Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): From Worst To First, Wohlgemuth Triples Up

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 11 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 113
Flight 1A Players Remaining: 41

Julian Wohlegmuth (Boynton Beach, FL) checks the tournament clock, looking to see how his newfound stack relates
to the current blinds.

Julian Wohlgemuth (Boynton Beach, FL) is one of the "tournament regulars" that chose this opening flight to fire their shell, and after a little bit of luck, he's looking to find his way to the bagging process.  Wohlgemuth had open shoved from under-the-gun (for 13,800), and would watch as Frank Scala three-bet shoved (for 27,000), and then an unknown player behind four-bet shove (for over 65,000).  The blinds would release their hands, and once the three players tabled their holdings, Julian would be in third place (but still have good equity).

Julian held 10♣ 9♣, up against the A♦ K♦ of Scala, and the A♠ Q♥ of the third (and unknown) player.  Wohlgemuth then went from worst to first, after the 9♠ 6♣ 5♥ flop, leaving his opponents drawing to just over a handful of outs.  The 4♠ on the turn only strengthened Julian's lead, with the river 6♦ completing his triple-up.  His stack would go from 13,800 to 45,000, giving Julian a stack over (30) big blinds for the first time since the beginning stages of the flight.

Julian Wohlgemuth - 45,000
Frank Scala - 17,000 

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Scala's Fortunate Runout Not So Fortunate For Donald Gordon

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 10 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 113
Flight 1A Players Remaining: 47

Frank Scala (Boca Raton, FL) goes runner-runner to eliminated Donald Gordon, and is currently peaking for the day.

The field continues to shrink at a rapid pace, as many of the short stacked players are dropping, after picking unsuccessful spots.  Donald Gordon, who was featured earlier in the day, seemed to have found a great spot to double-up.  Gordon got his final 18,000 chips in holding A♦ 8♣ against Frank Scala's 9♥ 7♦, on a flop of 8♠ 7♣ 4♣.  The 10♠ on the turn would help give Scala some extra outs, as he stood from his chair, with the river yet to come.  Scala would complete the unlikely comeback on the river, as he made a straight with the J♠, and clenched his fist in celebration. 

Gordon would be eliminated from Flight 1A play, while Scala brings his stack closer to the 48,000 chip average.

Frank Scala - 43,500 (43bb)

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): First Look At Updated Chip Counts

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 9 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 113
Flight 1A Players Remaining: 54

Anderson Premdas (Jacksonville, FL) leads the field after break, with play spread across six tables at the moment.

Just over halfway through Level 9, there are now (54) players remaining in this Flight 1A field, which saw registration close with (113) total entries.  That equates to $15,255 towards the overall Event 1 prize pool, and sets a pace for this tournament to soar past the posted guarantee of $100,000.  The field sizes only grow as the week continues on, which means that we could be looking at a final prize pool in the $150,000 range.

Even though he just helped Daniel Genachte double up, Anderson Premedas (Jacksonville, FL) leads the field at the moment, sitting with just under 125,000.  James Newcomb continued to climb since his triple-up earlier in the day (115,000), with Bruce Schlichting (Rockford, IL) rounding out the trio of players over the century mark (105,000).

Anderson Premdas - 123,000
James Newcomb - 115,000
Bruce Schlichting - 105,000
Robert Tanner - 76,000
Stanton Drazen - 63,000
Thomas Gari - 63,000
Carlos Loving - 55,000

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): With Registration Window Closing, Stanton Drazen Leads Field At Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 104

Stanton Drazen (Delray Beach, FL) is the "self-proclaimed" oldest player in the Flight 1A field.

"You know I'm the oldest person in the field," Stanton Drazen said, just before his photograph was taken. "I'm 81 years old...but you wouldn't want to fight me, would ya," as Drazen stood up with his over six-foot frame.  While Stanton was just joking around, his stature (and handshake) would definitely intimidate most.  

While it's not been confirmed that Stanton is the oldest player in the field, he is the player with the largest stack, as the Flight 1A field heads to break (77,500).  Players have until the ten-minute break is over to jump into this opening flight of Event 1, which happens to be off to a very strong start.  Last year's opening flight saw registration close with just (69) entries, but ended up with a field over 1,100 entries.  If this start is a sign of things to come, we are in for a special tournament to start the 2017 Isle Open.

After players take their second ten-minute break of the day, they will return to Level 9, and new blinds of 400/800/100.  Once the cards are back in the air, we will bring you the official numbers from the flight, as well as our first look at updated chip counts from the field.

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Newcomb Turns The Nuts, And The Action Ensues

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/75)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 102

James Newcomb (Parkland, FL) triples up after turning a straight, and watching his two opponents stick
all of their chips in the middle.

Action was approached at Table 4, with three players looking down at a board of K♥ 9♦ 3♥ J♣.  Carlos Loving led the turn for 8,500, with James Newcomb (Parkland, FL) flatting the bet, and Frank Martin going in the tank.  After about a minute of thought, Martin collected his chips and dropped them across his cards, going all-in for 16,250.  

Carlos Loving had both players covered, and took little time before making the call, with James Newcomb almost beating both players into the pot (with a stack of 16,450).  James had turned the nut-straight with Q♥ 10♠, and would be up against the K♦ J♦ of Martin, and the A♦ K♠ of Loving.  The A♠ on the river would improve Loving to two-pair, but that just left him as the second place finisher in the hand.  Newcomb would collect the pot worth over 50,000, vaulting himself up the leaderboard.

James Newcomb - 51,500

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Opening Flight Crosses The Century Mark

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 6 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 102

Carlos Loving (Sarasota, FL) is another player from out of the area, who is sticking around for the
2017 Isle Open.

As Flight 1A reaches the century mark (in terms of entries), we are continuing to see players from out of the area join the action, including Carlos Loving (Sarasota, FL).  Loving is a resident of Florida's West Coast, but makes frequent trips to this area, most recently to Seminole Hard Rock (during the WSOP Circuit).  Carlos has over $557,000 in career tournament earnings, a majority of which has come over the last three years.  His resume started in 2004, but went the next eight years with some gaps in results.  It wasn't until 2014 that Loving's poker career really took off, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Heartland Poker Tour $1,500 Main Event (Daytona Beach), worth $79,225.  

Loving ended up recording over $224,000 in tournament results during that year, and while those numbers dipped to $43,000 in 2015, he bounced back last year with over $153,000 in total cashes.  Carlos joins a group of later arriving players, with just over an hour remaining in registration for this flight:

Jeffrey Trudeau
Paul Shafran
Daren Stabinski
Stanton Drazen
Elsie Rodrigues
Paula Holder
Alberto Niebla
Garrick Young

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): List Of Flight 1A Notables Growing Longer

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 92

Eric Rivkin (East Hempstead, NY) finds it wise to stick around the Florida area post-WSOP Circuit, entering 
the Flight 1A field just before break.

Coming off of the heels of the WSOP Circuit in town, it should come as no surprise that we are seeing some players from out of town in the field.  Eric Rivkin (East Hampton, NY) was down in Florida for the circuit, and decided to extend his trip, knowing that the 2017 Isle Open began this week.  Eric is a tournament grinder from the Northeast, who travels the country playing events, and has a pretty impressive resume to show for it.  With over $696,000 in career earnings, Rivkin is in the top 1,400 of the "all-time money list" (United States), and is coming off of his best statistical year of poker.  

Eric earned $195,201 in 2016, which happened to be the only six-figure year of earnings, spanning his eleven year career.  His year was highlighted by an "unofficial" WPT final table at Choctaw (in Durant, Oklahoma), where he finished in eight place, earning $82,533.  That still stands as Eric's largest tournament cash, on a resume that also boasts (62) final tables finishes (of 171 total recorded results).

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Donald Gordon Feeling Right At Home

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 4 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 85

Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) boasts a tournament resume with all but one result coming here at the Isle.

One pattern that we've seen since the blog was launched (a year ago this series), is that the opening flights of these "main events" during the series usually boast the highest numbers of "tournament regulars."  This afternoon's flight has been no different, as the field hosts numerous names and faces that we see on a regular basis (outside of tournament series).  

Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) is one of those tournament regulars in this flight, boasting a resume that is built around Isle Poker Room daily cashes.  Gordon has career earnings of $14,369, spread over (18) recorded results...seventeen of which came at the Isle.  Gordon's only non-Isle Poker tournament cash happened to be he first, which came in 2014, during the L.A. Poker Classic (Commerce Casino in California).  Donald went on to record a handful of Isle Poker cashes over the next two years that followed, but has really "broke out" this year.  He has eleven cashes year-to-date, making 2017 his most successful tournament year (in terms of results), with a combined $5,276 in earnings.

Gordon headlines the first group of notables in the field, which all happen to be tournament regulars at this poker room:

Seymour Field

Alan Saltzman

Zaki Lichaa

Thomas Gari

Julian Wohlgemuth

Linda Lipkins

Steven Lipkins

Frank Traino

Frank Scala

David Miller

James Hamburger

Players are taking their first break of the day at the end of this level, and will be returning to Level 5, with new blinds of 150/300/50.  There will be four more levels played before the second break, which signifies the close of registration for this opening flight.

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Genachte Falls Short Of Ring, But Earns Career Best Score

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 3 (Blinds 75/150/25)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 75

Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) sits down in the Flight 1A field, coming off a career best score of $31,229.

Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) is close to the top of the "who loves it more" list, when it comes to tournament poker.  He is a staple entrant in a majority of the daily tournaments that are run here at the Isle Poker Room, along with numerous surrounding properties.  Daniel recorded enough results at Seminole Coconut Creek during the month of September, to earn a top spot on their tournament leaderboard, which saw him receive entry into the WSOP Circuit Main Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood ($1,675 No Limit Hold'em).

Genachte then parlayed that free entry into a ride of a lifetime, reaching the tournament's final table, ad putting himself in position to earn life changing money.  While his run fell short of the primary goal, Daniel did earn his largest tournament cash to date, taking home $31,229 for his eighth place finish.  Genachte just took his seat in the Flight 1A field, and is looking to continue playing some of the best poker of his career.

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Follow @PokerIslePP For Even More #IsleOpen (And Poker Room) Coverage

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 2 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 55

The Isle Casino Pompano Beach is pleased to launch the Isle Casino Poker Room Twitter account @PokerIslePP, which will be a platform for followers to receive, share, and communicate information relevant to the Isle Poker Room community.  The handle will be tweeting out information concerning the news of upcoming events and announcements, as well as sharing the content we regularly post on the poker room's blog.  We also adopted the hashtag #IsleOpen for the 2017 Isle Open, and we are going to continue using "major series" hashtags as the new calendar year begins (and the 2018 installments of our tournament series take place).  Throughout the year, and outside of major tournament series, we've adopted #IslePoker as the go to hashtag.  We hope than many of our players (and those in the community) choose to follow @PokerIslePP, and we can build a vibrant following around the Isle Casino Poker Room.

Isle Open Event 1 (Flight 1A): Kicking Off The Year's Final Major Series, Event 1 Underway

2017 Isle Open | Event #1
$175 No Limit Hold'em | $100,000 GTD
Level 1 (Blinds 25/50)
Total Flight 1A Entries: N/A

Tournament Supervisor Adam Kemper just finished up with the rules announcement for the seated Flight 1A field, and the cards are now in the air for Event #1 of the 2017 Isle Open.  This opening event is a $175 buy-in no limit hold'em tournament, with a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool.  There are eight starting flights through Saturday evening, with an afternoon (11:00am) and evening (6:00pm) flight each day.  The structure stays the same for each flight, with players sitting down to 20,000 unit starting stacks, and levels that last (25) minutes over the course of the event.  Registration is open until the end of Level 8 (and the break that follows), with the flight's play concluding after Level 16 (or until 10% of the field remains, whichever comes first).  The chip leader from each flight will earn a seat into Event 15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD), which is one of the "main events" of the series.

This same event during last year's Isle Open was a $150 No Limit Hold'em event, which also boasted a $100,000 guarantee.  The tournament would end up with a total of 1,148 entries, which equated to a prize pool of $113,210.  Washington Gavilanes (Plantation, FL) bested Albert Efremoff (Hollywood, GL) to win the title, taking home $26,037 for first place, which still stands as his largest tournament cash to date.

"Live blogged coverage" will be offered for each afternoon flight, along with full coverage of Sunday's Day 2.  Remember to follow @PokerIslePP on Twitter each day throughout the series, as the poker room's social media platform continues to grow.

Wednesday, October 4th: 2017 Isle Open Begins, $100,000 GTD Kicks Off The Action

ICYMI: The Tuesday afternoon "Monster Stack" lived up to it's name, as (54) entries made up the $100 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event's field.  The prize pool grew to $4,158 before registration closed, which was spread across seven pay-spots, with first place scheduled to earn $1,539.  The scheduled payouts eventually got altered though, as discussions of a chop began while play was on the money bubble.  Those talks worked for everyone, as an eight-way deal was agreed to, with Michael Brinson (Boynton Beach, FL) declared the tournament's winner.

1. Michael Brinson (Boynton Beach, FL) $686
2. Steven Olek (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $599
3. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $598
4. William Scott (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL) $589
5. Robert Valentine (Jupiter, FL) $452
6. Arlene Vazquez (Parkland, FL) $433
7. Alfonso Perez (Coconut Creek, FL) $411
8. Joseph Mancuso (Deerfield Beach, FL) $390

The final "recurring tournament" of the month started a 6:00pm last night, as the cards got in the air for the $60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD).  The tournament's field would be comprised of (159) entries, and saw the prize pool close right on the guaranteed number ($8,000).  When the payouts were posted, players would learn that (20) spots were going to reach the money, but their focus was primarily on the $2,149 first place prize.  After the elimination of James Wolf (Plantation, FL) in seventh place, the remaining group agreed to a six-way deal, with Alvaro Grisales (Miami, FL) declared the tournament's winner.

1. Alvaro Grisales (Miami, FL) $1,127
2. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $1,103
3. Glen Canelstein (Coconut Creek, FL) $1,088
4. Carlos Apinaye (Pembroke Pines, FL) $828
5. Aaron Klausman (Wellington, FL) $721
6. David Goodman (Deerfield Beach, FL) $705

Tournaments: The 2017 Isle Open begins today, with a pair of flights for Event #1, a $175 No Limit Hold'em event that has a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool.  There are eight total flights over the next four days, with the players that have bagged chips returning for Day 2 on Sunday.  Each of the starting flights have the same structure, with entrants sitting down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and playing levels that last (25) minutes over the course of the event.  Registration for each flight is open through Level 8 (approx. 2:40pm), and is scheduled to conclude after Level 16 (approx. 6:10pm).  The chip lead bonus is back, as the player to bag the largest stack from each flight will earn a seat into Event #15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em | $150,000 GTD).

Promotions: When the doors open for the day, the first hour (9:00am-10:00am) will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

11:00am - 2017 Isle Open  Event #1 (Flight 1A): $175 No Limit Hold'em ($100,000 GTD) 

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Level will last (25) minutes throughout the event

- All Day 1's will play (16) complete levels or until 10% of the field remains (whichever comes first)

- The chip leader from each flight will earn a seat into Event 15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em)

6:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #1 (Flight 1B): $175 No Limit Hold'em ($100,000 GTD)

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Level will last (25) minutes throughout the event

- All Day 1's will play (16) complete levels or until 10% of the field remains (whichever comes first)

- The chip leader from each flight will earn a seat into Event 15 ($1,100 No Limit Hold'em)

"Week In Review:" Official Daily Tournament Results (October 2nd-October 3rd)

Monday, October 2nd

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Deepstack Turbo Bounty" ($2,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 18

Total Prize Pool: $2,000

1. Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) $543
2. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $539
3. Francois Gagne (Hillsboro Beach, FL) $468

$130 No Limit Hold'em ($25,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 186

Total Prize Pool: $25,000

1. Nicholas Persad (Coconut Creek, FL) $3,067
2. Kenneth Schockett (Arlington, VA) $2,865
3. Hector Caraballo (Hialeah, FL) $2,500
4. James Orleans (Boca Raton, FL) $2,069
5. Peter Bejusca (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $1,982
6. Amit Savani (Miami, FL) $1,842
7. Bernard Lubitz (West Palm Beach, FL) $1,643
8. Juan Garaza (Pompano Beach, FL) $1,620
9. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $1,616
10. Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) $548
11. Celso Leroy (Delray Beach, FL) $548
12. Antonio Campbell (Boynton Beach, FL) $548
13. James Newcomb (Parkland, FL) $463
14. Joshua Tabrue (Pembroke Pines, FL) $463
15. Guillermo Hamilton (Miami, FL) $463
16. Brad Rabinowitz (Coral Springs, FL) $384
17. Dominic Morosini (Delray Beach, FL) $384
18. Cameron Collins (Palm City, FL) $384
19. Cherie Thoman (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $306
20. Dean Arahovites (Margate, FL) $306
21. Dwayne Charles (North Lauderdale, FL) $306
22. Steve Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) $231
23. Phillip Tyson (West Palm Beach, FL) $231
24. Tom Millward (Boca Raton, FL) $231

Tuesday, October 3rd

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 54

Total Prize Pool: $4,158

1. Michael Brinson (Boynton Beach, FL) $686
2. Steven Olek (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $599
3. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $598
4. William Scott Jr. (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL) $589
5. Robert Valentine (Jupiter, FL) $452
6. Arlene Vazquez (Parkland, FL) $433
7. Alfonso Perez (Coconut Creek, FL) $411
8. Joseph Mancuso (Deerfield Beach, FL) $390

$60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 159

Total Prize Pool: $8,000

1. Alvaro Grisales (Miami, FL) $1,127
2. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $1,103
3. Glen Canelstein (Coconut Creek, FL) $1,088
4. Carlos Apinaye (Pembroke Pines, FL) $828
5. Aaron Klausman (Wellington, FL) $721
6. David Goodman (Deerfield Beach, FL) $705
7. James Wolf (Plantation, FL) $278
8. Robert Blanchette (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $250
9. Anreas Athanasopoulos (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $215
10. Ahmad Fleming (Miami, FL) $188
11. Arlene Vazquez (Parkland, FL) $188
12. Carl Rockoff (Tamarac, FL) $188
13. Joe Ricco (Boynton Beach, FL) $162
14. Michele Milker (Delray Beach, FL) $162
15. Christopher Post (Monmouth County, NJ) $162
16. Oleg Efremov (Pompano Beach, FL) $137
17. Robert Transue (North Lauderdale, FL) $137
18. Paul Smerdon (Oakland Park, FL) $137
19. Steven Raab (Davie, FL) $112
20. Al Florez (Miami, FL) $112

ICYMI: Follow @PokerIslePP On Twitter, As Poker Room Launches Handle Ahead Of 2017 Isle Open

The Isle Casino Pompano Beach is pleased to launch the Isle Casino Poker Room Twitter account (@PokerIslePP), which we hope will be a platform for followers to receive, share, a communicate information relevant to the Isle Poker Room community.  The handle will be tweeting out information concerning the news of upcoming events and announcements, as well as sharing the content we regularly post on the poker room's blog.  We also adopted the hashtag #IsleOpen for the 2017 Isle Open, and we are going to continue using "major series" hashtags as the new calendar year begins (and the 2018 installments of our tournament series take place).  Throughout the year, and outside of major tournament series, we've adopted #IslePoker as the go to hashtag.  We hope than many of our players (and those in the community) choose to follow @PokerIslePP, and we can build a vibrant following around the Isle Casino Poker Room.

Tuesday, October 3rd: Last Of The "Pre-Isle Open" Tournaments, $8,000 GTD Headlines Schedule

ICYMI: Monday's daily tournament action begins at 11:00am, with players taking their seats in the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($2,000 GTD).  The event attracted (18) total entries, and saw registration close with an official prize pool of $2,500 (bounties included).  Players would see three spots reaching the money, once the payouts were listed, with first place scheduled to take home $775.  Those posted payouts would be altered though, as players agreed to a three-way deal, with Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) declared the event's winner.

1. Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) $543
2. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $539
3. Francois Gagne (Hillsboro Beach, FL) $468

Last night's evening tournament saw the guarantee balloon to $25,000, as the $130 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event got the cards in the air at 6:00pm.  The field would be comprised of (186) total entries, as the prize pool closed right on the number ($25,000).  The listed payouts were eye-opening for players, with first place schedule to earn $6,331, and the first five spots all taking home at least $1,204.  A total of (24) players would reach the money, with action playing down to the final table.  After the elimination of Donald Gordon (the afternoon's "Monster Stack" winner) in tenth place, the remaining nine players agreed to a deal, with Nicholas Persad topping the payouts.

1. Nicholas Persad (Coconut Creek, FL) $3,067
2. Kenneth Shockett (Arlington, VA) $2,865
3. Hector Caraballo (Hialeah, FL) $2,500
4. James Orleans (Boca Raton, FL) $2,069
5. Peter Bejusca (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $1,982
6. Amit Savani (Miami, FL) $1,842
7. Bernard Lubitz (West Palm Beach, FL) $1,643
8. Juan Garaza (Pompano Beach, FL) $1,620
9. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $1,616

Tournaments: The final pair of "recurring" events (before the 2017 Isle Open begins) kick off at 11:00am, with the cards in the air for the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD).  The tournament is structured with 25,000 unit starting stacks, and levels of (20) minutes from start to finish.  This event is one of the most popular with the players, as it allows for deep play in the later stages of the tournament (especially at the final table).

The "Monster Stack" is followed at 6:00pm, by a $60 No Limit Hold'em event with an $8,000 guaranteed prize pool.  Players in the tournament begin with starting stacks of 14,000 units, and play (20) minute levels over the course of the event.  There is also an optional add-on at the end of registration, giving players the opportunity to grab another 10,000 units towards their stacks, for an additional $20 (100% of the add-on money goes towards the prize pool).

Promotions: When the doors open for the day, the first hour (9:00am-10:00am) will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD)

- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Level will last (20) minutes throughout the event

6:00pm - $60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 14,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Levels are (20) minutes in length

- Optional add-on at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 units, 100% goes towards the prize pool)

- All late registrants and re-entries will receive a full stack

"Week In Review:" Official Daily Tournament Results (September 25th-October 1st)

Monday, September 25th

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($2,000 GTD)
Total Entries: 36
Total Prize Pool: $2,867

1. Francois Gagne (Hillsboro Beach, FL) $655
2. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $508
3. Marianne Dewitt (Lauderdale Lakes, FL) $431
4. Ariel Rosanova (Buenos Aires, Argentina) $216
5. Carlos Handwerker (Pompano Beach, FL) $157

$130 No Limit Hold'em 

Total Entries: 34

Total Prize Pool: $3,298

1. Patrick Biancone (Delray Beach, FL) $1,019
2. Roberto Designs (Pompano Beach, FL) $938
3. Robert Kuznietz (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $714
4. Francisco Castil (Pembroke Pines, FL) $363
5. Dean Arahovites (Margate, FL) $264

Tuesday, September 26th

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000)

Total Entries: 54

Total Prize Pool: $4,158

1. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $744
2. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $744
3. Arlene Vazquez (Parkland, FL) $744
4. Paula Holder (Pompano Beach, FL) $744
5. Stanton Drazen (Boynton Beach, FL) $744
6. Lawrence Hawkins (Lake Worth, FL) $251
7. Morris Heider (Boca Raton, FL) $187

$60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 233

Total Prize Pool: $10,967

1. Henry Behr (Pompano Beach, FL) $1,143
2. Vincent Laino (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $1,133
3. Blaine McRae (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $893
4. Steven Olek (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $884
5. Lafaya Mitchell (Sacramento, CA) $874
6. Matthew Schlesinger (Las Vegas, NV) $786
7. Scott Di Benedetto (Boca Raton, FL) $771
8. Daniel Shortley ( Lake Worth, FL) $749
9. Vladimir Valderrama (Davie, FL) $599
10. Barry Price (North Palm Beach, FL) $474
11. Brian Goldberg (North Miami Beach, FL) $219
12. David Dohner (Hollywood, FL) $219
13. Andrea Kaiser (Hollywood, FL) $189
14. Mark Chichelli (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $189
15. Ahmad Fleming (Miami, FL) $189
16. Michael Gutterman (Delray Beach, FL) $159
17. Stefania Deluca (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $159
18. David Maddox (Boynton Beach, FL) $159
19. Paul Hosch (Boynton Beach, FL) $129
20. Nestor Caraballo (Miami, FL) $129
21. Daniel Restrepo (Boca Raton, FL) $129
22. Michael Corbett (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $101
23. Kenwrick Edmond (Boca Raton, FL) $101
24. Karen Duffy (Delray Beach, FL) $101
25. Jack Appel (Boca Raton, FL) $87
26. Bessie Colon (Hollywood, FL) $87
27. Alan Werner (Cooper City, FL) $87
28. Robert Lovett (Boynton Beach, FL) $76
29. Sam Costa (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) $76
30. Michele Milker (Delray Beach, FL) $76

Wednesday, September 27th

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 50

Total Prize Pool: $3,850

1. Joseph Mancuso (Deerfield Beach, FL) $867
2. Larry Ritchie (Coral Springs, FL) $839
3. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $828
4. Helen McBreaty (Kissimmee, FL) $623
5. Frank Traino (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $289
6. Yves Fequire (Miami, FL) $231
7. Don Pennington (Boca Raton, FL) $173

$75 No Limit Hold'em 

Total Entries: 54

Total Prize Pool: $2,808

1. Kevin Batt (Port St. Lucie, FL) $800
2. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $618
3. Eugene Alkes (Delray Beach, FL) $618
4. Wolfgang Lidner (Germany) $267
5. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $211
6. Patrick Biancone (Delray Beach, FL) $168
7. Chantal Lecours (Canada) $126

Thursday, September 28th

$130 Limit Omaha 8B Hi/Lo ($2,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 20

Total Prize Pool: $2,000

1. Dale Phillips (Naples, FL) $1,000
2. Ian Cohen (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL) $600
3. Stanley Oremland (Coral Springs, FL) $400

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty"

Total Entries: 53

Total Prize Pool: $4,241

1. Anthony Wilson (Sunrise, FL) $970
2. Jack Kay (Aurora, CO) $750
3. Daniel Shortley (Lake Worth, FL) $394
4. Larry Bass (Tamarac, FL) $277
5. Scott Hartman (Coral Springs, FL) $219
6. Al Gomez (Miami Beach, FL) $175
7. Arthur White (Harrisville, RI) $131

Friday, September 29th

$75 No Limit Hold'em

Total Entries: 70

Total Prize Pool: $4,280

1. Steven Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) $1,497
2. David Goodman (Deerfield Beach, FL) $856
3. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $524
4. Daniel Shortley (Lake Worth, FL) $375
5. Leroy Beckford (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $289
6. Susan Lichtenstein (Boynton Beach, FL) $225
7. Jose Arvelo (Pompano Beach, FL) $193
8. Henry Behr (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $171
9. Phillip Micalizzi (Pompano Beach, FL) $150

Saturday, September 30th

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($3,000 GTD)

Total Entries: 45

Total Prize Pool: $3,515

1. Sandra Meyer (Weston, FL) $800
2. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $682
3. Shamir Patel (Boca Raton, FL) $335
4. Jose Arvelo (Pompano Beach, FL) $239
5. Phillip Tuttle (Delray Beach, FL) $191
6. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $143

$120 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack"

Total Entries: 63

Total Prize Pool: $5,355

1. Donna Papa-Yacobellis (Lake Worth, FL) $1,322
2. Lev Binik (Boca Raton, FL) $1,227
3. Franklin Rojas (Plantation, FL) $1,220
4. Jared Carter (Pompano Beach, FL) $482
5. Ralph Spadafore (Boynton Beach, FL) $375
6. Roberto Desogos (Pompano Beach, FL) $295
7. Steven Corocos (Boynton Beach, FL) $241
8. Jeffrey Davidson (Brighton, MI) $193

Sunday, October 1st

$150 No Limit Hold'em 

Total Entries: 11

Total Prize Pool: $1,265

1. Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) $822
2. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $443

$130 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop" ($2,500 GTD)

Total Entries: 16

Total Prize Pool: $2,500

1. Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) $1,200
2. Alan Ellenby (Deerfield, IL) $700
3. Andrew Schwartz (Boca Raton, FL) $600

Monday, October 2nd: Tanner Gets The "Sunday Double," $25,000 GTD Headlines Daily Tournament Schedule

ICMYI: Sunday's tournaments ended up being about one name, as Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) topped both events.  Tanner's "double" began in the afternoon, as he bested a field of (11) entries, in the $150 No Limit Hold'em event.  The $1,265 prize pool would be spread over two pay spots, with Tanner taking home $822, and Zaki Lichaa walking away with $443.

1. Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) $822
2. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $443

That tournament was followed at 6:00pm, by the $130 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop" ($2,500 GTD).  The event saw registration close with (16) entries, and an official prize pool of $2,500.  Tanner wouldn't win his second tournament outright, but he would top a heads-up chop with Alan Ellenby.

1. Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) $1,200
2. Alan Ellenby (Deerfield, IL) $700
3. Andrew Schwartz (Boca Raton, FL) $600

Tournaments: With only two days until the 2017 Isle Open begins, there still are four "daily tournaments" to be played over the next (48) hours.  The first of two Monday events is the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($2,000 GTD), which begins at 11:00am.  The tournament's structure is made up of 18,000 starting stacks, (15) minute levels, and an optional add-on at the end of registration (after Level 8, with $25 getting players an extra 10,000 units).  There is also a $25 "bounty" earned for each player eliminated over the course of the tournament.

The "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" is followed at 6:00pm by the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($25,000 GTD), one of (if not) the most popular daily events on the schedule.  The tournament is structured with 16,000 starting stacks, and levels of (20) minutes throughout the evening.  The $25,000 guarantee is rarely in jeopardy during this particular event, with tonight expected to be no different.  

Promotions: When the doors open for the day, the first hour (9:00am-10:00am) will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($2,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 18,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 10 ($25 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (15) minutes in length

6:00pm - $130 No Limit Hold'em ($25,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 16,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will receive full stacks

- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout

Sunday, October 1st: As The Calendar Turns Over, A New Promotion Begins

ICYMI: The $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($3,000 GTD) kicked off the action yesterday, with a field that was comprised of (45) total entries.  Once the optional add-ons were included into the official prize pool, the number would close at $3,515 (bounties included).  The payouts would be posted with six spots reaching the money, and first place scheduled to take home $932.  Play would resume once the money-bubble would burst, with action continuing until heads-up play was reached.  At that point, Sandra Meyer (Weston, FL) and Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) would agreed to a heads-up chop, with Meyer crowned the tournament's winner.

1. Sandra Meyer (Weston, FL) $800
2. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $682
3. Shamir Patel (Boca Raton, FL) $335
4. Jose Arvelo (Pompano Beach, FL) $239
5. Phillip Tuttle (Delray Beach, FL) $191
6. Pedro Palacio (Delray Beach, FL) $143

Saturday night's $120 No Limit Hold'em tournament has been growing in popularity each week, with last night's installment seeing registration close with (63) total entries.  The $5,355 prize pool boasted a $1,926 first place prize, and would see (8) spots scheduled to get paid.  The event would also end in a deal, as Donna Papa-Yacobellis, Lev Binik, and Franklin Rojas each walked away with at least $1,220.

1. Donna Papa-Yacobellis (Lake Worth, FL) $1,322
2. Lev Binik (Boca Raton, FL) $1,227
3. Franklin Rojas (Plantation, FL) $1,220
4. Jared Carter (Pompano Beach, FL) $482
5. Ralph Spadafore (Boynton Beach, FL) $375
6. Roberto Desogos (Pompano Beach, FL) $295
7. Steven Cocoros (Boynton Beach, FL) $241
8. Jeffrey Davidson (Brighton, MI) $193

Tournaments: It may be a new month, but it's the same Sunday schedule when it comes to the "daily tournaments."  Things get started at 12:00pm, with $150 No Limit Hold'em tournament that attracts an average field of 25-35 entries.  Those numbers may seem surprising, considering that the tournament boasts one of the best structures for a daily.  Players sit down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, with levels of (25) minutes over the course of the event.  The extended level length allows for deep play throughout the afternoon, especially in the later stages.

Following that tournament (at 6:00pm) is the $130 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop," an event that carries with it a $2,500 guarantee.  This is another event that has become very popular with the players, as it assures that the tournament will conclude no later than 12:15-12:30am.  The player-friendly structure offers up starting stacks of 20,000 units, along with levels of (20) minutes.  After (16) levels are played, a hand-for-hand process will begin, with the tournament ended in an ICM chop after those hands are finished.  There are still standard payouts leading up to that point, and the tournament can be chopped even before the determined "hard stop" is reached.

Promotions: One of the new wrinkles in October, is the introduction of a high hand promotion that is in place each and every day.  Players can look forward to winning up to $400 every (30) minutes (with rollovers), from the hours of 9:00am-12:00am (midnight).  The all-day promotions sees tournament players eligible each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

12:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players will start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels are (25) minutes

6:00pm - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop"

- Players will start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels are (20) minutes

- At the end of Level 16, tables will be balanced and tournament will play (10) more hands, in hard-for-hand format.  Tables will be re-balanced after (5) hands.

- At the end of (10) hands, tournament play will end, and all remaining players will chop the prize pool using an ICM calculation.

Saturday, September 30th: "No Chop Friday," Wrapping Up The Month Of Poker

ICMYI: Friday night's $75 No Limit Hold'em tournament saw registration close with (70) entries, and after the optional add-ons were included into the numbers, the prize pool would end up at $4,280.  There were no chops to be reported, as the event played down to a winner, with Steven Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) besting David Goodman during heads-up play.

1. Steven Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) $1,497
2. David Goodman (Deerfield Beach, FL) $856
3. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $524
4. Daniel Shortly (Lake Worth, FL) $375
5. Leroy Beckford (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $289
6. Susan Lichtenstein (Boynton Beach, FL) $225
7. Jose Atvelo (Pompano Beach, FL) $193
8. Henry Behr (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $171
9. Philip Micalizzi (Pompano Beach, FL) 

Tournaments: Saturday's tournament action begins at 11:00am, with the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($3,000 GTD).  The structure stays the same as the installments that fall on other days of the week, with players sitting down to starting stacks of 18,000 units, and playing levels that last (15) minutes throughout the event.  There is also an optional add-on at the end of Level 10 (when registration closes), with players able to grab another 10,000 units towards their stacks for $25 (100% of the add-on money goes towards the prize pool).

Tournament players that are searching for good value and solid structure, need to look no further than tonight's event.  The $120 No Limit Hold'em event begins at 6:00pm, and boasts a very player-friendly structure.  The starting stack is 25,000 units, with levels that start at (20) minutes, and transition to (25) minutes (once registration closes).  This offers deep play in the later stages of the event, something many tournament regulars are looking for.

Promotions: The high hand promotions take another "breather" today, between yesterday's (11) hours worth of "turbo" high hands, tomorrow's (7) hours of $300 high hands (awarded every 15 minutes).  The "standard high hand" procedure is in place, awarded prizes to qualifying high hands every (30) minutes (with rollovers).

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($3,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 18,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 10 ($25 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (15) minutes in length

6:00pm - $120 No Limit Hold'em

- Players will begin with a 25,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will enter with full stacks

- Levels 1-8 are (20) minutes in length, transitioning to (25) minutes Levels 9+

Friday, September 29th: Friday Is About A Tournament And "Turbo High Hands"

ICYMI: Thursday's tournament action began with a little "mixed-game" flare, as the $130 Omaha/Stud 8B Hi/Lo ($2,000 GTD) began at 11:00am.  The field of (20) entries would reach the guaranteed prize pool on the number, with three players reaching the money.  After Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) was eliminated on the bubble, play would continue on, eventually crowning an outright winner.  Dale Phillips (Naples, FL) entered heads-up play with a slight deficit against Ian Cohen (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL), but used to critical hands to grab a commanding lead, eventually putting Cohen away for the tournament win.

1. Dale Phillips (Naples, FL) $1,000
2. Ian Cohen (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL) $600
3. Stanley Oremland (Coral Springs, FL) $400

The O.E. tournament was followed at 6:00pm, by the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Deepstack Turbo Bounty" ($3,000).  The field was comprised of (53) entries, and once the optional add-ons were added into the number, the official prize pool would close at $4,241 (bounties included).  A total of seven spots would get paid in the tournament, with action mirroring the afternoon event, with the exception of the conclusion.  Once heads-up play was reached between Anthony Wilson and Jack Kay, the two would agree to a deal that ended the event.

1. Anthony Wilson (Sunrise, FL) $970
2. Jack Kay (Aurora, CO) $750
3. Daniel Shortley (Lake Worth, FL) $394
4. Larry Bass (Tamarac, FL) $277
5. Scott Hartman (Coral Springs, FL) $219
6. Al Gomez (Miami Beach, FL) $175
7. Arthur White (Harrisville, RI) $131

Tournaments: There are only two days left in the month, with the calendar turning over to October, and the 2017 Isle Open right around the corner.  Today's event slate consists of one tournament, which gets underway at 6:00pm.  The $75 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event is structured generously, with starting stacks of 15,000 units, and (20) minute levels over the course of the evening.  There is also an optional add-on at the end of registration (after Level 8), which costs $20 for an extra 10,000 units (100% of the add-on goes into the prize pool).  

Promotions: From the moment the doors to the poker room open, the "bonus" high hands are in effect.  Things start with the "Turbo High Hands," with $100 awarded to the qualifying high hand every (10) minutes.  With less tables in the morning hours, we usually see rollovers on a consistent basis, some of which get as high as $600-$700.  The ten minute high hands run from 9:00am-12:00pm, and then transition to a different promotion.

Things are still "turbo-ish," with $250 high hands awarded every (20) minutes, from the hours of 12:00pm-4:00pm.  The promotion only gets richer after that, as one last transition sees $500 awarded every (20) minutes, from the hours of 4:00pm-12:00am.

6:00pm - $75 No Limit Hold'em

- Players will begin with a 15,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Alternates and late entries will receive full stacks

- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout

- Optional player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool