $3,513 49
7 Rodney Washburn Hughson, CA $1,476 42
8 Justine Raga Sacramento, CA $1,214 35
9 DNR n/a $951 28
10 Anthony Recchia Sacramento, CA $800 23
11 Jeffrey Schwartz n/a $800 23
12 Kory Swekla Emeryville, CA $800 23
13 Ian Bey Rocklin, CA $685 20
14 Jim Rodda Loomis, CA $685 20
15 Ricardo Seguritan Roseville, CA $685 20
16 Howard Doerfling San Bruno, CA $565 17
17 Sanjay Kochhar Roseville, CA $565 17
18 Edward Miller Granite Bay, CA $565 17
19 Steven Richards Reno, NV $467 14
20 Michael Bokan Sacramento, CA $467 14
21 Karmjit Singh Oakland, CA $467 14
22 Tom Walch, Jr Fremont, CA $378 12
23 Donovan Pattee Denair, CA $378 12
24 Mariano Garcia Hayward, CA $378 12
25 Irakli Tabidze Danville, CA $329 10
26 Oliver Tse SF, CA $329 10
27 Tri Huynh Milpitas, CA $302 8
27 Robert Benedict III Folsom, CA $302 8
29 Edmund Lis Winters, CA $276 8
30 Anthony Pasqual Jacksonville, FL $276 8
31 Kenneth Fredrick Ontario, CA $276 8
32 Mitchell Newquist Chico, CA $276 8
33 Michael McGonigle Roseville, CA $276 8
34 Bienvenido Rosal Elk Grove, CA $276 8
35 Nicholas Veveiros Rohnert Park, CA $276 8
36 Charles Thavenot Scottsdale, AZ $276 8
37 Michael Husa Lincoln, CA $227 8
38 Kelly Menk Yuba City, CA $227 8
39 Barry Birdwell Marysville, CA $227 8
40 Edmund Castles Stockton, CA $227 8
41 Jerid Bernardin Woodbridge, CA $227 8
42 Tess Robinson Castro Valley, CA $227 8
43 Bryan Ridgway Roseville, CA $227 8
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #2 – FastCash Bankroll Builder No-Limit Hold’em
Buy-in: $125
Entries: 135
Prize pool: $13,500
Place Name City Cash POY Points
1 Rommel Santos Rancho Cord., Ca $1,000 14
1 Robert Santos Vallejo, CA $1,000 14
1 Arturo Segura San Diego, CA $1,000 14
1 Brandon Steadman Rocklin, CA $1,000 14
1 Mariano Garcia Hayward, CA $1,000 14
1 John Rogers Sacramento, CA $1,000 14
1 Bryan Gore Rocklin, CA $1,000 14
1 Jeremy French N. Highlands, CA $1,000 14
1 John Hicks Citrus Hts, CA $1,000 14
1 Matthew Hillstead Tracy, CA $1,000 14
1 Hiram Epps Vacaville, CA $1,000 14
1 Jeffrey Day Berkeley, CA $1,000 14
1 Ibrahim Mohamed Sparks, NV $1,000 14
14 Jeremy Thai Elk Grove, CA $500 12
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #3 – No-Limit Hold’em ChangeUp
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 110
Prize Pool: $14,300
Place Name City Cash POY Points
1 Salas Alam Hayward, CA $3,573 100
2 Arturo Segura San Diego, CA $3,003 80
3 Robert Lew Sacramento, CA $1,216 60
4 Caleb Levesque Macdoel, CA $1,216 60
5 Steven Kujubu Sacramento, CA $644 34
6 Elmer Fulgencio SF, CA $644 34
7 Paul Tran Sacramento, CA $644 34
8 Noah Wiseman Concord, CA $644 34
9 San Vong Elk Grove, CA $393 18
10 Ryan Russell Benicia, CA $393 18
11 Jorge Lopez Ukiah, CA $393 18
12 Cesar Silva Santa Rosa, CA $393 18
13 Barry Raymos Fairfield, CA $286 14
14 Lana Chan San Leandro, CA $286 14
15 Joseph McMahon Roseville, CA $286 14
16 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $286 14
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #4 – No-Limit Hold’em Winner Take All with $100 bounties
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 135
Prize pool: $4,035
Place Name City Cash
1 James Jeff Fresno, CA $2,586
2 Alexander Smith Yakima, WA $852
3 Nader Haddad Auburn, CA $612
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #5 – No-Limit Hold’em Escalator
Buy-in: $125
Entries: 70
Prize pool: $7,000
Place Name City Cash POY Points
1 Terry Klinefelter $1,224 25
2 Joseph Dalonzo Turlock, CA $1,117 25
3 Michael Cerezo Elk Grove, CA $1,088 25
4 Jacob Urman Lincoln, CA $890 25
5 Craig Ricci Martinez, CA $844 25
6 Ronald Mossbarger Chico, CA $752 25
7 Jack Eads Yuba City, CA $315 20
8 Jake Dupray Carmichael, CA $280 17
9 Jose Esparza Lodi, CA $245 14
10 Robert Jerez Newcastle, CA $245 0
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #6 – No-Limit Hold’em Ante Up NorCal Classic Preview
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 141
Prize pool: $17,765
Place Name City Payout Points
1 Allan Fernando Elk Grove, CA $2,379 55
2 Steve Nevius Reno, NV $3,049 55
3 Terry Klinefelter Roseville, CA $2,952 55
4 Loan Truong Sacramento, CA $2,438 55
5 Suzanne White Gilroy, CA $1,105 45
6 Matthew Boddorf Weimar, CA $840 35
7 Sesar Camacho Sacramento, CA $659 30
8 Brian Watson Lodi, CA $535 25
9 Jack Schubert Rocklin, CA $446 20
10 Jeff Sardella Auburn, CA $446 20
11 Rodney Herndon Vacaville, CA $386 20
12 Joseph Dalonzo Turlock, CA $386 20
13 Jason Stoddard Concord, CA $345 17
14 Jake Rosenstiel Andreson, CA $345 17
15 James Miesen Sacramento, CA $320 17
16 Andrew Duffy Grass Valley, CA $320 17
17 Jake Dupray Carmichael, CA $307 14
18 Billy Wilson Rohnert Park, CA $307 14
19 Chivak Chhim Weed, CA $250 0
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #7 – No-Limit Hold’em Catapult
Buy-in: 160
Entries: 1,018
Prize pool: $132,340
Name City Payout POY Points
1 Randall Blankenship Marysville, CA $16,000 40
2 Phuc Nguyen Davis, CA $7,756 40
2 Daniel Canavan Yuba City, CA $7,756 40
2 Ron Piorier Natomas, CA $7,756 40
2 Julio Cruz W. Sacramento, CA $7,756 40
2 Jess Garcia n/a $7,756 40
2 Mark Romena Elk Grove, CA $7,756 40
2 Ryan Raymond Colfax, CA $7,756 40
2 Jon Baker Cotati, CA $7,756 40
10 Cole Escovedo Fresno, CA $1,800 32
11 Mark Cooley Elk Grove, CA $1,800 32
12 Dominic Oaxaca Lodi, CA $1,800 32
13 Jon Wallace S. Lake Tahoe, CA $1,530 29
14 Meinrado Cruz San Ramon, CA $1,530 29
15 Francis Nguyen Rancho Cord., CA $1,530 29
16 Jack Eads Yuba City, CA $1,270 26
17 Daniel Evans Chico, CA $1,270 26
18 n/a Luu Sacramento, CA $1,270 26
19 Tipu Alam W. Sacramento, CA $1,045 23
20 Sharon Sanchez Penryn, CA $1,045 23
21 Craig Buchmiller Lakeport, CA $1,045 23
22 Andres Romero Yuba City, CA $885 20
23 Chivak Chhim Weed, CA $885 20
24 Fernando Mora Roseville, CA $885 20
25 Westley Cornelison Fresno, CA $725 17
26 Justin Ecker Stockton, CA $725 17
27 Reid Roy W. Sacramento,CA $725 17
28 Scott Dedoes Roseville, CA $625 14
29 Patricia Dellow Davis, CA $625 14
30 Michael Walker Auburn, CA $625 14
31 Nicholas Colvin Vacaville, CA $625 14
32 Wilton Alejandro Roseville, CA $625 14
33 Thomas Venz Grass Valley, CA $625 14
34 Robert Benedict Folsom, CA $625 14
35 Deake Lyndall Kelseyville, CA $625 14
36 Bo Umphrey Port Arthur, TX $625 14
37 Teng Vang Sacramento, CA $550 14
38 Matthew Coloma n/a $550 14
39 Daniel Lucero W. Sacramento, CA $550 14
40 Jimmy Diep Sacramento, CA $550 14
41 Charisse Case Sacramento, CA $550 14
42 Nicholas Kolich Livermore, CA $550 14
43 Zachary Scoggins Citrus Hts, CA $550 14
44 Lafaya Mitchell Sacramento, CA $550 14
45 Kelly Menk Yuba City, CA $550 14
46 Peter Xiong Sacramento, CA $500 12
47 Michael Haas Lodi, CA $500 12
48 Bryan Ridgway Roseville, CA $500 12
49 Dylan Moon Sacramento, CA $500 12
50 Matan Sharon Williams, OR $500 12
51 Andrew Martin Oakley, CA $500 12
52 Evelyn Iraheta Walnut Creek, CA $500 12
53 Wing Tung Martinez, CA $500 12
54 Wilson Sam Milpitas, CA $500 12
55 Soumitra Nagar San Jose, CA $450 12
56 Brandon Sano Chico, CA $450 12
57 Matthew Moss Lincoln, CA $450 12
58 Charles Thavenot Scottsdale, AZ $450 12
59 Darren Bortmas Roseville, CA $450 12
60 Henrieto Acain Stockton, CA $450 12
61 Joseph Mussat San Jose, CA $450 12
62 Jeffrey Smith Modesto, CA $450 12
63 Joseph Arent Roseville, CA $450 12
64 Christopher Wardner San Jose, CA $400 10
65 Kyle Beeler Santa Rosa, CA $400 10
66 Joseph Walker Grass Valley, CA $400 10
67 Dalvinder Bains Yuba City, CA $400 10
68 Jeremy French Antelope, CA $400 10
69 Richard Catalano Fair Oaks, CA $400 10
70 Joseph Bergh Granite Bay, CA $400 10
71 Ronald Quinones Stockton, CA $400 10
72 Arturo Lopez Ukiah, CA $375 10
73 Phillip Phongsaiphonh Roseville, CA $375 10
74 Anton Dimagiba Sacramento, CA $350 10
75 Navid Gosili Sacramento, CA $350 10
76 Timothy Klemin Chico, CA $350 10
77 Rickey Gleason Carmichael, CA $350 10
78 Seth Norris Jackson, CA $350 10
79 Anthony O’Grodnick Lodi, CA $350 10
80 Gerardo Gonzalez Yuba City, CA $350 10
81 Thomas Lewis Chico, CA $350 10
82 Justin Hendrickson Sacramento, CA $350 10
83 Monte Gilley Live Oak, CA $300 6
84 Travis Outlaw Reno, NV $300 6
85 Jared Saenz Birmingham, AL $300 6
86 Ryan Reilley Carmichael, CA $300 6
87 Tarik Sims Elk Grove, CA $300 6
88 Guy Boring Ione, CA $300 6
89 Lauren Koch Kihei, HI $300 6
90 Phia Xiong Sacramento, CA $300 6
91 Fred Anthony Oroville, CA $300 6
92 Nathan Patterson Roseville, CA $300 6
93 Michael Sargent Marysville, CA $300 6
94 Dylan Moon Rancho Cord., CA $300 6
95 Juan Valadez Antioch, CA $300 6
96 Ronald Festejo Vacaville, CA $300 6
97 Anthony Nguyen Sacramento, CA $300 6
98 Saad Aljoher Sacramento, CA $300 6
99 Joshua Woodhouse Antioch, CA $300 6
100 Rose Erhart Sutter Crk, CA $300 6
101 Thomas Phillips Monterey, CA $300 6
102 Richard McLain Modesto, CA $300 6
103 Brandon Steadman Rocklin, CA $300 6
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #8 – Ante Up NorCal Classic no-limit hold’em
Buy-in: $565
Entries: 398
Prize pool: $199,000
PLACE NAME CITY PAYOUT POY POINTS
1 Dinh Vee $37,016 73
2 Khoa Tran Sacramento, CA $24,449 73
4 Phil Hansen Layton, CA $21,963 73
3 Peter Xiong Sacramento, CA $18,529 73
5 Charles Mendoza Sacramento, CA $10,933 61
6 Randy Gil Roseville, CA $8,328 49
7 James Westerberg Redding, CA $6,434 42
8 Toan Nguyen Sacramento, CA $5,032 35
9 James Colson Sacramento, CA $3,986 28
10 Sou Saeteurn Sacramento, CA $3,986 28
11 Michael Capener San Mateo, CA $3,197 28
12 Loan Truong Sacramento, CA $3,197 28
13 John Rogers Sacramento, CA $2,605 23
14 Nicky Niknam Belmont, CA $2,605 23
15 Jordan Henegar Chico, CA $2,131 23
16 Thao Yang n/a $2,131 23
17 Joseph Arent n/a $1,776 20
18 Nicholas Kolich n/a $1,776 20
19 Stehpen Goldstein n/a $1,776 20
20 Timothy Melton n/a $1,776 20
21 Fernando Mora n/a $1,520 17
22 Matthew Boddorf Weimar, CA $1,520 17
23 Timon Rooney Woodland, CA $1,520 17
24 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $1,520 17
25 Joshua Shaw Sacramento, CA $1,303 14
26 Christopher O’Hara Clark Summit, PA $1,303 14
27 Allan Kwong Oakland, CA $1,303 14
28 Francis Nguyen Rancho Cord, CA $1,303 14
29 James Brown Jacksonville, FL $1,303 14
30 Michael Palamidessi W. Sacramento, CA $1,303 14
31 Darryl Pham Rohnert Park, CA $1,303 14
32 Ihab Ali Cupertino, CA $1,125 12
33 Pavel Vusik Roseville, CA $1,125 12
34 Jim Anderson Redding, CA $1,125 12
35 Sheila Triggs Hillsboro, OR $1,125 12
36 Richard Phelps Oakland, CA $1,125 12
37 Kenneth Dutcher Kihei, HI $1,125 12
38 Joe Nguyen Sunnyvale, CA $1,125 12
39 Chris Arsenault Sacramento, CA $1,125 12
40 Howard Doerfling San Bruno, CA $1,125 12
41 Dermot Lyons W. Sacramento, CA $987 10
42 Yotam Shmuelov SF, CA $987 10
43 Victor Bishop Discovery Bay, CA $987 10
44 Kiran Desai San Jose, CA $987 10
45 Robert Mather Roseville, CA $987 10
46 Hasmik Oganyan Fresno, CA $987 10
47 James Hammer Sacramento, CA $987 10
48 Matthew Kramer Rancho Cord, CA $987 10
49 Ravi Udayakumar San Jose, CA $987 10
50 Kwan Kong Oakland, CA $987 10
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #9 – No-Limit Hold’em Seniors Championship
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 178
Prize pool: $23,140
PLACE NAME CITY PAYOUT
1 Charlton Atwood Folsom, CA $4,000
2 Joseph Bergh Granite Bay, CA $1,907
2 David Olson Applegate, CA $1,907
2 Janet Kanstrup Salinas, CA $1,907
2 Michael McGonigle Roseville, CA $1,907
2 Gary Pisarek Auburn, CA $1,906
2 Gary Tanko Lincoln, CA $1,906
2 Sunil Nair San Ramon, CA $1,906
9 David Larson San Jose, CA $509
10 Matthew Coloma Brentwood, CA $509
11 Terry Klinefelter Roseville, CA $509
12 Yelleshpur Kumar San Jose, CA $509
13 Andres Flores Yuba City, CA $428
14 Manuel Romero Bangor, CA $428
15 Reese Francis Rohnert Pk, CA $428
16 Tom Santos Elk Grove, CA $359
17 Gabrielle Tetreault Discovery Bay, CA $359
18 Steven Eason Sacramento, CA $359
19 Ronald Tobey Concord, CA $289
20 John Goldenring Roseville, CA $289
21 Peter Ruotsi Alamo, CA $289
22 Rudy Robledo Sacramento, CA $220
23 James Verdi Coloma, CA $220
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #10 – No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed
Buy-in: $345
Entries: 115
Prize pool: $34,500
PLACE NAME CITY PAYOUT POY POINTS
1 Francis Nguyen Rancho Cord., CA $9,182 100
2 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $6,124 80
3 Andrew Postle Dixon, CA $4,226 65
4 Arturo Segura San Diego, CA $3,008 55
5 Paul Spano Sacramento, CA $2,215 45
6 Dermot Lyons W. Sacramento, CA $1,684 35
7 Michael Sargent Marysville, CA $1,204 30
8 Kandy Correa Rio Oso, CA $1,204 30
9 Nathaniel Anderson Oakland, CA $918 25
10 Matthew Bodnar Folsom, CA $918 25
11 Mariano Garcia Hayward, CA $811 20
12 Matthew Hillstead Manteca, CA $811 20
13 Srinivasa Godavarthy Tracy, CA $742 17
14 Stephen Goldstein Modesto, CA $742 17
15 Shane Miller Sacramento, CA $711 14
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #11 – No-Limit Hold’em Dueling 125s
Buy-in: $125
Entries: 605
Prize pool: $60,500
PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE POY POINTS
1 Brad Court Roseville, CA $5,200 26
2 Kristyl Horton Roseville, CA $4,907 26
3 Joshua Morrow Chico, CA $4,281 26
4 Raja Deal Livermore, CA $4,193 26
5 Michael Sweeney Tracy, CA $4,119 26
6 Dominic Oaxaca Lodi, CA $4,083 26
7 Wing Tung Martinez, CA $3,713 26
8 Tam Duong Roseville, CA $3,463 26
9 Hamed Fedai Tracy, CA $3,102 26
10 Shane Miller $2,861 26
11 Michael Abratique Suisun City, CA $980 26
12 Joel Perkins n/a $980 26
13 Tony Bracy W. Sac, CA $780 23
14 Kairo Leiva Oakland, CA $780 23
15 Mario Samareta Elk Grove, CA $780 23
16 Jason Beckstrom Sacramento, CA $653 20
17 Benjamin Teng SF, CA $653 20
18 Paul Lindstrom Roseville, CA $653 20
19 Kevin Pham Elk Grove, CA $551 17
20 Nathan Patterson Roseville, CA $551 17
21 Stephen Kujubu Sacramento, CA $551 17
22 Frazad Abbaszadeh Santa Clarita, CA $466 14
23 Ernestine Norde Concord, CA $466 14
24 Thomas Lewis Chico, CA $466 14
25 Arnold Adicoff Grass Valley, CA $399 12
26 Michael Sievert n/a $399 12
27 Joshua Hannah Jax, FL $399 12
28 Todd Graham Roseville, CA $345 10
29 Randall Blankenship Marysville, CA $345 10
30 Allan Fernando Elk Grove, CA $345 10
31 Steve Nevius Reno, NV $345 10
32 John Burbine Vacaville, CA $345 10
33 Michael McGreevy Wheatland, CA $345 10
34 Dung Doan Sacramento, CA $345 10
35 Maurice Wearing SF, CA $345 10
36 Brandon Mok Sacramento, CA $345 10
37 Jennifer Bell Morgan Hill, CA $296 10
38 Randy Gil Roseville, CA $296 10
39 John Hulkow Roseville, CA $296 10
40 Frederick Lilienthal Napa, CA $296 10
41 Rudy Robledo Sacramento, CA $296 10
42 Lora Stewart Rancho Murr., CA $296 10
43 Deborah Wall Sacramento, CA $296 10
44 Ayren Spinner Eugene, OR $296 10
45 Oscar Tobar SF, CA $296 10
46 Michael Cerezo Elk Grove, CA $254 8
47 Michael Scott Elk Grove, CA $254 8
48 Jack Eads Yuba City, CA $254 8
49 Timon Rooney Woodland, CA $254 8
50 Barry Birdwell Marysville, CA $254 8
51 Charlton Atwood Folsom, CA $254 8
52 Julie Parker Aptos, CA $254 8
53 Sharon Sanchez Penryn, CA $254 8
54 Jeffrey Alvarez Antelope, CA $254 8
55 Jairo Aguirre San Jose, CA $224 8
56 Shane Preston Sacramento, CA $224 8
57 Stewart Lampe Elk Grove, CA $224 8
58 Anthony Combs Pittsburg, CA $224 8
59 Matthew Boddorf Weimar, CA $224 8
60 Carlos Ramirez Cameron Park, CA $224 8
61 Robert Thompson Pleasanton, CA $224 8
62 Matthew Bodnar Sacramento, CA $224 8
63 Zachary Malgiere Sacramento, CA $224 8
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #12 – No-Limit Hold’em Redraw
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 71
Prize pool: $10,000
PLACE NAME PAYOUT POY POINTS
1 Rian Mullins $2,545 40
2 Fernando Arciniega $2,300 40
3 Gregory Fils $1,830 40
4 Albert Sanchez $976 35
5 Alexander Wladyszewski $709 30
6 David Roldan $538 25
7 Jeff Lennon $393 20
8 Joan Miner $393 20
9 Nicksen Barrun $316 17
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #13 – Limit Omaha/8
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 130
Prize pool: $16,900
PLACE NAME Payout POY Points
1 Nicholaus Rheault $3,981 100
2 Frank Cobos $2,800 80
3 Sherwood Malin $2,800 65
4 Duyen Ta $1,099 55
5 Christopher Foster $837 45
6 Michael Wofford $710 35
7 Akash Desai $617 30
8 Scott Sherrerd $541 25
9 Michael Cerezo $478 20
10 Charisse Case $423 17
11 William Matthews $423 17
12 James Hammer $423 17
13 Patrick Stump $372 14
14 Randall Forbes $372 14
15 David Horton $372 14
16 Kevin Lutz $326 12
17 Jacqueline Molis $326 12
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #14 – No-Limit Hold’em Monolith
Buy-in: $460
Entries: 873
Prize pool: $349,200
NAME CITY CASH POY PTS
1 Brett Murray Santa Rosa, CA $54,407 105
2 Paul McCaffrey San Ramon, CA $40,550 105
3 Toko Luu San Jose, CA $37,993 105
4 Stephen Kujubu Sacramento, CA $18,750 91
5 Shane Pierson Roseville, CA $15,600 77
6 Stephen Godfrey San Jose, CA $12,600 63
7 Michael Loncar Folsom, CA $10,400 54
8 Brian Favro Danville, CA $8,300 45
9 Jeff Lennon Fresno, CA $6,300 36
10 Michael Capener San Mateo, CA $5,100 29
11 Edward Miller Granite Bay, CA $5,100 29
12 William Blankenship Roseville, CA $5,100 29
13 Xai Vang Eureka, CA $4,000 26
14 Steven Richards n/a $4,000 26
15 Chance Gir Santa Cruz, CA $4,000 26
16 Ryan Rielley Roseville, CA $3,300 23
17 James Jeff Sacramento, CA $3,300 23
18 Jeffrey Wakamiya Sacramento, CA $3,300 23
19 Rutherford Hayes SF, CA $2,750 20
20 Marcos Stokes Livermore, CA $2,750 20
21 David Taylor Santa Clara, CA $2,750 20
22 Randy Gil Roseville, CA $2,300 17
23 Francis Nguyen Rancho Cord., CA $2,300 17
24 Shoua Moua Merced, CA $2,300 17
25 Darryl Okamoto Roseville, CA $1,940 14
26 Mitchell Gamble Roseville, CA $1,940 14
27 Bohao Zhu Sacramento, CA $1,940 14
28 Paul Brown n/a $1,620 12
29 David Taylor Santa Clara, CA $1,620 12
30 Joseph Kenney Santa Rosa, cA $1,620 12
31 Wirote Praiphetsak San Rafael, CA $1,620 12
32 Marcus Abadi San Jose, CA $1,620 12
33 Kevin Pham Merced, CA $1,620 12
34 Teng Vang Sacramento, CA $1,620 12
35 Yauhoni Rusin SF, CA $1,620 12
36 Cheryl Svensen Tracy, CA $1,620 12
37 Kim Baker n/a $1,420 12
38 Vuong Tran Elk Grove, CA $1,420 12
39 Mimi Luu San Jose, CA $1,420 12
40 Benjamin Barad SF, CA $1,420 12
41 Mason Rosenberg Reno, NV $1,420 12
42 Ricardo Seguritan Roseville, CA $1,420 12
43 Tony Bracy W. Sac, CA $1,420 12
44 Micah Schulte San Jose, CA $1,420 12
45 Rommel Santos Sacramento, CA $1,420 12
46 Thomas Reiner Rocklin, CA $1,270 10
47 Mark Sanchez Walnut Creek, CA $1,270 10
48 Jasthi Kumar San Ramon, CA $1,270 10
49 Bruno Nunes Mtn View, CA $1,270 10
50 William Chao Elk Grove, CA $1,270 10
51 James Smith Vallejo, CA $1,270 10
52 Howard Chen Sacramento, CA $1,270 10
53 David Larson San Jose, CA $1,270 10
54 Robert Brown Roseville, CA $1,270 10
55 Joshua Prager Yuba City, CA $1,140 10
56 David Triggs Milpitas, CA $1,140 10
57 Peter Dirksen SF, CA $1,140 10
58 Julian Velador Oroville, CA $1,140 10
59 Adam Duong San Jose, CA $1,140 10
60 Lawrence Kern Discovery Bay, CA $1,140 10
61 David DiSalvo Aptos, CA $1,140 10
62 Chet Sickle Stockton, CA $1,140 10
63 Menh Chiu Stockton, CA $1,140 10
64 Ryan Tan Sacramento, CA $1,020 8
65 Justin Mackey Newark, CA $1,020 8
66 Henry Gurnick Pleasanton, CA $1,020 8
67 Fernando Arciniega San Jose, CA $1,020 8
68 Amy Rennert Tiburon, CA $1,020 8
69 Valerie Hanley Reno, NV $1,020 8
70 Jorge Trejo Ukiah, CA $1,020 8
71 Terry Klinefelter Roseville, CA $1,020 8
72 Sameet Lal Fremont, CA $1,020 8
73 Michael Harvey SF, CA $900 8
74 Won Song Sacramento, CA $900 8
75 Jack Tan Hercules, CA $900 8
76 Amir Lehavot SF, CA $900 8
77 Michael Nienhouse Merced, CA $900 8
78 Matthew Berto San Ramon, CA $900 8
79 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $900 8
80 Aaron McCormack Sacramento, CA $900 8
81 Ali Darroudi Berkeley, CA $900 8
82 Richard Drury Carmichael, CA $800 6
83 Xiong Thao n/a $800 6
84 Arturo Segura San Diego, CA $800 6
85 James Suthanyarutt Elk Grove, CA $800 6
86 Devin Lagorio Stockton, CA $800 6
87 Hop Lay n/a $800 6
88 Samedy Kuoch Sacramento, CA $800 6
89 Julio Cruz W. Sac., CA $800 6
90 Brett Murray Santa Rosa, CA $800 6
91 Michael St Andrew Sacramento, CA $700 6
91 Joseph Mussat San Jose, CA $700 6
91 Salas Alam Hayward, CA $700 6
91 Dustin Youngdahl Antelope, CA $700 6
91 Daniel Evans Chico, CA $700 6
91 Jeffrey Alvarez Antelope, CA $700 6
91 Craig Buchmiller Lakeport, CA $700 6
91 Zheng Yu n/a $700 6
91 Kyle Fowler Meadow Vista, CA $700 6
91 Thomas Case Clovis, CA $700 6
91 Meinrado Cruz San Ramon, CA $700 6
91 Joselito Mendez Hayward, CA $700 6
91 Ken Shofner Danville, CA $700 6
91 Bruce Chang San Ramon, CA $700 6
91 Charles Danh Stockton, CA $700 6
91 Tracy Oto Sacramento, CA $700 6
91 Kent Jensen Brentwood, CA $700 6
91 Jordan Henegar Chico, CA $700 6
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #15 – No-Limit Hold’em with Bounties
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 112
Prize pool: $9,010 plus $5,600 in bounties
PLACE NAME CITY CASH POY PTS
1 Henri Lopez Antelope, CA $1,441 25
2 Ronaldo Malonzo Roseville, CA $1,424 25
3 Darren Bortmas Roseville, CA $1,237 25
4 Justin Chan Newark, CA $1,022 25
5 Charles Giffin Lincoln, CA $1,000 25
6 Richard Gold Elk Grove, CA $696 25
7 Matthew HIllstead Manteca, CA $646 25
8 Ravinder Sharma Yuba City, CA $588 25
9 Jeffrey Shin Sacramento, CA $232 20
10 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $188 17
11 Tamara Hernandez Citrus Hts, CA $188 17
12 Glenn Spath Colfax, CA $188 17
13 Ruben Solis Antioch, CA $160 0
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
Event #16 – Pot-Limit Omaha/8
Buy-in: $160
Entries: 87
Prize pool: $11,310
PLACE NAME CITY CASH POY POINTS
1 Michael Wofford Stockton, CA $2,308 40
1 Tom Walch Fremont, CA $2,308 40
1 Anthony Giglini Carmichael, CA $2,308 40
4 Scott Long Safety Habor, FL $927 35
5 Howard Andrew Walnut Crk, CA $707 30
6 Michael Moore Agar, SD $566 25
7 Justin Chan Newark, CA $469 20
8 Nicholas Adams Sacramento, CA $396 17
9 Duyen Ta Amer. Cyn, CA $365 14
10 Thomas Case Clovis, CA $339 14
11 Roy Clothier Lincoln, CA $317 14
12 Kim Pham Campbell, CA $300 0
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #17 – No-Limit Hold’em Action 8 eight-handed
Buy-in: $260
Entries: 450
Prize pool: $100,000
PLACE NAME CITY CASH POY POINTS
1 Philip Phongsaiphonh Roseville, CA $19,750 145
2 Wilton Alejandro Roseville, CA $13,250 116
3 Chet Sickle Stockton, CA $9,750 95
4 Justin Chan Newark, CA $7,275 82
5 Barry Raymos Fairfield, CA $5,500 69
6 Jake Rosenstiel Sacramento, CA $4,200 56
7 Tyler Patterson Scottsdale, AZ $3,250 48
8 Rudy Robledo Sacramento, CA $2,550 40
9 Todd Graham Rocklin, CA $2,000 32
10 Brett Murray Santa Rosa, CA $2,000 32
11 Albert Sanchez Penryn, CA $1,600 32
12 Benjamin Teng SF, CA $1,600 32
13 Stuart Crooks Roseville, CA $1,300 26
14 Mark Trinh Lincoln, CA $1,300 26
15 Teng Vang Sacramento, CA $1,060 26
16 Paul Tran n/a $1,060 26
17 Victor Paredes Modesto, CA $870 23
18 Donald Deeds Angels Camp, CA $870 23
19 Stephen Kujubu Sacramento, CA $870 23
20 Michael Scott Elk Grove, CA $870 23
21 Joshua Hannah Jacksonville, FL $730 20
22 Kao Saechao Portland, OR $730 20
23 Joseph Walker Grass Valley, CA $730 20
24 Allan Fernando Elk Grove, CA $730 20
25 Ronald Festejo Vacaville, CA $620 17
26 Terry Klinefelter Roseville, CA $620 17
27 Andrew Duffy Grass Valley, CA $620 17
28 Daniel Canavan Yuba City, CA $620 17
29 Oscar Tobar San Francisco, CA $620 17
30 Martin Knapp S. Lake Tahoe, CA $620 17
31 Kevin Nathan Roseville, CA $620 17
32 Richard Gibson Hayward, CA $620 17
33 Arish Nat Elk Grove, CA $530 14
34 Ronald Bawden Sacramento, CA $530 14
35 Damion Merry Plumb Lake, xx $530 14
36 Brett Murray Santa Rosa, CA $530 14
37 James Jeff Fresno, CA $450 12
37 Gary Waters $450 12
37 Dan Pham $450 12
37 Adam Avitia Elk Grove, CA $450 12
37 Wing Tung Martinez, CA $450 12
37 Charels Thavenot Scottsdale, AZ $450 12
37 Teresa Hemingway Black Hawk, CO $450 12
37 Jeffrey Lennon Fresno, CA $450 12
37 Javier Ochoa $450 12
46 Vince Cardinale $375 10
46 Martin Abraham $375 10
46 Siavash Bahri $375 10
46 Lay Saelee Oroville, CA $375 10
46 Paul Brown Auburn, CA $375 10
46 Dylan Moon Rancho Cord, CA $375 10
46 Michael Loncar Folsom, CA $375 10
46 Jeffrey Cho $375 10
46 Arturo Segura San Diego, CA $375 10
Jorge Lopez has won Event #18 of the Ante Up World Championship at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, Calif.
Lopez of Ukiah, Calif., earned $5,440 in the $400 buy-in Head to Head Championship, which attracted a full field of 64 players.
For more information on this Ante Up Poker Tour series, which runs through July 29, please visit our event webpage.
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #18 – No-limit Hold’em Head to Head
Buy-in: $400
Entries: 64
Prize pool: $21,760
PLACE NAME CITY CASH
1 Jorge Lopez Ukiah, CA $5,440
1 Clinton Baskin Stockton, CA $5,440
3 Frederic Soria Lincoln, CA $2,720
3 Joshua Pedretti Elk Grove, CA $2,720
5 Benjamin Teng SF, CA $1,360
5 Kirk Rexford Folsom, CA $1,360
5 Paul Richardson San Ramon, CA $1,360
5 John Sheehan Novato, CA $1,360
ANTE UP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, Calif.
EVENT #20 – No-Limit Hold’em Bounty
Buy-in: $1,100
Entries: 71
Prize pool: $36,920 and $35,500 in bounties
PLACE PAYOUT
1 Duy Ho $7,860
2 Jarod Minghini $5,911
3 Cutris Heron $5,410
4 Mike Heshmati $4,735
5 Travis Fujisaka $3,837
6 Yotam Shmuelov $3,624
7 Alex Prok $2,778
8 Raymond Ratto $1,475
9 Jasthi Kumar $1,290
