Home Blog Page 3

David Coleman Win Early PokerGO Tour Kickoff Events

0
PGT Kickoff

The day after the 2023 PokerGO Tour season officially wrapped up with the PGT Championship, the new season got underway with the 2024 PGT Kickoff. The five-event series features four $5,300 buy-in no-limit hold’em events and one $10,500 buy-in affair, all held inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The first three tournaments are already in the books, and the top performer so far has been recent Card Player Poker Tour Venetian champion David Coleman. The former online grinder from New Jersey has made the final table in all three of the events that have played down to a winner so far, accumulating $221,000 and 442 PGT points along the way to take the early lead in the PGT standings for both the series and the season. Below is a look at the full results from the first trio of results.

PGT Kickoff #1 – $5,300 No-Limit Hold’em

The first event of the new season drew 89 entries, creating a prize pool of $445,000 that was split amongst the top 13 finishers.

Coleman began his dominant performance at this festival with an outright win, converting his start-of-day chip lead on day 2 into the title and the top prize of $120,150. He now has nearly $4 million in career tournament earnings to his name.

This was only the second live tournament title of his career, with his first coming in the aforementioned CPPT Venetian $1,600 buy-in just a handful of days before he closed out this victory. That win and his hat trick of final-table finishes in this series have seen Coleman earn $336,989 so far in 2024. With 1,564 Card Player Player of the Year points and 442 PGT points, he currently sits atop the leaderboards of both points races heading into the second half of January.

Coleman overcame plenty of stiff competition on his way to hoisting the trophy, including two-time bracelet winners John Riordan (11th) and Eric Baldwin (9th), 2013 World Series of Poker main event champion Ryan Riess (8th), six-time bracelet winner Jeremy Ausmus (4th), two-time Card Player POY award winner Stephen Chidwick, and bracelet winner Aram Zobian (2nd).

Place Player Earnings POY Points PGT Points
1 David Coleman $120,150 384 240
2 Aram Zobian $77,875 320 156
3 Stephen Chidwick $55,625 256 111
4 Jeremy Ausmus $40,050 192 80
5 Nikita Kalinin $31,150 160 62
6 Clemen Deng $22,250 128 45
7 Viktor Ustimov $17,800 96 36
8 Ryan Riess $17,800 64 36

Daniel Smiljkovic Wins 2023 PokerGO Tour Championship For $500,000

0
PGT Championship

The third season of the PokerGO Tour has come to a close, with a remarkable total prize money of over $352.4 million distributed among 132 events. The 2023 season wrapped up with the second-annual PGT Championship freeroll, featuring the top 40 PGT point earners throughout the season along with 14 Dream Seat winners. The prestigious event showcased a $1,000,000 prize pool, doubling last year’s $500,000 winner-take-all debut.

The coveted top prize of $500,000 was clinched by German poker professional Daniel Smiljkovic, marking his fourth-largest recorded score as a bracelet winner from Filderstadt. Following this triumph, his career cashes now exceed $6 million.

Daniel Smiljkovic faced a formidable challenge from actress Arden Cho, who entered the day with the shortest stack but appeared poised to seize the title at one point during the final day. Despite this, Smilkovic managed to reverse the situation, overcoming a significant chip deficit in the heads-up play to clinch the title.

In 2023, Daniel Smiljkovic experienced his most successful year on the live poker scene. His three largest scores, including a third-place finish in a $100,000 buy-in Triton Poker event in Vietnam for $1,450,000 and a third-place showing in the massive $25,000 GGMillion$ high roller at the World Series of Poker Paradise festival for nearly $1.2 million, all occurred during this year. With seven PGT cashes totaling more than $2.6 million, Daniel Smiljkovic finished the season in 16th place. His participation in this freeroll event was secured with three cashes during the PGT Last Chance festival.

The two-day PGT Championship unfolded at the PokerGO Studio within the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, featuring a $1,000,000 prize pool distributed among the top six finishers. Day 1 witnessed the 54-player field narrowing down to the money.

As expected, numerous prominent figures in the poker world were eliminated along the way, including 17-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, 10-time bracelet winner Erik Seidel, six-time bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu, four-time bracelet winner Nick Schulman, and many others.

Final Table Action

As the final table commenced, Darren Elias, widely recognized as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) of the World Poker Tour (WPT), found himself with the smallest stack by a considerable margin. Despite his efforts, Elias was unable to amass a substantial stack and contend for the title. Nonetheless, he exited the tournament securing a $40,000 cash prize for a respectable sixth place finish.

In contrast, Cho, an accomplished actress and model, began Day 2 with the second shortest stack. Unlike Elias, she demonstrated a dominating performance at the final table, rapidly accumulating chips. Before long, she not only became the chip leader but also established a significant advantage over her opponents.

Artur Martirosyan, boasting over $14 million in cashes according to The Hendon Mob, became the second player to exit the stage when he lost a race to Leon Sturm. The Russian poker star received a $60,000 payout for his fifth-place finish.

Daniel Weinman, initially second in chips at the start of the day, saw his stack diminish to Leon Sturm when he called off with a small pair against trips. The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion bowed out in fourth place, earning $80,000. Sturm, seizing the chip lead, began to assert dominance in the match.

Cho then took command of the final table, securing the chip lead after a series of successful pot wins. At a certain point during three-handed play, she held approximately 70% of all the chips. Sturm, who briefly held the chip lead, saw his stack dwindle to around 10 big blinds. In a crucial hand, Sturm went all in with 10 ♦ 2 ♦ against Smiljkovic’s J ♥ 9 ♥. The jack-high hand held up, leading to Sturm’s exit in third place with a $120,000 prize. This set the stage for a heads-up battle between Smiljkovic and Cho for the ultimate glory.

PGT Championship Final Table Results

Place Player Prize
1 Daniel Smiljkovic $500,000
2 Arden Cho $200,000
3 Leon Sturm $120,000
4 Daniel Weinman $80,000
5 Artur Martirosyan $60,000

Hidden Advantages of Engaging in Poker Games in New York

0

Undoubtedly, poker stands out as one of the most beloved casino games, maintaining its popularity among casino enthusiasts. While many casino games rely on chance and luck, poker demands a blend of luck and strategy for success. Accomplished poker players achieve a delicate equilibrium by dedicating time to enhancing their skills through research, practice, and refining their gameplay.

As players strive to elevate their poker prowess, they inadvertently acquire valuable life lessons and encounter unexpected advantages. This holds true whether engaging in live poker or online poker. To unveil some of the primary perks of playing poker, continue reading.

Benefits of Playing Poker

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, the advantages of playing poker extend beyond the poker table and seep into everyday life. Enhancing decision-making skills and fostering social interactions are just the tip of the iceberg. Below are additional benefits of participating in poker, whether in online or in-person settings.

1. Fosters Emotional Resilience and Maturity

Engaging in a game of poker exposes players to a rollercoaster of emotions, and those who excel in the game have mastered the art of maintaining emotional composure and serenity. In one moment, triumph may characterize poker tournaments, only to be followed by an unexpected turn of odds. The ability to stay composed and refine one’s poker face becomes an indicator of emotional resilience and maturity.

2. Promotes Lifelong Learning

While the basics of poker may seem straightforward, distinguishing yourself from fellow players requires more than a fundamental understanding. Aspiring to attain greatness in the game involves dedicating ample time to refine and master poker skills, often involving extensive hours of studying and delving into poker strategies. Given the ever-changing nature of situations and circumstances, there is a perpetual need for learning. Continuously embracing novel approaches to the game ensures that you are armed with the tools and capabilities needed to potentially outshine competitors at the table.

3. Enhances Discipline

Success in poker requires a disciplined approach; impulsivity and lack of restraint are not conducive to optimal performance. Poker serves as a vehicle for improving discipline by underscoring the consequences of rash decisions. The allure of making quick choices is tempered by the realization that such actions can lead to unfavorable outcomes down the line. Consequently, poker players cultivate discipline across all aspects of gameplay to avoid finding themselves in precarious financial situations.

4. Enhances Analytical Abilities

Mastering poker involves adeptly reading both situations and opponents, epitomized by the concept of the “poker face.” The game teaches the valuable lesson that appearances can be deceiving, necessitating a meticulous analysis of each scenario and individual. Successful players become proficient in interpreting body language, facial expressions, and tells—subtle cues that offer insights into an opponent’s position in the game. Maintaining sharp judgment is imperative in a poker room, as lapses in attention may expose players to opponents attempting to deceive. Moreover, the honing of analytical skills in poker transcends the game, potentially benefiting other areas of one’s life.

5. Cultivates Mathematical Proficiency

Poker, though not widely recognized, demands a grasp of mathematical principles. Professional players and those aspiring to reach that level engage with concepts like odds and probabilities to strategically outmaneuver their opponents.

6. Promotes Financial Responsibility and Budgeting

Poker players, as well as gamblers in general, are advised to designate a predetermined amount for their gaming activities, aligning their play with what they can afford to lose. This essential principle contributes to effective budgeting. Despite the captivating allure of poker, there exists a risk of being swept away by the excitement and investing more with the hope of hitting substantial winnings. Practicing responsible gambling entails understanding when to set limits and skillfully managing one’s finances.

7. Sustains Mental Acuity

Participating in poker not only captivates your senses but also influences your psyche and emotional well-being. These factors collectively contribute to maintaining an active and stimulated mind. To excel as a poker player, one must possess strong concentration, a discerning eye for detail, and the ability to act based on insights gleaned from careful observations.

8. Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

No one achieves a flawless record in poker, having won every single game they’ve played. Embracing this reality, players learn to accept failure gracefully and cultivate the ability to rebound from losses. This process fosters resilience, enabling the development of effective strategies to cope with setbacks, ensuring that failures do not have a lasting negative impact.

Experience Poker in New York

For those passionate about poker seeking thrilling games in New York, your quest ends here. Social Poker provides a comprehensive solution to satiate your poker appetite. Our New York poker rooms present an array of poker games, encompassing No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, weekly poker tournaments, and more.

Eager to dive into the poker scene in New York?

Simply complete the form below! Alternatively, send a text with your full name, email, and occupation to (347) 471-1813, including “SPBlog” to secure your seat.

Eric Baldwin Wins His Second MSPT Venetian Title Of 2023

0

Eric Baldwin is a force to be reckoned with at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

The two-time bracelet winner based out of Sin City has more than $1.6 million in career poker tournament earnings at the venue, placing him in a virtual tie with Qing Liu for the most of any player. Of his 38 career wins, 15 have come at The Venetian.

Baldwin’s latest big score saw him defeat a field of 550 entries in the Mid-States Poker Tour Venetian main event at the DeepStack Extravaganza (NYE) festival to earn his second MSPT title of the year and third of his career. Baldwin earned $90,692 as the last player standing in the $1,100 buy-in no-limit hold’em tournament.

Just over a month before this win, Baldwin took down another $1,100 MSPT Venetian tournament, outlasting 274 entries for $55,261. He is now a three-time MSPT champion, with all three victories taking place at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. His first came back in 2019, which saw him earn $80,872 after overcoming a 377-entry field.

In addition to the title and the money, Baldwin was also awarded 840 Card Player Player of the Year points for his latest win. This was his 14th final-table finish of the year, with 4,217 total points and more than $613,000 in POY earnings accrued across those scores. As a result, he now sits in 40th place in the 2023 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

The top 61 finishers earned a share of the $530,750 prize pool in this event. After two starting flights, the 550-entry field had been narrowed to the 61 contenders that cashed. With the elimination of two-time bracelet winner Shannon Shorr in 10th place ($8,823), the final table was set. Baldwin held the lead, with Bogdan Chornyy hot on his heels.

World Poker Tour champion Ky Nguyen was the first to fall (9th – $10,933), running pocket sixes into the pocket tens of bracelet winner and Card Player Poker Tour Venetian champion Ankush Mandavia. Despite scoring that knockout and a couple of others in the early going, Mandavia was ultimately eliminated in fifth place when his A-8 was unable to outrun the pocket sixes of Baldwin. He earned $28,688 for his efforts.

Chornyy busted Victorino Torres in fourth place ($37,604) to take a healthy lead into three-handed play. He then won a flip with ADiamond Suit10Heart Suit against the 4Heart Suit4Diamond Suit of bracelet winner Darren Rabinowitz (3rd – $49,861) to set up a heads-up showdown with Baldwin.

Chornyy held 9,570,000 to Baldwin’s 4,180,000 to start. Baldwin was able to battle his way into the lead in time for the final hand of the tournament. Chornyy shoved with AHeart Suit2Club Suit and Baldwin called with KClub Suit8Diamond Suit. The board ran out 8Spade Suit6Heart Suit3Spade Suit10Spade SuitQDiamond Suit to give Baldwin a winning pair of eights. Chornyy took home $66,870 as the runner-up.

MSPT Venetian Final Table Results

Place Player Hometown Prize
1 Eric Baldwin Las Vegas, NV $90,692
2 Bogdan Chornyy Paterson, NJ $66,870
3 Darren Rabinowitz Las Vegas, NV $49,861
4 Victorino Torres Boise, ID $37,604
5 Ankush Mandavia Richmond, TX $28,688

Ren Lin Victorious In World Poker Tour Alpha 8 at Wynn Las Vegas

0
Ren Lin Wins Alpha 8

Nine of the ten largest scores on Ren Lin’s poker tournament resume have been recorded in 2023. His most recent is also his biggest, as Lin took down the 2023 WPT Alpha8 at Wynn Las Vegas $50,000 buy-in high roller event for a career-best $1,045,781 payday.

Lin outlasted a 69-entry field in the high-stakes affair to lock up his first seven-figure cash and his third title of the year. He also earned 612 Card Player Player of the Year points for his third title and 26th final-table finish of the year. With 9,380 total points and more than $5.9 million in POY earnings, Lin is now the fifth-ranked player in the POY standings presented by Global Poker.

Lin was one of nine players who cashed in this high-roller event, with more than $3.3 million in total prize money awarded. The second and final day of the tournament began with 13 contenders remaining.

A short-stacked Alex Foxen was knocked out by Lin on the bubble, with his pocket nines being rivered by Q-4. Other big names soon followed, including Justin Bonomo (9th – $108,761) and Isaac Haxton (8th – $125,494). This was Haxton’s 27th final-table finish of the year. With seven titles won, $15.9 million in POY earnings, and 10,013 POY points, Haxton is the second-ranked player in the 2023 POY standings. Only Bin Weng (12,256) has accumulated more points.

Brad Owen was playing a $50,000 buy-in event for the first time in this tournament. The WPT ambassador and popular poker vlogger managed to survive to the final table, but ultimately bowed out in seventh place after losing most of his stack with pocket tens against the pocket kings of two-time bracelet winner Martin Kabrhel. It was the largest tournament score yet for Owen, who now has $868,000 in career scores.

After Nikita Kuznetsov (6th – $192,424) and WPT champion Seth Davies (5th – $249,314) were sent packing, Lin doubled up with A-3 besting the A-10 of Biao Ding. He got short again during four-handed play, but found another double with a full house to restore the health of his stack.

Lin then won a key flip with Q-10 outrunning the pocket fours of Ding. Lin flopped a queen and held from there to eliminate Ding in fourth place ($334,650). This was the 18th final table of the year for the Chinese player. He climbed to 18th in the POY standings as a result of this latest deep run.

Kabrhel went on to finish third, with his pocket sevens losing a preflop showdown against the A-8 of bracelet winner and ten-time Triton champion Jason Koon. Kabrhel took home $468,510 for his efforts, growing his lifetime earnings to over $12 million in the process.

Lin held 7,425,000 to Koon’s 6,375,000 when heads-up play began. After some twists and turns, Lin remained ahead when the final hand in time for the final hand to arrive. Koon shoved for just shy of 12 big blinds on the button with JDiamond Suit9Club Suit and Lin called with ASpade Suit2Heart Suit. The board came down QClub Suit2Spade Suit7Heart Suit10Diamond Suit and Lin made a pair of deuces to win the pot and the title.

Koon cashed for $669,300. This was his 18th final table of the year, with six titles won. His 8,592 POY points put him in eighth place in the standings with the end of the year rapidly approaching.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:

Place Player Earnings POY Points
1 Ren Lin $1,045,781 612
2 Jason Koon $669,300 510
3 Martin Kabrhel $468,510 408
4 Biao Ding $334,650 306
5 Seth Davies $249,314 255
6 Nikita Kuznetsov $192,424 204
7 Brad Owen $152,266 153
8 Isaac Haxton $125,494 102
9 Justin Bonomo $108,761 51

Reviewing the Top Poker Rooms in New York State

0

New York State boasts approximately 16 casinos, a subset of which includes establishments with dedicated poker rooms. These encompass a mix of tribal casinos featuring poker rooms and commercial casinos.

1. Turning Stone Resort Casino

Renowned as a premier destination for Hold’em and Omaha enthusiasts in New York, Turning Stone Resort Casino boasts an impressive 32 tables, making it the largest poker rooms in the state. The Bravo app provides a user-friendly platform for tournament tracking, a crucial tool given Turning Stone’s regular hosting of live tournaments, including the engaging $100 events catering to low and mid-stakes players. Noteworthy tournaments like the New York Poker Classic and October Poker Weekend further enhance the gaming experience.

Turning Stone’s diverse range of tournaments, often set at the $150 level with $10,000 guarantees, attracts players from across the state and even New York City. The cardroom’s versatility extends to offering Stud, a rarity in New York, along with permissible button straddles on most cash games. The TS Rewards loyalty program adds an extra layer of appeal, allowing players to accumulate points for various perks.

2. Resorts World Catskills

Established in 2018, Resorts World Catskills, the largest commercial casino in New York, features a spacious poker rooms with 19 tables. Catering to players of all skill levels, the casino offers a variety of cash tables, primarily focusing on Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em. Weekly promotions, such as Splash Pots, add excitement to the gaming experience.

Resorts World’s poker room also hosts deep-stack tournaments, including the ‘Megastack’ event with a generous 100K start stack. A rewarding loyalty program encourages repeat visits, allowing players to accumulate points exchangeable for various rewards.

3. Tioga Downs Casino Resort

Tioga Downs Casino Resort offers a top-notch poker room for cash players, operating from Wednesday to Sunday. Despite having six regular tables, the poker rooms covers standard variations, including Hold’em, Omaha, and various Stud games. Unique promotions, such as bonuses for the best hand, complement regular tournaments starting at an accessible $125.

The Rewards Club at Tioga Downs provides patrons with points for their gameplay, exchangeable for perks like complimentary show vouchers, hotel enhancements, and meal vouchers, enhancing the overall poker room experience.

4. del Lago Resort & Casino

For cash jackpots and a robust promotional fund, del Lago Resort & Casino is a prime destination. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. on weekends, the cardroom’s 14 tables offer a range of games, including Limit and No Limit Hold’em, PLO, and 7-Stud. Special promotions, such as high-hand bonuses, add to the excitement, while the del Lago Rewards Club lets players earn comps on hotel rooms and meals.

Part of all pots worth $10 or more contributes to a promotional fund, distributed during gameplay, providing an alternative to traditional bad-beat jackpots.

5. Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

Part of the Rivers Casino brand, the Schenectady location operates 24/7, offering a focus on Hold’em and Omaha. The poker rooms features a bad-beat jackpot and hosts regular tournaments, such as the $10K-GTD freezeout. Poker fees contribute to the Rush Rewards Club, known for its multi-tiered rewards program, making Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady a compelling choice for poker enthusiasts.

Several poker rooms in New York provide opportunities to engage in both tournaments and Hold’em cash games. Dive into real-money poker action in The Social Poker and enhance your experience by participating in a rewards program to earn additional comps.

Stanislav Zegal Wins WSOP Paradise Main Event

0

The climactic moment of the inaugural World Series of Poker Paradise festival unfolded on Thursday, December 14th, marking the conclusion of the $5,000 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event. With a $15,000,000 guaranteed prize pool, the tournament saw a total of 3,010 entries, yet only one emerged victorious with both the championship bracelet and the top prize of $2,000,000: Stanislav Zegal, a German online qualifier.

Zegal, a poker professional from Berlin who has been playing since 2016, not only secured his first bracelet but also achieved his maiden live final-table finish. Reflecting on the victory, he shared his feelings with PokerNews live reporters, stating, “It was somewhat exhausting and needs to settle. You always make plans for when stuff like this happens, but then when it happens it’s so overwhelming.”

The event spanned four starting flights and three additional days of intense tournament action. Among the top 447 finishers were notable players such as Sam Greenwood, David Peters, Kevin Martin, Timothy Adams, Bryce Yockey, Vitor Dzivielevski, Adam Walton, and Mikita Badziakouski.

The final day began with seven players vying for the title, with Daniel Neilson leading and Zegal tied for second chip position with Gabriel Schroeder. The action unfolded with Matt Glantz eliminating Montgomery McQuade in 7th place. Gabriel Schroeder followed suit, finishing in 6th place, and Michael Sklenicka continued to climb the leaderboard, eliminating Rui Sousa in 5th place.

As the final table narrowed, Matt Glantz exited in 4th place, earning $685,000, bringing his total recorded earnings to over $8.3 million. Daniel Neilson’s journey ended in 3rd place, securing $900,000 and pushing his lifetime cashes to more than $3.5 million.

Heads-up play featured Zegal holding a commanding 94,100,000 to Sklenicka’s 32,500,000. The match saw a dramatic chop with aces and fours as the kickers, and shortly after, Zegal clinched the victory with a well-timed call, securing the pot and the title. Sklenicka, the runner-up, received $1,200,000, marking the largest score of his career and bringing his lifetime earnings to over $2.5 million.

2023 WSOP Paradise Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize
1st Stanislav Zegal Germany $2,000,000
2nd Michael Sklenicka Czech Republic $1,200,000
3rd Daniel Neilson Australia $900,000
4th Matt Glantz United States $685,000
5th Rui Sousa Portugal $510,000

Samuel Mullur Wins WSOP Paradise $25,000 GGMillion

0
Winner Samuel Mullur

Before heading to the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas for the 2023 World Series of Poker Paradise, Samuel Mullur’s highest live tournament cash was a $20,000 prize for finishing 45th in the 2022 Mediterranean Poker Party main event. However, Mullur significantly surpassed this achievement by conquering a field of 533 entries in the $25,000 buy-in WSOP Paradise GGMillion$ High Rollers Championship. This triumph not only granted him his first bracelet but also awarded him a substantial $2,726,300 in prize money.

The event, which took place from December 5-8, far exceeded its $10,000,000 guarantee, ultimately distributing $13,325,000 among the top 80 finishers. Notably, renowned poker figures such as Daniel Negreanu, Aleksejs Ponakovs, Jason Koon, Erik Seidel, Daniel Dvoress, and Artur Martirosian made deep runs in the tournament.

Heading into the final day with eight players, Daniel Smiljkovic led the pack, while Mullur started as the short stack. Notably, Mullur’s journey to victory included a crucial double-up through Smiljkovic during six-handed action.

The event witnessed eliminations of notable players, including Matthew Stumpf, Adrian Mateos, Klemens Roiter, Arunas Sapitavicius, and 2020 WSOP main event champion Damian Salas. The heads-up battle between Mullur and Frank Brannan lasted over three hours, featuring dramatic swings. In the end, Mullur secured the win with a dominant chip lead, clinching victory with pocket kings against Brannan’s final push. Brannan finished as the runner-up, earning $1,684,500, marking his largest live tournament score to date with over $2.2 million in total recorded earnings.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:

Place Player Earnings POY Points PGT Points
1 Samuel Mullur $2,726,300 2,940 850
2 Frank Brannan $1,684,500 2,450 750
3 Daniel Smiljkovic $1,192,300 1,960 700
4 Damian Salas $856,800 1,470 514
5 Arunas Sapitavicius $625,400 1,225 375
6 Klemens Roiter $463,700 980 278
7 Adrian Mateos $349,400 735 210
8 Matthew Stumpf $267,500 490 161
9 Renat Bohdanov $208,300 245 125

Stories of Home Poker Games in New York

0

In the heart of New York City, home poker games reign supreme, existing within an exclusive realm where unpredictability is the norm, and preparation is key. Unlike the open accessibility of Las Vegas casinos, New York’s home poker games unfold clandestinely, from shady Brooklyn back-alleys to upscale Manhattan venues catering to affluent Wall Street bankers with excess funds.

The enigmatic atmosphere of these late-night gatherings harbors a diverse cast of characters, and tensions can escalate swiftly when emotions run high.

Safety Takes Center Stage

With substantial sums at stake and the constant risk of unwelcome figures materializing, ensuring the safety of the game is paramount. In a realm where cash is king, the allure of robbery from criminals or interference from law enforcement is ever-present.

A vigilant bouncer stands guard, meticulously frisking entrants for concealed weapons. Surrounding the poker table are imposing figures ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble, quelling any potential disruptions or violent outbursts.

Securing a suitable venue each night poses a significant challenge for organizers. The need to evade unwanted attention necessitates a perpetual state of movement. The chosen location must strike a delicate balance—safe yet appealing, attracting high rollers who crave an air of opulence and allure.

Collecting from the Risk-Takers

As dawn breaks and the final hands are played, the organizers face additional tasks beyond scouting the next location. Debt collection from compulsive gamblers, owing substantial sums, becomes a priority. Some players, undeterred by losses, persist in seeking credit, and organizers are willing to extend loans under favorable terms.

Unlike cinematic depictions of forceful debt recovery, real-life methods involve creative strategies, such as partial payments or seizing possessions to settle accounts. Sometimes, favors come into play—a debtor may be enlisted to recruit new players for the poker game, injecting fresh energy into the proceedings. Yet, the stakes are high, as rivals catching wind of these maneuvers could spell trouble.

Ultimately, debts must be settled, and in the clandestine world of home poker in New York City, organizers employ varied tactics to ensure that the house always gets its due.

How to Get In on the New York Poker Action?

To jump into the excitement, just text “SPBlog” to 347-471-1813 along with your full name, email, and occupation to secure your spot. First-time No Limit Hold’em players receive a 20% bonus, while the initial nine players in the Pot Limit Omaha game score a $40 bonus.

Social Poker is the ideal destination for those seeking poker thrills in New York City. With their outstanding service, top-tier amenities, and enticing game options, they guarantee a memorable gaming adventure. So, why wait? Join the poker excitement today!

Sergei Kislinskii Wins MSPT Venetian $1,600 Buy-In

0

The second installment of the Mid-States Poker Tour main events concluded this week at The Venetian Las Vegas. The 2023 MSPT Venetian tournament, featuring a $1,600 buy-in, attracted 238 players, exceeding the $300,000 guarantee and culminating in a final prize pool of $339,150. Following two starting flights and a concluding day of combined-field action, Sergei Kislinskii emerged as the victor, securing the title and the top prize of $73,019.

Expressing his satisfaction at the triumph, Kislinski shared with MSPT reporters, “It feels good to win something. I’m a cash player, I’ve been playing poker since 2007, and I’d play tournaments here and there but never won any, so this is nice.”

Before this victory, Kislinskii’s most significant tournament achievement had been a fourth-place finish in a $5,300 buy-in six-max event during this year’s WSOP Online festival, earning him $32,918. Despite not primarily focusing on tournament play, he now boasts a lifetime earnings total of over $138,000.

Kislinskii faced formidable competition in the latter stages of the event, contending with players such as bracelet winner Giuseppe Pantaleo (8th), 2019 WPT Venetian main event champion Ben Palmer (5th), 2022 WSOP Monster Stack third-place finisher Francis Anderson (4th), bracelet winner Nicholas Pupillo (3rd), and 2023 WSOP main event third-place finisher Adam Walton (2nd).

Pupillo achieved his 18th final-table finish of the year, securing two titles along the way. The 256 Card Player Player of the Year points earned in this latest deep run increased his total to 5,842, positioning him in 11th place in the 2023 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

Thanks to his runner-up finish, Walton ascended to 45th place in the rankings. With a total of six final tables and nearly $4.2 million in POY earnings, the majority stemming from his podium finish in this year’s World Championship, Walton continues to solidify his position in the poker scene.

Here is a look at the payouts and POY points awarded at the final table:

Place Player Earnings POY Points
1 Sergei Kislinskii $73,019 384
2 Adam Walton $52,010 320
3 Nicholas Pupillo $37,695 256
4 Francis Anderson $27,807 192
5 Benjamin Palmer $20,884 160
6 Jose Demeyere $15,975 128
7 Sergio Fernandez $12,450 96
8 Giuseppe Pantaleo $9,888 64
9 Chad Lipton $8,008 32

MOST POPULAR

HOT NEWS