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

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:

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.

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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:

Poker transcends mere skill and offers numerous advantages. Beyond honing strategic prowess, the game imparts valuable lessons in emotional resilience amidst dynamic scenarios, fostering courteous gameplay by averting confrontations, and promoting adept conflict resolution. Furthermore, it enhances the ability to read people, emphasizes fair play, hones money management skills, and sharpens analytical thinking. Mastery of these qualities is essential for those aspiring to be professional poker players, and their application extends beyond the poker table, proving beneficial in real-life situations. Discover unexplored benefits of poker in this blog.

Benefits of poker you didn’t know

Mastering the Basics: A Gateway to Enhanced Learning

When it comes to achieving victory in poker, individuals are driven to go the extra mile in studying and learning the game. Contrary to initial perceptions, the fundamentals of poker are not as elusive as they may seem. With proficiency, the game becomes more accessible, offering players a platform to engage their minds and develop the skills necessary for success.

Mathematical Mastery: Beyond Glamour to Core Skills

Beyond its glamorous exterior, poker is fundamentally a skill game that demands a solid understanding of mathematics. Successful poker players leverage mathematical abilities to navigate complex aspects such as implied odds, expected value, and pot odds. The strategic use of probability math, particularly in games like Texas Hold’Em, becomes paramount.

Financial Wisdom: The Art of Bankroll Management

Starting with poker necessitates a grasp of “play money” or a designated capital. Here, responsible bankroll management becomes a critical lesson. Players quickly learn that recklessness leads to financial losses, emphasizing the importance of disciplined financial strategies.

Discipline in Action: More Than Just Financial

Discipline in poker extends beyond monetary concerns. Players cultivate the ability to resist impulsive actions and maintain focus. Strategic decisions are based on calculated moves, fostering respectful interactions, emotional control, and maturity throughout the game.

Judgmental Skills: Reading Beyond the Cards

Central to poker success is the development of judgmental skills. Players learn to assess whether opponents are bluffing, honing their observational acuity. This constant exposure to the game cultivates analytical thinking, enabling individuals to read people and situations accurately.

Active Minds: Poker’s Cognitive Benefits

Poker’s regular practice keeps the brain active, enhancing focus, attention, and concentration. The game’s demand for observation skills contributes to overall cognitive development, including emotional control that proves valuable in various real-life scenarios.

Emotional Maturity: Navigating the Spectrum

Poker serves as a training ground for emotional maturity. In both live and online settings, where stakes are involved, players navigate a spectrum of emotions—from excitement to stress and anxiety. The game teaches individuals to manage and compartmentalize these emotions, fostering patience and stability extending beyond the poker table.

Poker’s Holistic Impact: Beyond Winning Hands

In essence, poker is not merely a game of chance; it is a skill-based endeavor that imparts a multitude of qualities. From patience and goal-setting to analytical thinking and emotional maturity, embracing the game translates to success not only in poker but also in the broader spectrum of life’s challenges.

Over an extended period, my poker pursuits have revolved around participating in an assortment of clandestine games within the New York City/New Jersey region. Despite my more frequent visits to Parx Casino (PA) and Borgata in Atlantic City nowadays, I still engage in a $5/5 No Limit underground game in the NYC area twice a week. However, I consistently keep abreast of the potential locations for the next best games in the area. Currently, this particular game boasts significant action, and my commitment to it remains unwavering.

Frequently, owing to the influence of the movie “Rounders” or sheer curiosity, I am queried about my experiences in these covert poker establishments. Today, I delve into the intricacies of underground poker, exploring the positive aspects, the drawbacks, and various nuances in between. Due to confidentiality concerns, specific details about the club locations cannot be disclosed.

Typically, when individuals are asked whether they prefer to hear good news or bad news first, the inclination is often towards hearing the bad news upfront. In that context, Underground Poker presents two major challenges:

1. Elevated Rake Fees: Carelessness or inattentiveness to the rake structure can result in fees as high as 10%, with no upper limit. Following considerable complaints, many clubs have implemented a cap ranging from $25 to $50 on the rake.
2. Occasional Game Dormancy: Regardless of the game’s strength, every poker session is susceptible to a dry spell. This may be due to various factors such as players recovering from substantial losses, being out of town, work commitments, and more. Unfortunately, if this particular game is your primary source of income, finding an alternative game becomes imperative during such lulls.

On a positive note, the action in these establishments is notably vigorous. To counterbalance the high rake, these clubs often provide engaging gameplay with opponents displaying weak skills. Occasionally, the house itself participates in games, generally leaning towards the novice end of the poker-playing spectrum. Their primary objective is to infuse the game with loose action, leading to frequent preflop straddles and re-straddles. This dynamic proves advantageous for all players, particularly the seasoned professionals.

The significance of location cannot be overstated. Many of these clubs thrive because players are unwilling to endure hours of travel to reach a casino, particularly those with day jobs requiring early morning commitments. This demographic, often comprising middle-aged players, finds the accessibility of underground venues appealing.

As an added perk, most of these establishments offer complimentary food and beverages, a welcome bonus considering the premiums players contribute to each pot.

These represent some of the pros and cons of the underground poker scene. However, as a disclaimer, it would be remiss not to address the potential risks of raids, police intervention, and robberies. While these incidents are rare, they do occur, constituting a risk assumed by players entering these facilities. It’s crucial to note that, under NY/NJ law, playing in these facilities is not illegal, but running the games is. Therefore, players face no legal repercussions for participating, but funds on the table may be seized if a raid occurs.

I am optimistic that this article will pave the way for additional writings on Underground Poker. Upcoming pieces will delve into hands played within these clubs, featuring games that, for lack of a better term, can be described as “Fantasy Hands.” These hands may be outlandish and not applicable elsewhere but promise to be enjoyable to read and analyze. Additionally, I will strive to incorporate entertaining underground stories to enrich the narrative.

With that said, see you at the poker table!

Joshua Reichard has now equaled Maurice Hawkins for the second spot on the World Series of Poker Circuit’s all-time titles leaderboard. The 32-year-old professional poker player from Janesville, Wisconsin, clinched his 15th WSOPC ring by emerging victorious in a $400 buy-in no-limit hold’em event on Saturday, November 18, at the WSOPC Grand Victoria Casino stop in Elgin, Illinois. With this achievement, he is only one win away from sharing the top spot with Ari Engel, who has won 16 rings.

When questioned about his competition at the upper echelons of the WSOPC rings race standings, Joshua Reichard expressed respect for his fellow players, stating, “All of these guys are great. They play a lot, winning at a high rate. The number is gonna be big. It would not surprise me if the number is 20 rings by the end of next year. And I don’t expect myself to be there, if I am that would be great, but it’ll be tough.”

Joshua Reichard earned his first ring in 2013 and continued to add at least one per year through 2019. After a hiatus in the early 2020s, he returned to the winner’s circle in 2022 by securing a main event title in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In the spring of the same year, he triumphed in the main event at a preceding series held at Grand Victoria Casino, pocketing $253,073 as the champion.

His recent victory for his second ring in 2023 saw him outlasting a field of 271 entries, resulting in a prize pool of $89,430 distributed among the top 41 finishers. The final showdown was between Reichard and Kathy Pink, with Reichard emerging as the champion, earning $19,786, while Pink secured $12,228 as the runner-up.

In addition to the monetary prize and the accolades, Joshua Reichard also earned 173 Card Player Player of the Year points for the win. This marked his third overall title and eighth final-table finish of the year. With a total of 3,527 points and over $804,000 in year-to-date POY earnings, Reichard has climbed to 56th place in the 2023 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

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

Bradley Ritschel dominated the final day of the 2023 World Series of Poker Harvey’s Lake Tahoe $1,700 buy-in no-limit hold’em main event, leading the pack among the last six contenders. In just over two hours, he translated this advantage into victory, eliminating every opponent on his way to claiming the WSOP Circuit gold ring and the coveted top prize of $115,740.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Bradley Ritschel exclaimed, “It’s incredible, a dream realized—I never envisioned being in first place.” Speaking to Poker.org live reporters covering the event, he expressed his excitement.

For the 25-year-old New Jersey resident, this marked his second-largest live tournament payday, surpassing his previous record of $141,000 earned as the third-place finisher in the 2021 Prime Poker Open at Prime Social Club in Houston.

Following this breakthrough win, Ritschel’s total live tournament earnings now exceed $465,000. He proudly secures his first WSOPC ring, adding to his list of achievements.

After claiming the first four knockouts of the day, Bradley Ritschel entered the heads-up play with a significant lead over James Chavanarojrit. Although Chavanarojrit narrowed the gap in the early stages, Ritschel maintained a commanding lead until the final hand unfolded.

In the critical hand, Ritschel raised with 4Club Suit3Heart Suit from the button and called a three-bet from Chavanarojrit, who held KSpade SuitKClub Suit in the big blind. The flop revealed JDiamond Suit5Diamond Suit2Spade Suit, prompting Chavanarojrit to lead out with his overpair. Ritschel, with an open-ended straight draw, called. The turn brought the JHeart Suit, pairing the board. Chavanarojrit checked, and Ritschel bet 1,000,000. Chavanarojrit called, and the river, 6Spade Suit, completed Ritschel’s straight. Chavanarojrit checked again, and Ritschel, confident in his hand, moved all in. After thoughtful consideration, Chavanarojrit made the call but found his overpair to be second best, securing Ritschel’s victory and leaving him with $71,000 for his runner-up position.

WSOPC Lake Tahoe Main Event Final Table Results