Thursday, August 10th: Ronald Arena Goes Back-To-Back, H.O.R.S.E. And $20,000 GTD On Tap

ICYMI: Tournament players know that cashing in an event on consecutive days is not the easiest thing, and making a final table in the same manner is a feat in itself.  Winning a tournament on back-to-back days...now thats something special.  Ronald Arena (Boynton Beach, FL) accomplished the repeat win after taking down yesterday's $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD), besting a field of (40) entries.  Both days, Arena would head a five-way chop, but he would earn over $100 more in yesterday's deal.  So after five years without a tournament win on his resume, what does he do once he finally gets the first place next to his name...he does it again (posted below are the full results from the event).

1. Ronald Arena (Boynton Beach, FL) $796
2. Marco Rodriguez (Miami Beach, FL) $640
3. Robert Tanner (Wellington, FL) $575
4. Nachum Lumelski (Pembroke Pines, FL) $538
5. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $531

Last night's tournament was a $60 No Limit Hold'em event, which got underway at 6:00pm.  The field was comprised of (109) entries, and after the optional add-ons were tallied, the official prize pool would close at $5,251.  The tournament would follow in the afternoon event's footsteps, also ending in a five-way chop.  Ferederique Nathaniel (Aruba) made sure that he started his Hendon Mob resume off strong, with a first place as his first ever recorded cash.  Nathaniel earned $886 for his share of the deal, just two dollars more than John Bilas, who was the tournament's "runner-up" finisher.

1. Ferederique Nathaniel (Aruba) $886
2. John Bilas (Wilton Manor, FL) $884
3. Michael Braverman (Boca Raton, FL) $860
4. Anthony Vulpis (Lauderdale By The Sea, FL) $659
5. Jeffrey Shepard (Westin, FL) $515
6. Linzell Borders (Tamarac, FL) $242
7. Alexandros Cantantinou (Boca Raton, FL) $205
8. John Sarappa (Lantana, FL) $179
9. Justin Walker (Sunrise, FL) $158
10. Steven Winslow (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $139

Tournaments: There are two events on the tournament schedule for Thursday, the first of which sees the return of the "mixed events."  After last week's successful O.E. (Omaha/Stud 8B) tournament, a $130 H.O.R.S.E. ($3,000 GTD) event is in the afternoon time slot.  The structure is great for the players, as things start off quickly (with 15 minute levels), but transition to (20) minute levels after registration closes.  Players start with 16,000 in chips, allowing for some surprisingly deep play in the later stages of the day.

The evening tournament is the $130 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event, which carries with it a $20,000 guaranteed prize pool.  The numbers are always great when this tournament is slotted in the evening time slot, with tonight's installment expecting to bring big numbers.  Players start with 16,000 units, and play (20) minute levels over the course of the night.

Promotions: The Full House Early Bird promotion is in it's regularly scheduled spot this morning, but it's no longer just for limit hold'em players.  Every table in the poker room (excluding time raked games) is eligible for the promotion, which pays out the first (50) full houses (payout depends on which stakes are being played).  Similar to what is run on Friday's, there will also be $300 awarded to qualifying high hands every (15) minutes (from 12:00pm-4:00pm).

11:00am - $130 H.O.R.S.E ($2,000 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 1-8 are (15) minutes in length, with Levels 9+ lasting (20) minutes

6:00pm - $130 No Limit Hold'em ($20,000 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

Wednesday, August 9th: Tuesday's Tournament Chops, And "Spin To Win's" Return

ICYMI: Tuesday's tournament action got underway at 11:00am, as the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD) filled the afternoon time slot.  The $3,000 prize pool was comprised of (37) entries, with many of the daytime "regulars" in attendance.  Once the official payouts would be posted, players would see a min-cash worth $240, and a first place prize of $1,230.  After the money bubble burst, the remaining players began discussing a deal, which was agreed to shortly thereafter.  Ronald Arena (Boynton Beach, FL) would be declared the tournament winner, seeing a return of $692 for his efforts.

1. Ronald Arena (Boynton Beach, FL) $692
2. Stacy Thomas (Jupiter, FL) $662
3. Sara Azmi (Lauderhill, FL) $650
4. Michael Brinson (Boynton Beach, FL) $551
5. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $445

There was a $75 No Limit Hold'em tournament in the 6:00pm time slot, which attracted a total of (62) entries.  The $3,224 prize pool was an impressive one, considering there was no guarantee posted, which clearly didn't deter players.  The $1,161 first place prize (scheduled) was a great return on a $75 buy-in, but that number would be altered after a six-way deal was agreed to.

1. Carlos Rincon (Sunrise, FL) $701
2. Frédérique Levons (Aruba) $663
3. Domenico Barilla (Deerfield Beach, FL) $439
4. Zachary Galati (Delray Beach, FL) $425
5. Barry Price (N. Palm Beach, FL) $372
6. Antonio De Araujo (Pompano Beach, FL) $363
7. James Powers (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $145
8. Marc Cohen (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $116

Tournaments: The "Monster Stack" kicks off the tournament action this afternoon, as the $100 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 GTD) event begins at 11:00am.  Having now found a consistent on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, the tournament has become a player-favorite.  Starting stacks of 25,000 units, and levels of 25 minutes, allow for some deep players (during all stages of the event).  

At 6:00pm, players have the opportunity to turn a minor buy-in into some major money, as the $60 No Limit Hold'em event returns to the evening time slot.  The tournament is structured with 14,000 unit starting stacks, and (20) minute levels throughout the night.

Promotions: The high hand promotions are in full swing from the moment the doors open this morning, with the "Turbo High Hands" ($100 awarded every 10 minutes from 9:00am-12:00pm, with rollovers) distributing money at a rapid pace.  The transition at 12:00pm begins the "Spin To Win" promotion, which has awarded hundreds of thousands since it's inception.  It's the high hand promotion that makes all others jealous, and affords those that have a qualifying high hand (awarded every 30 minutes), an opportunity to spin the ever-popular "Money Wheel."  The total amount awarded...along with hourly breakdown, will be published tomorrow afternoon, here on the blog.

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

- 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

Tuesday, August 8th: Big Payouts In The $25k, Lavigne Makes A Grand Introduction

ICYMI: Monday's tournament action began with the $120 No Limit Hold'em "Survivor," an event in which three players were guaranteed to walk away with $400 payouts.  The "intimate" field of (13) entries was more than enough to meet the guarantee, with a fourth spot paying out the difference.  

1. Osvaldo Legrand (Sita, Puerto Rico) $400
2. Eric Batarre (Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico) $400
3. Angel Clemente (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) $400
4. Gregory Noss (Miami, FL) $61

The highlighting event came in the evening though, as the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($25,000 GTD) attracted a field of (322) entries.  The prize pool cruised past the posted guarantee, and officially closed at $31,234.  A min-cash in the event would see a return of $162, but it was the first place prize that everyone had their eye on, as the tournament's winner was scheduled to receive $6,757.  A large group of Isle tournament poker notables notched cashes for their resumes, including names like Adam Koppel (38th Place - $162), Garrick Young (24th Place - $270), Irwin Block (21st Place - $331), Anna Dikker (18th Place - $403), and Lisa Teebagy (12th Place - $568).  After the final table was reached, action would continue on, with a four-way deal agreed to after Steve Zukowski's elimination in fifth place.  Deborah Lavigne (Fairhope, AL) would head the chop, earning $4,519 for first place.  Lavigne may be an unfamiliar name to followers of the blog, but for those in the "poker know," she's no stranger.  Deborah came into the day with over $88,000 in live tournament earnings, and is just coming off a cash in the opening event of the SHRPO (255th Place - $1,095).

1. Deborah Lavigne (Fairhope, AL) $4,519
2. Michael Corbett (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $4,434
3. Emannuel Ibarry (Orlando, FL) $3,788
4. James Orphanos (Boca Raton, FL) $3,728
5. Steve Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) $1,496
6. Ali Jules (Tamarac, FL) $1,238
7. David Coughlin (Lighthouse Point, FL) $1,040
8. Sabas Ferrer (Coral Springs, FL) $854
9. Brian Nelli (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) $675
10. Brittney Lot (Jacksonville, FL) $568

Tournaments: There are two tournaments on the schedule for Tuesday, the first of which begins at 11:00am.  The $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD) has been one of the more popular "daily" events for a while now, continually eclipsing the guarantee.  Players love the structure, which allows for some super deep play (25,000 unit starting stacks, and (20) minute levels).  That tournament is followed at 6:00pm, by a $75 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event, which starts players with 15,000 units (and plays 25 minute levels throughout).

Promotions: The Full House Early Bird promotion is in it's regularly scheduled spot this morning, but there is one "not so small" addition to the schedule..."Turbo High Hands."  Similar to what is run on Friday's, there will be $300 awarded to qualifying high hands every (15) minutes (from 12:00pm-4:00pm).

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 - $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 (25) minutes in length throughout

"Week In Review:" Official Daily Tournament Results (August 1st-6th)

Tuesday, August 1st

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

Total Entries: 41

Total Prize Pool: $3,157

1. Stacy Thomas (Jupiter, FL) $536
2. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $471
3. Joseph Mancuso (Deerfield Beach, FL) $467
4. Todd Kasten (Boynton Beach, FL) $375
5. Paula Holder (Pompano Beach, FL) $370
6. Andrew Thompson (Bloomfield Hills, MI) $258
7. Angelo Castaldi (Plantation, FL) $246
8. Jose Aldorino (Miami, FL) $228
9. Eitan Aloush (Hollywood, FL) $206

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

Total Entries: 152

Total Prize Pool: $8,000

1. James Orphanos (Boca Raton, FL) $1,215
2. Curtis Day (Oakland Park, FL) $1,214
3. Paul Kern (Pompano Beach, FL) $964
4. Paul Prager (Davie, FL) $964
5. Antonio Colon (Princeton, NJ) $964
6. Frank Annunziato (Hollywood, FL) $320
7. Frederick Attias (Boca Raton, FL) $280
8. Gennaro Decandia (Boca Raton, FL) $250
9. Walter West (Lantana, FL) $221
10. Sabas Ferrer (Coral Springs, FL) $192
11. Ryan Swain (Parkland, FL) $192
12. Larry Bass (Tamarac, FL) $192
13. Stephen Bromfield (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $164
14. Olaf Gornisiewicz (Pompano Beach, FL) $164
15. Timothy Franks (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $164
16. Trevan Hansen (Palm Springs, CA) $140
17. Rahamim Ezra (Hallendale, FL) $140
18. Brian Baris (Tamarac, FL) $140
19. Austin Feuchter (Coral Springs, FL) $120

Wednesday, August 2nd

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

Total Entries: 47

Total Prize Pool: $3,619

1. Etan Aloush (Hollywood, FL) $929
2. Andrew Thompson (Bloomfield Hills, MI) $783
3. Scott Johnston (Plantation, FL) $742
4. Gregory Andersson (Berwyn, PA) $658
5. Robert Cavataio (Delray Beach, FL) $290
6. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $217

$40 No Limit Hold'em 

Total Entries: 131

Total Prize Pool: $4,297

1. Ronald Lindquist (West Palm Beach, FL) $1,182
2. Scott Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) $800
3. Marcus Petteway (Pompano Beach, FL) $455
4. Daniel Shortley (Lake Worth, FL) $279
5. John Young (Deerfield Beach, FL) $213
6. Christian Larsen (Canada) $180
7. Scott Sommer (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) $157
8. Lawrence Kornhaber (Deerfield Beach, FL) $138
9. Rick Kalgstein (Sunrise, FL) $121
10. Marcos Cedeno (Lake Worth, FL) $107
11. Jill Narus (Pompano Beach, FL) $107
12. Eric Jordan (Pompano Beach, FL) $107
13. Jack Appel (Boca Raton, FL) $95
14. Corey Goldfarb (Parkland, FL) $95
15. Steve Hoskins (Buffalo, NY) $95
16. Leonardo Gentile (Canada) $83
17. Dominic Catapano (Cooper City, FL) $83

Thursday, August 3rd

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

Total Entries: 33

Total Prize Pool: $3,300

1. Mark Belzer (Delray Beach, FL) $1,055
2. Benjamin Scotkin (Pompano Beach, FL) $741
3. Matthew Axelrod (Boca Raton, FL) $571
4. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $530
5. Jonathan Perez (Plantation, FL) $403

$120 No Limit Hold'em "Survivor"

Total Entries: 21

Total Prize Pool: $2,037

1. Denise Westerfield (Coconut Creek, FL) $408
2. Jeffery Oldakowski (Boca Raton, FL) $408
3. Robert Weissman (Boca Raton, FL) $407
4. Barry Cohen (Boca Raton, FL) $407
5. Dean Arahovites (Margate, FL) $407

Friday, August 4th

$75 No Limit Hold'em

Total Entries: 79

Total Prize Pool: $4,868

1. Arthur Ramasi III (Boynton Beach, FL) $877
2. Paul Ravinoff (Coconut Creek, FL) $578
3. Brian Baris (Tamarac, FL) $576
4. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $537
5. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $485
6. Igor Lulov (Greentown, PA) $391
7. Cong Dang (West Palm Beach, FL) $384
8. Bence Finta (Ontario, Canada) $370
9. Osvaldo Concepcion (Puerto Rico) $364
10. Seymour Weiner (Boca Raton, FL) $306

Saturday, August 5th

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

Total Entries: 51

Total Prize Pool: $4,247

1. Stanton Drazen (Boynton Beach, FL) $473
2. Linzell Borders (Tamarac, FL) $473
3. Danny Blackburn (Deerfield Beach, FL) $473
4. Greg Wells (Delray Beach, FL) $473
5. Miguel Munoz (Miami, FL) $473
6. Douglas Prawley (Boynton Beach, FL) $473
7. Paul Berenson (Delray Beach, FL) $134

$120 No Limit Hold'em

Total Entries: 85

Total Prize Pool: $7,225

1. Anna Dikker (Hallandale, FL) $1,249
2. Erin Coley (Lake Worth, FL) $1,165
3. James Smith (East Palatka, FL) $1,010
4. Olivier Coulombier (Charleston, SC) $877
5. Scott Di Benedetto (Boca Raton, FL) $757
6. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $665
7. Steven Cocoros (Boynton Beach, FL) $597
8. Anthony Casas (Miami, FL) $253
9. Hosney Boutros (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $233
10. Tom Gity (Pompano Beach, FL) $217
11. Robert Arahovites (Margate, FL) $202

Sunday, August 6th

$150 No Limit Hold'em

Total Entries: 19

Total Prize Pool: $2,185

1. Steven Zukowksi (Coral Springs, FL) $900
2. Steven Cardanelli (Boynton Beach, FL) $643
3. Reginald Bautista (Orlando, FL) $642

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop"

Total Entries: 43

Total Prize Pool: $3,311

1. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $729
2. Fred Alesi (Delray Beach, FL) $658
3. Seymour Weiner (Boca Raton, FL) $464
4. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $460
5. Raul Hernandez (West Palm Beach, FL) $375
6. Greg Noss (Miami, FL) $325
7. Michael Mundy (Boca Raton, FL) $300

Monday, August 7th: "Survivor" Enters Afternoon Slot, $25,000 GTD In The Evening

ICYMI: Sunday's tournament action got underway at 11:00am, with the cards in the air for the $150 No Limit Hold'em "daily."  The intimate field was comprised of (19) entries, with a $2,185 prize pool spread across three payout spots.  First place was scheduled to earn $1,092, but once the money bubble burst, the final three players agreed to a deal (altering the post payouts).  Steve Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) would be the tournament's "winner," taking home $900 for his efforts.  The win is nowhere near the largest cash on Zukowski's resume (which boasts earnings over $38,000), but it is his special in the fact that it's his third win listed on Hendon Mob.

1. Steve Zukowski (Coral Springs, FL) $900
2. Steven Cardanelli (Boynton Beach, FL) $643
3. Reginald Bautista (Orlando, FL) $642

The evening tournament was the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Hard Stop, ICM Chop," and event that's becoming very popular with the players.  The tournament (which begins at 6:00pm), has a "hard stop" time, at which point those remaining do an ICM chop.  The idea of playing in a tournament, and knowing that it won't keep anyone there late into the night, is clearly appealing to the Sunday evening players.  A total of (43) entries made up the field last night, which equated to a prize pool of $3,311.  A total of six spots were scheduled to get paid, but once the field reached the money bubble, a deal was agreed to, so nobody had to walk away empty handed.  FSPC Event #7 winner Diane Linke (Delray Beach, FL) earned first place money, and continues what's been a great six weeks of tournament poker.

1. Diane Linke (Delray Beach, FL) $729
2. Fred Alesi (Delray Beach, FL) $658
3. Seymour Weiner (Boca Raton, FL) $464
4. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $460
5. Raul Hernandez (West Palm Beach, FL) $375
6. Greg Noss (Miami, FL) $325
7. Michael Mundy (Boca Raton, FL) $300

Tournaments: While the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($25,000 GTD) event highlights Monday's tournament schedule, there is a new addition that players should be aware of.  Every Monday in August is a $120 No Limit Hold'em "Survivor," in which approximately 1 in 4 players will earn $400.  The tournament guarantees that there will be (3) $400 winners, but a larger field can see more players walk away with the score.  The tournament structure has players sitting down to starting stacks of 12,000 units, and playing levels of (20) minutes throughout.

Promotions: Outside of the "standard high hand" promotion, there will be "Turbo High Hands" from 9:00am-12:00pm.  During that window of time, $100 will be awarded to the qualifying high hand every (10) minutes (rollovers apply).

11:00am - $120 No Limit Hold'em Survivor (3) $400 Winners GTD (~1 in 4 win $400)

- Players will begin with a 12,000 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

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, August 6th: "Easy Like A Sunday Morning," Finishing Off The Weekend With "Turbo High Hands"

ICYMI: Saturday's tournament action began with the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" ($3,000 GTD).  After registration closed, the official field would be made up of (51) entries, equating to a prize pool $2,972 ($1,275 bounty pool).  The tournament ended in a seven-way chop, with the top six spots all earning $473, and seventh place walking away with $134.  Stanton Drazen (Boynton Beach, FL) was declared the tournament's "winner," which means that his Hendon Mob will reflect that first place (the only "top billing" on said resume).

1. Stanton Drazen (Boynton Beach, FL) $473
2. Linzell Borders (Tamarac, FL) $473
3. Danny Blackburn (Deerfield Beach, FL) $473
4. Greg Wells (Delray Beach, FL) $473
5. Miguel Munoz (Miami, FL) $473
6. Douglas Prawley (Boynton Beach, FL) $473
7. Paul Berenson (Delray Beach, FL) $134

Last night's tournament was a $120 No Limit Hold'em event, which offered one of the better "daily" structures players will find (25,000 unit starting stacks, and 20/25 minute levels).  There would be (85) entries once registration closed, with a prize pool of $7,225.  A min-cash in the event was worth $202, with first place scheduled to win $2,330.  Anna Dikker (Hallandale, FL) would be the event's winner, but would take a little less than what was posted, after a seven-way deal was agreed to (results listed below).

1. Anna Dikker (Hallandale, FL) $1,249
2. Erin Coley (Lake Worth, FL) $1,165
3. James Smith (East Palatka, FL) $1,010
4. Olivier Coulombier (Charleston, SC) $877
5. Scott Di Benedetto (Boca Raton, FL) $757
6. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $665
7. Steven Cocoros (Boynton Beach, FL) $597
8. Anthony Casas (Miami, FL) $253
9. Hosney Boutros (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $233
10. Tom Gity (Pompano Beach, FL) $217

Tournaments: There is only one tournament on the daily schedule, a $150 No Limit Hold'em event that begins at 12:00pm.  Players in the event sit down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and will be playing (25) minutes throughout.

Promotions: For a number of months, Sunday's high hand promotion has been of the "turbo" format, with $300 awarded every (15) minutes from 2:00pm-9:00pm (rollovers apply).  While that promotion is still in place this afternoon, there will be an extra six hours of "turbo" high hands, with $100 awarded every (10) minutes, from 8:00am-2:00pm (rollovers apply).  However you break it down, it's $600 worth of high hands up for grabs over the span of (13) hours.  Both tournaments are high hand eligible, adding even more appeal to the events.

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 16,000 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, August 5th: It's All About The High Hands This Saturday

ICYMI: (Tournament results from Friday, August 4th to be posted shortly)

Tournaments: There are two tournaments on the calendar today, the first of which begins at 11:00am ($100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo Bounty" $3,000 GTD).  Players in the event will be sitting down to starting stacks of 18,000 units, and playing levels of (15) minutes throughout.  This "staple" weekend event has been in this day/time slot for a long while, and continues to be a favorite of the players.

The evening tournament, which gets underway at 6:00pm, is a $120 No Limit Hold'em event.  The tournament is structured with 25,000 unit starting stacks, and levels that are 20/25 minutes in length.  The levels start at (20) minutes while registration is open, and once things close (after Level 8), they transition to (25) minutes in length.

Promotions: The first weekend of the month of August hosts one of the best promotions players will see on the calendar.  From 1:00pm-10:00pm, three different high hands will be awarded each hour:

$500 on the :20

$750 on the :40

$1,000 top of the hour (:00)

The first high hand in this promotion is awarded at 1:20pm.

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, August 4th: "Mixed Game" Tournament A Success, High Hands Headline Fridays Schedule

ICYMI: There were two tournament on the schedule yesterday, both of which were making an appearance for the first time (on the daily schedule).  The action began at 11:00am with the $130 Omaha/Stud 8B Hi/Lo ($2,000 GTD) event, a tournament that players have been asking about for a while.  Being that the 6/12 O.E. game is one of the most popular and long standing cash games in the room, it came as no surprise that the guarantee was reached in Level 2.  A total of (33) entries made up the field, with five spots scheduled to get paid.  Once play reached the money (and two bubble spots were awarded cash in an agreement), the final five agreed to a deal, with Mark Belzer earning first place money ($1,055):

1. Mark Belzer (Delray Beach, FL) $1,055
2. Benjamin Scotkin (Pompano Beach, FL) $741
3. A. Nonymous (Boca Raton, FL) $571
4. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $530
5. Jonathan Perez (Plantation, FL) $403

The evening tournament saw the introduction of a "survivor" event to the recurring schedule, where approximately (1 in 5) players were going to win a $500 cash prize (3 winners guaranteed).  When the tournament concluded, there would be five "winners," each walking away with over $407 (with results listed below):

1. Denise Westerfield (Coconut Creek, FL) $408
2. Jeffery Oldakowski (Boca Raton, FL) $408
3. Robert Weissman (Boca Raton, FL) $407
4. Barry Cohen (Boca Raton, FL) $407
5. Dean Arahovites (Margate, FL) $407

Tournaments: There is one tournament on the schedule today, an evening event that begins at 6:00pm ($75 No Limit Hold'em).  The tournament's structure offers players a starting stack of 15,000 units, and levels of (20) minutes throughout the event.  

Promotions: The weekend kicks off with a day that's full of bonus high hands, starting the moment the doors open.  From 9:00am-12:00pm, $100 will be awarded every (10) minutes to qualifying high hands, with rollovers.  This promotion is very exciting, as we've seen rollovers that are worth between $500-$1,000 on a consistent basis.  

That period is followed by some "richer" high hands, with $250 awarded every (20) minutes from 12:00pm-4:00pm, and $500 awarded every (20) minutes from 4:00pm-12:00am.  Rollovers apply with this promotion as well, but with so many tables in play, it's not something that happens as often.

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

Thursday, August 3rd: "Mixing It Up," Introducing A New Tournament On The Recurring Schedule

ICYMI: The first tournament on yesterday's schedule was the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD), which got underway at 11:00am.  The tournament surpassed the guarantee once again, attracted a total of (47) entries, for an official prize pool of $3,619.  Etan Aloush (Hollywood, FL) was awarded the win after a six-way chop, recording a cash for the first time since 2013, which also happens to be his largest lifetime score ($929).  Listed below are the full results from the tournament:

1. Etan Aloush (Hollywood, FL) $929
2. Andrew Thompson (Bloomfield Hills, MI) $783
3. Scott Johnston (Plantation, FL) $742
4. Gregory Anderson (Berwyn, PA) $658
5. Robert Cavataio (Delray Beach, FL) $290
6. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $217

The evening event (6:00pm) was a $40 No Limit Hold'em tournament without a guarantee, but that didn't stop the (131) entries from making up the field.  The official prize pool closed at $4,297, with the event offering a first place prize of $1,214.  A total of (17) spots were scheduled to get paid in the event, with the action playing down to heads-up.  Once Ronald Lindquist and Scott Bailey were up against each other, they agreed to a deal, with Lindquist being awarded the win.  The cash was Lindquist's fourth of the year, and also happened to be the largest of his career ($1,182).  Listed below are the results from last night's final table:

1. Ronald Lindquist (West Palm Beach, FL) $1,182
2. Scott Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) $800
3. Marcus Petteway (Pompano Beach, FL) $455
4. Daniel Shortley (Lake Worth, FL) $279
5. John Young (Deerfield Beach, FL) $213
6. Christian Larsen (Canada) $180
7. Scott Sommer (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) $157
8. Lawrence Kombaher (Deerfield Beach, FL) $138
9. Rick Kalgstein (Sunrise, FL) $121
10. Marcos Cedeno (Lake Worth, FL) $107

Tournaments: This afternoon (11:00am) sees the introduction of a new "set" of tournaments to the schedule, as Thursday afternoons (not during multi-day event) will become "Mixed Thursdays."  Players will find different non-no limit hold'em variations on the schedule, the first of which is a $130 O.E. 8B ($2,000 GTD) event.  The O.E. stands for Omaha 8B (Hi/Lo) and Stud 8B (Hi/Lo), which happens to be one of the most popular lower limit cash games in the room (6/12).  The tournament has a great structure, which will see the event finish up no later than 4:30-5:00pm.  Players sit down to starting stack of 16,000 units, and playing levels of 15/20 minutes.  Levels 1-8 will be 15 minutes, and will transition to 20 minutes Levels 9+.

The evening tournament is also a new event to the schedule, as a "survivor" tournament joins the fray.  The tournament, which is a $120 buy-in, offers up a $500 package for every five players in the event. The event is structured with starting stacks of 14,000 units, and levels of (20) minutes throughout the event.  It's a great way to pocket $500, and there are a lot of things a poker player can do with that kind of cash.

Promotions: Today's "special" promotion (outside of the standard high hands), is the Limit Hold'em Early Bird, in which the first (50) full houses (in a limit hold'em game) are paid the minimum buy-in for the designated game.  Those players in the 2/2 LHE game will receive $20 for each "winning" full house (or better), while those in 2/4 LHE will receive $40.  That is followed by $300 high hands every (15) minutes, from 12:0pm-4:00pm.

11:00am - $120 Omaha 8B/Stud 8B Hi/Lo ($2,000 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 1-8 are (15) minutes in length, with Levels 9+ lasting (20) minutes

6:00pm - $120 No Limit Hold'em Survivor (3) $500 Winners GTD (1 in 5 win $500)

- Players will begin with a 14,000 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

Wednesday, August 2nd: Thomas And Orphans Head Final Table Chops, "Spin To Win" Headlines

ICMYI: After more than three weeks of Florida State Poker Championships event, the poker room went back to the recurring schedule yesterday.  The first post-FSPC tournament was the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD), and after registration closes in the event, there would be (41) entries.  The official prize pool closed at $3,157, and boasted a first place prize of $536.  The payouts were scheduled to see six spots getting paid, but after one elimination at the final table, a nine-way chop was agreed to:

1. Stacy Thomas (Jupiter, FL) $536
2. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $471
3. Joseph Mancuso (Deerfield Beach, FL) $467
4. Todd Kasten (Boynton Beach, FL) $375
5. Paula Holder (Pompano Beach, FL) $370
6. Andrew Thompson (Bloomfield Hills, MI) $258
7. Angelo Castaldi (Plantation, FL) $246
8. Jose Aldorino (Miami, FL) $228
9. Eitan Aloush (Hollywood, FL) $206

Tuesday night's tournament was the $60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD) event, which attracted a field of (152) entries.  The $8,000 prize pool was spread across (19) payout spots, with a min-cash worth $120, and $2,209 up top.  While not as large as the afternoon event, the tournament did end in a chop, with James Orphanos (Boca Raton, FL) earning first place money (and the trophy).  The full final table payouts are listed below:

1. James Orphanos (Boca Raton, FL) $1,215
2. Curtis Daye (Oakland Park, FL) $1,214
3. Paul Kern (Pompano Beach, FL) $964
4. Paul Prager (Davie, FL) $964
5. Antonio Colon (Princeton, NJ) $964
6. Frank Annunziato (Hollywood, FL) $320
7. Frederick Attias (Boca Raton, FL) $280
8. Gennaro Decandia (Boca Raton, FL) $250
9. Walter West (Lantana, FL) $221
10. Sabas Ferrer (Coral Springs, FL) $192

Tournaments: There are two tournaments on the schedule today, the first of which (11:00am) is the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD).  The event's structure sees players sitting down to starting stack of 25,000 units, and playing levels that last (20) minutes in length.  Registration for the tournament is open until the end of Level 8 (and the break that follows).  

The evening tournament, which begins at 6:00pm, is a $40 No Limit Hold'em tournament.  Players sit down to starting stacks of 12,000 units, and play levels that are (20) minutes in length.  Registration is open until the end of Level 8, with an optional add-on available to players that would like to boost their stack.

Promotions: One would think that after a weekend full of "special" high hand promotions, things would maybe take a "day off."  That "day off" isn't today though, as the "Turbo High Hands" award $100 every (10) minutes from 9:00am-12:00pm...followed by the ever-popular money wheel, and the "Spin To Win" promotion from 12:00pm-11:00pm.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em ($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 - $40 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players will begin with a 12,000 starting stack

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

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

-  Levels are (20) minutes in length

Tuesday, August 1st: Daryl Jace Wins FSPC Main Event, Caby Takes Home Final Trophy..."Back To Business:

ICYMI: Yesterday was Day 3 of the 2017 Florida State Poker Championships $1,500 Main Event, with (17) players returning to finish out the tournament.  There were numerous storylines that played out over the course of the day, which will be laid out in the tournament's recap, to be posted later this afternoon.  After eleven hours of play, Daryl Jace would be the last player standing, after besting Sam Mayer-Backer in heads up play.  Posted below are the results from the final table:

1. Daryl Jace (Saugus, MA) $142,173
2. Sam Mayer-Backer (Boca Raton, FL) $99,666
3. Josias Santos (Kissimmee, FL) $64,096
4. Abbey Daniels (Coral Springs, FL) $45,180
5. Tony Ruberto (Miami, FL) $34,689
6. Danny Shiff (Miami, FL) $28,630
7. Michael Newman (Nanuet, NY) $23,777
8. Israel De La Cerda (Royal Palm Beach, FL) $18,954
9. Michael Amato (Boca Raton, FL) $14,219
10. Devon Shalmi (Boca Raton, FL) $11,726

The final event of the 2017 Florida State Poker Championships was Event #22, a $60 buy-in No Limit Hold'em tournament with a $12,000 guaranteed prize pool.  Following in the footsteps of all but one FSPC event, the guaranteed number was crushed, and the tournament was a great success.  The tournament ended in a final table chop, with ten players agreeing to the numbers, and Abdolhamid Caby (N. Miami, FL) awarded first place money (and the final trophy of the series).  Posted below are the results from the final table deal:

1. Abdolhamid Caby (N. Miami, FL) $2,136
2. Jose Moscatel (Sunny Isles Beach, FL) $1,991
3. Kenneth Amaez (Boca Raton, FL) $1,806
4. Vitaly Chaika (Hallandale Beach, FL) $1,431
5. Anthony Canario (Lighthouse Point, FL) $1,410
6. Marco Fernandez (Miami, FL) $1,140
7. Rick Kalgstein (Sunrise, FL) $1,133
8. James Lewis (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $1,016
9. Christian Humphries (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $903
10. David Licht (New York, NY) $887

Tournaments: We are "back to business," with the tournaments switching back to the recurring schedule.  There are two tournaments on the schedule today, the first of which begins a 11:00am.  The $100 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 GTD) offers up one a great structure, with players sitting down to 25,000 unit starting stacks, and playing levels of (20) minutes in length (throughout the event).  At 6:00pm, the $60 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD) event gets started.  The tournament sees players sitting down to starting stacks of 14,000 units, and playing (20) minute levels throughout the event (there is an optional add-on at the end of registration).

Promotions: The Full House Early Bird promotion is in it's regularly scheduled spot this morning, but there is one "not so small" addition to the schedule..."Turbo High Hands."  Similar to what is run on Friday's, there will be $300 awarded to qualifying high hands every (15) minutes (from 12:00pm-4:00pm).

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

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Daryl Jace Wins FSPC Main Event ($142,173), Mayer-Backer Runner-Up ($99,666)

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 32 (Blinds 100,000/200,000/30,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 2/548

While the players were fairly deep, a heads up hand with pocket aces and pocket ten usually going to end up the way it just did.  Sam opened the final hand, with Daryl Jace three-betting to 1,000,000.  Mayer-Backer then four-bet ripped, and would see the grim news after Jace called.  Jace's A♣ A♥ held up against Mayer-Backer's 10♣ 10♥ on the Q♣ J♥ 6♠ 2♥ 7♠ runout, and Daryl would become the 2017 Florida State Poker Championships $1,500 Main Event champion!

Daryl Jace (Saugus, MA) FSPC Main Event Winner $142,173

Sam Mayer-Backer (Boca Raton, FL) 2nd Place $99,666

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Mayer-Backer Climbs Back To Even, Chop Being Discussed

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 2/548

Sam Mayer-Backer has managed to even things up with Daryl Jace, after a big double up moments ago.  After Sam opened and Jace called, the two saw a flop of 6♠ 6♥ 4♠, with Jace checking to Sam.  Sam tossed out a bet of 375,000, and would get check-raised to 1,100,000.  Only a few seconds passed before Sam announced that he was all-in, and after getting an exact count, Jace made the call.  Sam rolled over 7♠ 7♥, and was ahead of Daryl's K♥ 4♣.  The turn (5♦) and river (10♠) were clean for Sam, who doubled to 8,100,000.

Daryl Jace - 8,400,000
Sam Mayer-Backer - 8,100,000

The talks of a chop quickly fizzed out, and the cards are back in the air.

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Heads-Up Counts At Break

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 2/548

Daryl Jace and Sam Mayer-Backer are currently on a (15) minute break, and will return to Level 31, with new blinds of 80,000/160,000/20,000.  Posted below are the counts during break:

1. Sam Mayer-Backer - 2,200,000
2. Daryl Jace - 14,200,000

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Josias Santos Out In Third Place ($64,096), Jace and Mayer Backer Heads-Up

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 2/548

Josias Santos (Kissimmee, FL) 3rd Place $64,096

Josias Santos would complete his small blind after Mayer-Backer folded, with Daryl Jace raising to 300,000.  Santos the three-bet ripped for close to 3,000,000, with Jace's eyes opening wide before making the call.  Jace quickly turned over K♠ K♣, with Santos begrudgingly turning over Q♠ 7♦.  The Q♣ 8♦ 3♠ flop gave everyone at the table a little sweat, but the turn and river would run clean for Jace, eliminating Santos from play.

Daryl Jace and Sam Mayer-Backer are now heads up for the 2017 FSPC Main Event trophy, with the chip counts below:

1. Sam Mayer-Backer - 2,300,000
2. Daryl Jace - 14,100,000

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Mayer-Backer Drops Below Ten Bigs, But Doubles Through Daryl Jace

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 3/548

Daryl Jace opened to 250,000 from the button, with Sam Mayer-Backer three-bet shoving for 1,100,000.  Josias Santos folded his hand, and Jace quickly made the call, and would be the favorite (Jace held A♣ K♦ against Mayer-Backer's Q♦ 10♦).  The 10♣ 5♦ 2♠ J♦ 2♣ runout had all of the dramatics, as Sam flopped a pair, but Jace turned a combo draw to go along with his pair outs.  The board would pair on the river though, giving Sam's rail something to cheer about for the first time in a while.

Daryl Jace - 10,200,000
Sam Mayer-Backer - 2,400,000

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Three-Handed Chip Counts

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 3/548

Here are the updated chip counts to start three-handed play:

1. Sam Mayer-Backer - 2,200,000
2. Josias Santos - 3,600,000
3. Daryl Jace - 10,600,000

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Abbey Daniels Out In Fourth Place ($45,180), Jace Continues Crushing

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 3/548

Abbey Daniels (Coral Springs, FL) 4th Place $45,180

Daryl Jace opened-shoved from the button, with both players in the blinds holding stacks of less than (20) bigs.  Sam Mayer-Backer quickly mucked his hand, followed by Abbey Daniels making the call.   Daniels was racing for her tournament life, holding 6♠ 6♥ against the A♠ 9♠ of Jace.  With the way things have gone since dinner, it didn't come as much of surprise that there would be an ace on the flop (A♠ K♣ 10♥).  Daniels would not find a six on the turn or river, making her the fourth place finisher in the event, which was worth $45,180.

If there was a player of the series, Abbey Daniels would be the strong favorite to win.  This was Abbey's second final table of the series (Event #7), and her second five-figure score as well.

Daryl Jace - 10,600,000

Abbey Daniels - 4th Place - $45,180

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Four Handed Chip Counts, Level Going Up

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 4/548

Every since Daryl Jace won that pot against Josias Santos, he's had full control of the table.  There was a point where he opened six hands in a row, and while a few of those won uncontested, he also won a few pots at showdown as well.  He now has close to half of the chips in play, as the blinds climb once again, this time to 60,000/120,000/20,000.  Posted below are the updated chip counts at the end of Level 29:

1. Sam Mayer-Backer - 2,100,000
2. Abbey Daniels - 1,450,000
3. Josias Santos - 4,200,000
4. Daryl Jace - 7,700,000

FSPC Main Event (Day 3): Daniels Stops Slide, Eliminates Ruberto In 5th Place ($34,689)

2017 Florida State Poker Championships
Event 20 - $1,500 No Limit Hold'em ($500,000 GTD)
Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/15,000)
Total Entries: 548
Players Remaining: 4/548

Tony Ruberto (Miami, FL) 5th Place ($34,689)

Tony Ruberto was the shortest stack returning from dinner, and continued to trend down as the level reached it's halfway mark.  With only (13) big blinds, Tony shoved from the button after action folded to him, with Abbey Daniels calling out of the big blind.  Abbey's A♥ 9♥ was well ahead of Ruberto's 8♦ 9♦, but the J♦ 7♣ 3♣ flop did add a few outs to Ruberto's hand.  The 5♠ on the turn brought even more cards into play for Tony, but the board pairing on the river would end his final table run.

Tony entered this tournament yesterday afternoon, utilizing the Day 2 buy-in option, and running up the 30,000 starting stack into a final table finish ($34,689).

Abbey Daniels - 2,700,000

Tony Ruberto - 5th Place - $34,689