Kressin won a recent undercard event in the Fall Classic.
Christian Pham of St. Paul, Minn., continued his amazing year by winning the Big Turkey tournament at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus on Nov. 21-23.
Pham took home his second largest career cash of $28,481. He won a World Series of Poker Circuit event in May, earning his biggest career cash of $214K.
He also finished 11th in the WSOP national championship and has several more cashes bringing his Hendon Mob total for the year to a dozen.
The Big Turkey tournament drew 233 entrants, which is down from last year’s 252 but still doubled its $50K guarantee. Second-place finisher Joe Barnard also secured his second largest career cash ($16,781). The final table included two other players with more than $200K in career earnings.
Sixth-place finisher Lance Harris also placed fourth in Event 11 of this year’s WSOP. Seventh-place finisher Andrew Dick was eighth in the 2014 Millionaire Maker.
OBIT: Casey Kressin, 29, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls on Nov. 30 after a traffic stop resulted in paramedics being called to treat Kressin’s asthma attack. Kressin was a frequent player at Canterbury Park and had much tournament success there, including winning a bonus event during October’s Fall Classic.
“Casey was one of those players having the absolute most fun when splashing (chips),” fellow player Steve Lillehaug said. “(He) will be missed.”
Kressin is survived by two daughters.
— Email John at john.somsky@gmail.com
