One might think managing 46 of the most action-packed poker tables in the country might be a sufficient challenge, but not in the case of WinStar World Casino’s poker room manager Jay Wiles. While deftly managing daily operations, Wiles has built the largest guaranteed tournament prize pool in the country. Not one to sit back on his laurels, Wiles begins planning the next year’s event while the popular annual Labor Day series is still in progress. Every year, players are treated to an improved River Tournament Series, always more exciting than the year before. For starters, the guarantee has been increased by $1 million, with more new and exciting events and perks to be announced in the near future, including a just-approved a $5K No Juice event.
From its humble beginnings as the Red River Round-Up, the annual River Guaranteed Poker Series has grown to surpass all regional tournaments in popularity. One of the reasons for the sustained growth of this series is it offers players the highest return on investment for their tournament buy-in dollars. In recent years it has become a popular post-Legends stop for many pros brave enough to mix it up with the region’s field of tough players.
Greg Raymer, winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event, returns as host, and is joined by pro and Amazing Race star Maria Ho. Both players can be seen on the tournament floor as well as cash games, and are available to chat with players, sign autographs and, of course, offer professional advice. Raymer is scheduled to appear at WinStar from Aug. 16-Sept. 3.
WinStar World Casino is a world-class destination, offering Las Vegas-style casino action, a tempting array of dining choices, spa services, golf and an elegant resort hotel.
About one hour north of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, WinStar is easily accessible from anywhere in the country. Super satellites begin this month and run through August. More details of this exciting annual event will be in the July issue of Ante Up.
Make plans to build your stake now; summer is just beginning, but Labor Day is just around the corner. For unsurpassed tournament and cash action, make your way to the Texas-Oklahoma border and join the crowds of players at WinStar World Casino and the $4 million guaranteed annual poker series Labor Day weekend.
For more info, call 800-622-6317 ext. 20362.
ANTE UP LIVE STREAM BROADCAST: Ante Up launched its first live-stream broadcast at Choctaw Casino recently for the final table of the Chad Brown Poker Challenge. Publishers Christopher Cosenza and Scott Long provided commentary and humor for the live stream. The new venture proved to be a huge success and was well-received, drawing thousands of viewers to anteupmagazine.com and several other popular poker websites. Go to tinyurl.com/c76abow to watch a rebroadcast.
Cosenza and Long, seasoned professionals, co-host the award winning, longest running Internet poker show on the planet, the Ante Up PokerCast. Both agreed an unscripted live-stream broadcast would be a challenge, but pulled off a great first live performance. Look for more exciting new venues from Ante Up in the future. Thanks to Ken Lambert and everyone at Choctaw Casino for their help, co-operation and their great hospitality.
— Bonnie Demos is Ante Up’s Oklahoma Ambassador. Email her at bdemos1@gmail.com.
Chad Brown Challenge, Choctaw Casino
April 19-May 1
Event 1 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 83 • Pool: $14,089
Jimmy Dang, $4,508
Event 2• $200 PLO
Entries: 47 • Pool: $7,978
Paul Robuck, $2,992
Event 4 • $300 NLHE
Entries: 183 • Pool: $47,928
Justin Kruger, $12,460
Event 6 • $175 LIPS
Entries: 51 • Pool: $7,421
Shannon Armstrong, $2,783
Event 7 • $300 NLHE
Entries: 341 • Pool: $89,308
Jeff Meyers, $20,539
Event 8 • $200 LIPS
Entries: 55 • Pool: $9,336
Ruth Hall, $3,501
Event 10 • $175 LIPS
Entries: 31 • Pool: $4,511
Yvonne Lamb, $2,030
Event 11 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 162 • Pool: $27,500
Grant Hendren, $7,423
Event 12 • $200 PLO
Entries: 50 • Pool: $8,488
Luke Allen, $3,183
Event 14 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 96 • Pool: $16,296
Juan Lozano, $4,889
Event 16 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 81 • Pool: $13,750
Earl Merritt, $4,400
Event 18 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 95 • Pool: $16,126
Robert Trant, $4,837
Event 19 • $200 PLO/8
Entries: 82 • Pool: $13,920
Bejan Rostamian, $4,454
Event 21 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 124 • Pool: $21,049
Khue Nguyen, $5,894
Event 22 • $550 PLO
Entries: 62 • Pool: $62,565
Mark Provenzano, $21,897
$2K Main Event
Entries: 258 • Pool: $475,494
Alex Phahurat, $116,492
Event 30 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 80 • Pool: $13,580
Mike Capener, $4,616
Event 31 • $200 NLHE
Entries: 83 • Pool: $14,089
Jimmy Dang, $4,508
* Missing events were satellites.
Mid-South Classic, Hard Rock Tulsa
April 26-May 6
Event 1 • $135 J-n-J
Entries: 79 • Pool: $7,900
D. Hughes-J. Brown, $2,190
Event 2 • $350 NLHE
Entries: N/A • Pool: $100K
Vincent Pironti, $21K
Event 3 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 84 • Pool: $8,400
Mark Barrientes, $2,688
Event 4 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 76 • Pool: $7,600
Todd Hoffman, $2,508
Event 5 • $240 Bounty
Entries: 47 • Pool: $7,050
Pat Chrisos, $2,819
Event 6 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 21 • Pool: $2,100
Mark Kallum, $1,050
Event 7 • $240 PLHO
Entries: 13 • Pool: $2,600
Steve Vidrickson, $1,300
Event 9 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 44 • Pool: $4,400
Tad Richards, $1,760
Event 10 • $240 PLO
Entries: 14 • Pool: $3,900
Andy Andrews, $2,100
Event 12 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 39 • Pool: $3,900
Steven Uman, $1,755
Event 13 • $140 O/8
Entries: 21 • Pool: $4,200
Terry Barron, $1,400
Event 15 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 40 • Pool: $4K
Kelly Riggs, $1,800
Event 16 • $240 Ladies
Entries: 8 • Pool: $1,600
Deanna Robertson, $800
Event 18 • $135 NLHE
Entries: 59 • Pool: $5,900
Steven Jircitano, $2,242
$350 Main Event
Entries: 277 • Pool: $100K
Gretchen Archer, $20,700
