| First Name | Last Name | Chip Count |
| Charles | Welch | 260,900 |
| Kyle | Bowker | 153,500 |
| Ethan | Foxman | 91,800 |
| Russell | Thomas | 85,100 |
| Arnold | Dinio | 68,300 |
| Cliff | Goldkind | 56,700 |
| John | Moore | 55,200 |
| Josh | Brikis | 54,800 |
| Stephen | Hesse | 53,900 |
| Joseph | Ort | 53,500 |
| Izzet | Temel | 37,400 |
| John | Kostelak | 33,000 |
| Ray | Shackleford | 32,900 |
| Carlos | Chadha | 32,200 |
| Valerie | Novak | 26,800 |
| Cullen | Hofmann | 13,300 |
Friday, March 21, 2014
Live! Classic Main: End Of Day 1A Chip Counts
Live! Classic Main: Extra Pocket Change
Level 9 (Blinds 400/800/100)
It's not often that someone just runs away with the chip lead in an event like this, but Charles Welch managed just that. He was the first to reach 100,000 earlier in the day, and when he eliminated Matt Glantz, it almost seemed like his 175,000 stack would be unattainable for the rest of the field (as they hovered in the 60,000-90,000 range. Stephen Hesse began knocking on that door, and wasn't far behind as the two reached the final level at the same table.
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| Charles Welch |
It's not often that someone just runs away with the chip lead in an event like this, but Charles Welch managed just that. He was the first to reach 100,000 earlier in the day, and when he eliminated Matt Glantz, it almost seemed like his 175,000 stack would be unattainable for the rest of the field (as they hovered in the 60,000-90,000 range. Stephen Hesse began knocking on that door, and wasn't far behind as the two reached the final level at the same table.
When the two got involved at the beginning stages of Level 9, it was clear that the winner of that pot would propel themselves to the bonus. Hesse would end up bricking a diamond draw on the river, while Welch made a full house. That didn't stop Stephen from trying to take the pot with a bet on the river, but Welch would call (with Q4 on a 2 J 4 4 J board), and cement his spot on top.
Play ends in minutes, and players will have their chip counts verified by the tournament floor before bagging for Day 2. Chip counts will be verified shortly thereafter via the live updates page and Twitter.
Live! Classic Main: Chip Lead Pot
Level 9 (Blinds 400/800/100)
With the two chip leaders sitting at the same table, it seemed inevitable that they would get tangled in a pot together. The action was on the river of a pot that was already over 100,000, and the action would be on Charles Welch. The board was 2♥ J♦ 4♥ 4♦ J♠, and Welch checked to Hesse. Hesse put out a bet of 46,000 (pictured above), and Welch snap called, watching as Hesse tabled A♦K♦. Charles quickly turned over Q 4, and would take down the largest pot of the tournament (and basically cement the end of Day 1A chip lead bonus).
Charles Welch - 265,000
Stephen Hesse - 65,000
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| Hesse Fires The River |
With the two chip leaders sitting at the same table, it seemed inevitable that they would get tangled in a pot together. The action was on the river of a pot that was already over 100,000, and the action would be on Charles Welch. The board was 2♥ J♦ 4♥ 4♦ J♠, and Welch checked to Hesse. Hesse put out a bet of 46,000 (pictured above), and Welch snap called, watching as Hesse tabled A♦K♦. Charles quickly turned over Q 4, and would take down the largest pot of the tournament (and basically cement the end of Day 1A chip lead bonus).
Charles Welch - 265,000
Stephen Hesse - 65,000
Live! Classic Main: In Contention
Level 9 (Blinds 400/800/100)
As players return to their seats for the final level of the night, the $10,000 bonus is something that can now be talked about. Here are the five largest stacks coming into the final level:
Charles Welch - 192,000
Stephen Hesse - 135,000
Adam Peterson - 90,000
Donald Gibson - 82,000
Clif Goldkind - 80,000
As players return to their seats for the final level of the night, the $10,000 bonus is something that can now be talked about. Here are the five largest stacks coming into the final level:
Charles Welch - 192,000
Stephen Hesse - 135,000
Adam Peterson - 90,000
Donald Gibson - 82,000
Clif Goldkind - 80,000
Live! Classic Main: Final Break
Players are going on their final (15) minute break of the day, and they will return to Level 9 and blinds of 400/800/100. The action will conclude at the end of the level, and chips will be bagged for Day 2. The chip leader to receive the $10,000 bonus, along with the end of Day 1A chip counts will be posted shortly after the end of play.
Live! Classic Main: Taranto's Good Fortune No More
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
Mark Taranto (Annapolis, MD) found some good fortune earlier after exposing his hand prematurely, and seemingly inducing a bluff from his opponent. His day was very swingy since chipping up to 70,000, and he has just been eliminated.
Mark Taranto (Annapolis, MD) found some good fortune earlier after exposing his hand prematurely, and seemingly inducing a bluff from his opponent. His day was very swingy since chipping up to 70,000, and he has just been eliminated.
Live! Classic Main: ODB Eliminated
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
After starting off strong with his second bullet, David Baker found himself short to start Level 8. Baker opened UTG to 1,200, and the action would fold around to Gordon Shackleford in the big blind. Shackleford would three-bet and Baker would get his remaining chips in pre. Baker's QQ < AA of Shackleford, and David will have the option to play during tomorrow's Day 1B field.
After starting off strong with his second bullet, David Baker found himself short to start Level 8. Baker opened UTG to 1,200, and the action would fold around to Gordon Shackleford in the big blind. Shackleford would three-bet and Baker would get his remaining chips in pre. Baker's QQ < AA of Shackleford, and David will have the option to play during tomorrow's Day 1B field.
Bullets 1 and 2 failed to hit their mark @PokerNightTV @MarylandLive ....back to fire more tomorrow #truedegen
— David Baker (@audavidb) March 22, 2014
Live! Classic Main: Who Remains?
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
Tournament director have broken a table, and we are now on three active tables (25 players remain). Here is a map of the remaining players along with their seat assignments:
Table 29:
Tournament director have broken a table, and we are now on three active tables (25 players remain). Here is a map of the remaining players along with their seat assignments:
Table 29:
- Arnold Dinio
- John Moore
- Joseph Ort
- Rodney Ord
- Ethan Foxman
- Dale Capuano
- Cullen Hofmann
- Timothy Weslow
Table 30:
- Stephen Hesse
- Ganesh Letchumanan
- Mark Taranto
- Josh Brikis
- Gordon Shackleford
- David Baker
- Valerie Novak
- Cliff Goldkind
Table 40:
- Kyle Bowker
- Russell Thomas
- Carlos Villamarin
- John Kostelac
- Charles Welch
- Adam Peterson
- Donald Gibson
- Izzet Burak Temel
Live! Classic Main: Hamilton Busts
Level 8 (Blinds 300/600/75)
Cameron Hamilton (Arlington, VA) is sent home by Kyle Bowker, as the chips get in on the turn, when Bowker bets enough to cover Hamilton (12,000 turn bet). The board read A♦ 3♥ 5♦ 8♥ at the time, and Bowker's A♠ 4♠ > Q♥ 8♥ of Hamilton. Bowker continues to build, and since tripling up as a short stack, is now close to 70,000.
Cameron Hamilton (Arlington, VA) is sent home by Kyle Bowker, as the chips get in on the turn, when Bowker bets enough to cover Hamilton (12,000 turn bet). The board read A♦ 3♥ 5♦ 8♥ at the time, and Bowker's A♠ 4♠ > Q♥ 8♥ of Hamilton. Bowker continues to build, and since tripling up as a short stack, is now close to 70,000.
Live! Classic Main: Going Up
Level 8 is about to begin, with blinds going up to 300/600/75. Players will have their final break after this level, and will return to finish off the night. After the end of Level 9 the remaining players will bag their chips for Day 2 (Sunday, March 23).
Live! Classic Main: Live! is Alive!
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/50)
The Maryland Live! Poker Room is just that with cash game action, as the room is full (both upstairs and downstairs). Here is a little look into the action at this moment (number of active tables):
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| Poker Room Second Floor (Cash Area) |
The Maryland Live! Poker Room is just that with cash game action, as the room is full (both upstairs and downstairs). Here is a little look into the action at this moment (number of active tables):
1/2 NLH (20)
2/5 NLH (12)
5/10 NLH (3)
4/8 Limit Hold'em (2)
4/8 Omaha 8B (2)
10/10 PLO (2)
2/2 PLO (2)
20/40 Limit Hold'em (1)
2/2 PLO 8B (1)
5/5 PLO (1)
That is a total of 48 table running at the moment, with variations of all sorts to play.
Live! Classic Main: Lost For Today
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Ari Engel (Las Vegas, NV) has been eliminated from Day 1A play, and although nothing has been confirmed, it's very likely Engel will be back tomorrow. Ari has been at Maryland Live! since the beginning of the series, and has yet to cash in any of the events, which is seemingly a statistical anomaly.
Ari Engel (Las Vegas, NV) has been eliminated from Day 1A play, and although nothing has been confirmed, it's very likely Engel will be back tomorrow. Ari has been at Maryland Live! since the beginning of the series, and has yet to cash in any of the events, which is seemingly a statistical anomaly.
Live! Classic Main: Trending Upwards
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Kyle Bowker (Walton, NY) was a river card away from deciding whether to re-enter today or come back tomorrow (if at all). He ended up tripling up and continues to build as he has now turned his 13,000 into just over 40,000.
Stephen Hesse went to dinner with 65,000, and in the fifteen minutes since returning from dinner now has over 100,000. Hesse has vaulted himself into contention for the end of night bonus, as Charles Welch has dipped slightly since coming back.
Kyle Bowker (Walton, NY) was a river card away from deciding whether to re-enter today or come back tomorrow (if at all). He ended up tripling up and continues to build as he has now turned his 13,000 into just over 40,000.
Stephen Hesse went to dinner with 65,000, and in the fifteen minutes since returning from dinner now has over 100,000. Hesse has vaulted himself into contention for the end of night bonus, as Charles Welch has dipped slightly since coming back.
Live! Classic Main: Back From Dinner
Level 7 (Blinds 250/500/50)
The tournament director just announced the beginning of Level 7, and all the remaining players have returned to their seats (31 players remain). Part of the announcement also included the chip average for the active players, which sits at 36,000 (70 big blinds). Late registration/re-entry for Day 1A has been closed, and as a reminder, the chip leader at the end of play today will collect a $10,000 bonus. Charles Welch is almost 100,000 clear of his nearest opponent, but there is still a ways to go before anything is decided.
The tournament director just announced the beginning of Level 7, and all the remaining players have returned to their seats (31 players remain). Part of the announcement also included the chip average for the active players, which sits at 36,000 (70 big blinds). Late registration/re-entry for Day 1A has been closed, and as a reminder, the chip leader at the end of play today will collect a $10,000 bonus. Charles Welch is almost 100,000 clear of his nearest opponent, but there is still a ways to go before anything is decided.
Live! Classic Main: Dinner Break
Players are now headed on a (60) minute dinner break, and the action (along with live coverage) with resume at approximately 6:50pm. When players do return the blinds in Level 7 will be going up to 250/500/50.
Live! Classic Main: Counts Going Into Dinner
Level 6 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Here are updated chip counts going into dinner:
Charles Welch - 175,000
Stephen Hesse - 65,000
Josh Brikis - 64,000
Donald Gibson - 63,000
Arnold Dinio - 62,000
Cliff Goldkind - 42,000
Cullen Hofmann - 40,000
Roland Israelashvili - 37,000
Izzet Temel - 35,000
Russell Thomas - 23,000
David Baker - 21,000
Valerie Novak - 16,000
Ari Engel - 11,000
Here are updated chip counts going into dinner:
Charles Welch - 175,000
Stephen Hesse - 65,000
Josh Brikis - 64,000
Donald Gibson - 63,000
Arnold Dinio - 62,000
Cliff Goldkind - 42,000
Cullen Hofmann - 40,000
Roland Israelashvili - 37,000
Izzet Temel - 35,000
Russell Thomas - 23,000
David Baker - 21,000
Valerie Novak - 16,000
Ari Engel - 11,000
Live! Classic Main: Taranto Slips Up…Or Not
Level 6 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Approaching Table 30, Mark Taranto could be heard saying, "I did it again!" What he was referencing was exposing his hand with pending action (he tabled his hand on the turn). His opponent Charles Furey saw Mark's 10 10, and the action would be on him on the river (on a board of 8♦ 2♣ 7♠ 6♣ 4♣). Furey declared himself all-in and Taranto immediately called. Furey's attempt to get Taranto off the hand would be unsuccessful, and he would have to ship 33,900 over the way of Mark. Charles would be eliminated the very next hand, while Taranto chipped up to 80,000.
Approaching Table 30, Mark Taranto could be heard saying, "I did it again!" What he was referencing was exposing his hand with pending action (he tabled his hand on the turn). His opponent Charles Furey saw Mark's 10 10, and the action would be on him on the river (on a board of 8♦ 2♣ 7♠ 6♣ 4♣). Furey declared himself all-in and Taranto immediately called. Furey's attempt to get Taranto off the hand would be unsuccessful, and he would have to ship 33,900 over the way of Mark. Charles would be eliminated the very next hand, while Taranto chipped up to 80,000.
Live! Classic Main: Numbers Update
Level 6 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Registration for Day 1A will be closed at the conclusion of this level (through dinner), and if a player decided to enter at the moment they would have over 60 big blinds. There are currently 34 active players seated in the main event tournament area.
In an update from player to have busted earlier, Izzet Burak Temel did re-enter after busting his first bullet and the satellite. Justin Liberto confirmed that due to scheduling issues he will not be back for Day 1B, and Matt Glantz did confirm that he will be back tomorrow.
Registration for Day 1A will be closed at the conclusion of this level (through dinner), and if a player decided to enter at the moment they would have over 60 big blinds. There are currently 34 active players seated in the main event tournament area.
In an update from player to have busted earlier, Izzet Burak Temel did re-enter after busting his first bullet and the satellite. Justin Liberto confirmed that due to scheduling issues he will not be back for Day 1B, and Matt Glantz did confirm that he will be back tomorrow.
Live! Classic Main: Blinds Going Up
Blinds are going up to 200/400/50 in Level 6, and players will be going on dinner break at the conclusion of this level. Right before the end of Level 5 Cliff Goldkind busted, but has since re-entered and is now seated at Table 30 with Stephen Hesse, Donald Gibson, and Josh Brikis.
Live! Classic Main: Welch Continues On
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/25)
The action at Table 40 was still pre, as Kyle Bowker was all-in for 3,875, with Charles Welch and Matt Glantz sitting with 17,150 bets in front of them. Bowker was eligible for just over 13,000 (main pot), while Glantz and Welch went to the flop (and a side pot already over 20,000). Welch was ready to table his hand, not noticing that Glantz still had chips behind. The board ran out 2 4 3, and Glantz then proceeded to go all-in, leaving Welch to a decision (he had to call 23,000).
Welch took a good amount of time thinking, before eventually deciding to make the call. All three hands were then table:
Bowker would take the main pot with the river ace, but Welch would give a few loud claps after winning the side pot worth close to 70,000. Charles continues to separate himself from the field, and sits with over 160,000. That would be all for Glantz's first bullet, and it is not known if he will re-enter today or wait until Day 1B tomorrow.
The action at Table 40 was still pre, as Kyle Bowker was all-in for 3,875, with Charles Welch and Matt Glantz sitting with 17,150 bets in front of them. Bowker was eligible for just over 13,000 (main pot), while Glantz and Welch went to the flop (and a side pot already over 20,000). Welch was ready to table his hand, not noticing that Glantz still had chips behind. The board ran out 2 4 3, and Glantz then proceeded to go all-in, leaving Welch to a decision (he had to call 23,000).
Welch took a good amount of time thinking, before eventually deciding to make the call. All three hands were then table:
Bowker: A J Glantz: 8 8 Welch: 10 10
Turn: 3
River: A
Bowker would take the main pot with the river ace, but Welch would give a few loud claps after winning the side pot worth close to 70,000. Charles continues to separate himself from the field, and sits with over 160,000. That would be all for Glantz's first bullet, and it is not known if he will re-enter today or wait until Day 1B tomorrow.
Live! Classic Main: Sticking Around
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/25)
Olasupo Dosunmu had one foot out the door as he was all-in for his remaining 750, and was called in five spots pre. His JJ managed to hold up against that field and a ten high board, and although still short, is still in the running.
While that hand was occurring, John Kostelac got a little bit healthier as he doubled through Kyle Bowker, with K 3 on a K K Q x x board (dealer was already counting stacks and action completed by the time the table was reached). John is now over 40,000 after scooping up the pot.
Olasupo Dosunmu had one foot out the door as he was all-in for his remaining 750, and was called in five spots pre. His JJ managed to hold up against that field and a ten high board, and although still short, is still in the running.
While that hand was occurring, John Kostelac got a little bit healthier as he doubled through Kyle Bowker, with K 3 on a K K Q x x board (dealer was already counting stacks and action completed by the time the table was reached). John is now over 40,000 after scooping up the pot.
Live! Classic Main: Chipping Up
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/25)
After losing a 25,000 pot to Josh Brikis then last hand before break, Hesse has picked up a few small ones returning. Stephen is over 60,000 and is currently top ten in this Day 1A field. Not mentioned earlier was the departure of Izzet Burak Temel, who proceeded to jump in the single table satellite that was running. Izzet also busted from the satellite, and has not yet been confirmed whether he will be back for Day 1B.
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| Stephen Hesse |
After losing a 25,000 pot to Josh Brikis then last hand before break, Hesse has picked up a few small ones returning. Stephen is over 60,000 and is currently top ten in this Day 1A field. Not mentioned earlier was the departure of Izzet Burak Temel, who proceeded to jump in the single table satellite that was running. Izzet also busted from the satellite, and has not yet been confirmed whether he will be back for Day 1B.
Live! Classic Main: Break Time Chip Counts
Level 5 (Blinds 150/300/25)
Here are some updated counts from break:
Charles Welch - 105,000
Donald Gibson - 102,000
Josh Brikis - 73,000
Matt Glantz - 55,000
Roland Isrealashavilli - 36,000
Ari Engel - 27,000
Rodney Ord - 26,000
Russell Thomas - 24,000
Kyle Bowker - 20,000
Valerie Novak - 18,000
David Baker - 18,000
Cliff Goldkind - 12,000
Live Classic Main: Break Time
Players are going on their second break of the day, and they will return to Level 5 and blinds of 150/300/25. The first single table satellite for this event has just gotten off, and a new list is already filling up, giving ample opportunity to get in the tournament for less.
Live! Classic Main: Engel Doubles Through Baker
Level 4 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Action from Table 31 was picked up on the flop as David Baker had a 1,100 bet in front of him, on a board of A♦ 10♦ 8♥. Ari Engel would raise to 3,000, and Rodney Ord would fold behind. Baker would ask how much Ari was playing behind (10,000 approx.), and put in enough to cover Engel. Ari would dump some chips in signifying a call, and the hands would be tabled:
Ari seemed to be in great shape once the cards were tabled, but the turn gave Baker a strong lead. Engel would hit the diamond he would need to double on the river, and now has 30,000.
Action from Table 31 was picked up on the flop as David Baker had a 1,100 bet in front of him, on a board of A♦ 10♦ 8♥. Ari Engel would raise to 3,000, and Rodney Ord would fold behind. Baker would ask how much Ari was playing behind (10,000 approx.), and put in enough to cover Engel. Ari would dump some chips in signifying a call, and the hands would be tabled:
Engel: K♦ 9♦ Baker: 6♦ 7♦
Turn: 9♥
River: 3♦
Ari seemed to be in great shape once the cards were tabled, but the turn gave Baker a strong lead. Engel would hit the diamond he would need to double on the river, and now has 30,000.
Live! Classic Main: Century Club
Level 4 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Charles Welch is the first player to eclipse the century mark in the room, and sits with just over 115,000. This may be uncharted territory for Welch, who has one recorded tournament cash lifetime for $842. In other action around the room, Josh Brikis sends Jimmy Born to the rail, and chips up to 55,000.
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| Charles Welch (Baltimore, MD) |
Charles Welch is the first player to eclipse the century mark in the room, and sits with just over 115,000. This may be uncharted territory for Welch, who has one recorded tournament cash lifetime for $842. In other action around the room, Josh Brikis sends Jimmy Born to the rail, and chips up to 55,000.
Live! Classic Main: Level Up
Level 4 started moments ago with the blinds going up to 100/200/25. There have been new arrivals that weren't mentioned earlier, including:
Kyle Bowker
Valerie Novak
Roland Israelashavilli
Kyle Bowker
Valerie Novak
Roland Israelashavilli
Live! Classic Main: ODBack In Action
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200)
David Baker has made the most of his second bullet, as he almost doubles his starting stack a few hands into his new table. The action was picked up on the river at Baker was all-in for 15,000 on a board of J♠ 3♦ J♣ Q♣ K♥, with the action on Rodney Ord. Ord tanked for a while, counting out the chips for a call and seeing what he'd be left with. He eventually looked at Baker and said "Best bluff ever," as he showed A♥ J♥ and threw it into the muck. ODB is now up to 46,000 after taking down the hand.
David Baker has made the most of his second bullet, as he almost doubles his starting stack a few hands into his new table. The action was picked up on the river at Baker was all-in for 15,000 on a board of J♠ 3♦ J♣ Q♣ K♥, with the action on Rodney Ord. Ord tanked for a while, counting out the chips for a call and seeing what he'd be left with. He eventually looked at Baker and said "Best bluff ever," as he showed A♥ J♥ and threw it into the muck. ODB is now up to 46,000 after taking down the hand.
Live! Classic Main: The Madness Begins
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200)
The upstairs area of the poker room just erupted as Mercer looks to have put the final dagger in Duke's NCAA Tournament hopes. With televisions available for everyone to see, many of the tournament players have been fixated on the conclusion of the game. The notable names continue to take their seat in the tournament area, as Matt Glantz (Lafayette Hill, PA) gets seated at Table 40 (taking the seat once occupied by David Baker). Baker has since re-entered and is seated at Table 31 with Daniel Gibson, Ari Engel, and Russell Thomas.
The upstairs area of the poker room just erupted as Mercer looks to have put the final dagger in Duke's NCAA Tournament hopes. With televisions available for everyone to see, many of the tournament players have been fixated on the conclusion of the game. The notable names continue to take their seat in the tournament area, as Matt Glantz (Lafayette Hill, PA) gets seated at Table 40 (taking the seat once occupied by David Baker). Baker has since re-entered and is seated at Table 31 with Daniel Gibson, Ari Engel, and Russell Thomas.
Live! Classic Main: Updated Chip Counts
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200)
Here are some updated chip counts from the field:
Charles Welch - 92,000
Donald Gibson - 74,000
Arnold Dinio - 56,000
Cullen Hofmann - 40,000
John Moore - 29,000
Josh Brikis - 25,000
David Baker - 17,000
Ari Engel - 10,000
Cliff Goldkind - 7,000
Here are some updated chip counts from the field:
Charles Welch - 92,000
Donald Gibson - 74,000
Arnold Dinio - 56,000
Cullen Hofmann - 40,000
John Moore - 29,000
Josh Brikis - 25,000
David Baker - 17,000
Ari Engel - 10,000
Cliff Goldkind - 7,000
Live! Classic Main: @RunGoodRussell Arrives
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200)
Russell Thomas is another player who has become a household name in the poker community, after finishing 4th in the 2012 WSOP Main Event. Thomas took home $2,800,000 for his finish, and has since cashed in a handful of WSOP and WSOP APAC events. Thomas followed up his WSOP Main final table with another deep run in the 2013 Main, finishing in 306th for just over $32,000.
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| Russell Thomas (Wallingford, PA) |
Russell Thomas is another player who has become a household name in the poker community, after finishing 4th in the 2012 WSOP Main Event. Thomas took home $2,800,000 for his finish, and has since cashed in a handful of WSOP and WSOP APAC events. Thomas followed up his WSOP Main final table with another deep run in the 2013 Main, finishing in 306th for just over $32,000.
Live! Classic Main: Moore Doubles Through Hofmann
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200)
Only a few minutes back from break there would be a sizable pot between John Moore and Cullen Hofmann. Moore would be all-in on a flop of 8 J Q, and he would be called by Hofman (who had him covered). The hands would be tabled and Moore's QQ > 88 of Hofmann, and John would double to 33,000. Cullen had chipped up earlier from the hand where he knocked out Liberto, and would dip down to 38,000 after losing the hand.
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| John Moore (Columbia, MD) |
Only a few minutes back from break there would be a sizable pot between John Moore and Cullen Hofmann. Moore would be all-in on a flop of 8 J Q, and he would be called by Hofman (who had him covered). The hands would be tabled and Moore's QQ > 88 of Hofmann, and John would double to 33,000. Cullen had chipped up earlier from the hand where he knocked out Liberto, and would dip down to 38,000 after losing the hand.
Live! Classic Main: Break Time
Players are currently on their first break of the day, and they will return to Level 3 and blinds of 100/200. There are two levels played between each break, with the dinner break on Day 1A and 1B coming after Level 6 (approximately 5:45-6:00pm).
Live! Classic Main: Photoshop
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
There were some opportunities earlier to catch three of the more accomplished tournament players in the field. The players pictured above are household names in the poker community, with resumes that many people would sign up for in a heartbeat:
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| Josh Brikis, Ari Engel, David "ODB" Baker |
There were some opportunities earlier to catch three of the more accomplished tournament players in the field. The players pictured above are household names in the poker community, with resumes that many people would sign up for in a heartbeat:
Josh Brikis - Brikis is a professional from Pittsburgh, PA with over $1,500,000 in career earnings. Josh is also Team Ivey Poker pro, with his breakout score coming in 2009 when he took runner up in the $5,000 NLH Six-Max Event at the WSOP ($619,000).
Ari Engel - Engel is the consummate poker professional, with over 103 recorded tournament cashes to his name (worth over $1,400,000). Before transitioning to the live scene, Ari (better known online as "BodogAri") has over $2,400,000 in online earnings. He has been in the top 50 in tournament cashes for the past three years, and was third overall last year.
David Baker - Baker is another tournament beast, who currently has over $3,000,000 in earnings. Baker has over thirty WSOP cashes, including a bracelet win in 2012 (Event 37 - $2,500 8 Game) and a 17th place finish in the 2010 WSOP Main Event.
Live! Classic Main: Cullen Arrives, Busts Liberto
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
It didn't take long for Cullen Hofman to make his presence felt, as he wins a multi-way pot worth close to 60,000. Hoffman's 4 5 was tabled as the dealer was counting down stacks, on a board of 2 K 6 3 x. The action of the hand is not currently known, but Justin Liberto was on the unfortunate end, as he busts early in Day 1A.
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| Cullen Hofman (Forest Hill, MD) |
It didn't take long for Cullen Hofman to make his presence felt, as he wins a multi-way pot worth close to 60,000. Hoffman's 4 5 was tabled as the dealer was counting down stacks, on a board of 2 K 6 3 x. The action of the hand is not currently known, but Justin Liberto was on the unfortunate end, as he busts early in Day 1A.
Hofman has a WSOPC ring to his name, won at Harrah's (Atlantic City) in 2012 in a $365 NLH Turbo event. His largest score to date though came last June at Rio during their Daily Deepstacks, taking home over $41,000 in a $235 event.
Live! Classic Main: Izzet's Introduction
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Meet Izzet Burak Temel…because the name was recognizable in the poker community a month ago. Since the end of February, Temel has made over $100,000 in tournament earnings, including FOUR cashes in this series alone. Maryland Live! is Temel's home casino, but he traveled to Parx during the most recent Big Stax series, and took it by storm. He final tabled two of the three trophy events in the series, winning the Big Stax 500 for just under $70,000.
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| Izzet Burak Temel |
Meet Izzet Burak Temel…because the name was recognizable in the poker community a month ago. Since the end of February, Temel has made over $100,000 in tournament earnings, including FOUR cashes in this series alone. Maryland Live! is Temel's home casino, but he traveled to Parx during the most recent Big Stax series, and took it by storm. He final tabled two of the three trophy events in the series, winning the Big Stax 500 for just under $70,000.
Izzet then traveled back home, and has made three final tables in this series, including:
- $550 NLH Freezeout - 10th ($1,050)
- $1,600 NLH Purple Chip Bounty - 5th ($5,320)
- $350 PLO Black Chip bounty - 7th ($1,094)
Live! Classic Main: Level Up
The first level of the main event is now in the books, and the blinds in Level 2 are going up to 75/150. It isn't too late to still get in this event, as single table satellites are going to be running all day. Here is a little breakdown of the satellites:
Entry: $550 + 20
Players: 10
Payouts:
- $3,500 Event Ticket
- $1,340
- $660
Starting Stack: 7,000
Levels: 15 Minutes
Live! Classic Main: Filing In
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Players continue to make their way upstairs to the tournament area, some notables from the state of Maryland:
Liberto had his breakout score during last year's WSOP, finishing fourth in Event # 6 ($1,500 Millionare Maker). That was Justin's first ever WSOP event, and he went out to Vegas with plans to just play in that event. It was one of the better decisions he's made, as he took home just over $400,000 for his finish, and gained notoriety in what was one of the most prestigious events of the summer.
Cliff is another Maryland local who has stamped his name in the poker community. Goldkind won a WSOP bracelet in 2012 (Event 19 - $1,500 NLH), collecting over $559,000 for the win. He is currently 13th all time in the state of Maryland (tournament earnings), and added to that number earlier in this series as he finished eight in Event 3 ($1,100 NLH).
Players continue to make their way upstairs to the tournament area, some notables from the state of Maryland:
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| Justin Liberto (Fallston, MD) |
Liberto had his breakout score during last year's WSOP, finishing fourth in Event # 6 ($1,500 Millionare Maker). That was Justin's first ever WSOP event, and he went out to Vegas with plans to just play in that event. It was one of the better decisions he's made, as he took home just over $400,000 for his finish, and gained notoriety in what was one of the most prestigious events of the summer.
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| Cliff Goldkind (Potomac, MD) |
Cliff is another Maryland local who has stamped his name in the poker community. Goldkind won a WSOP bracelet in 2012 (Event 19 - $1,500 NLH), collecting over $559,000 for the win. He is currently 13th all time in the state of Maryland (tournament earnings), and added to that number earlier in this series as he finished eight in Event 3 ($1,100 NLH).
Live! Classic Main: Gibson Grabs Early Lead
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
It's not very often that you see a 500 big blind pot occur half the way through the first level of any tournament, let alone a $3,500. Donald Gibson managed to win said pot, and grab an early and commanding chip lead (58,000), after his KK > QQ of Ethan Foxman. Ethan seemed resigned to his fate as the chips got all-in pre, and he sheepishly said, "Time for a rebuy."
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| Donald Gibson |
It's not very often that you see a 500 big blind pot occur half the way through the first level of any tournament, let alone a $3,500. Donald Gibson managed to win said pot, and grab an early and commanding chip lead (58,000), after his KK > QQ of Ethan Foxman. Ethan seemed resigned to his fate as the chips got all-in pre, and he sheepishly said, "Time for a rebuy."
Gibson is currently seated at Table 31 with the likes of Ari Engel, Chad Power, and Maryland Live! regular Arnold Dinio.
Live! Classic Main: Cards In The Air
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
The "early birds" have taken their seats and cards are in the air for the first of two starting days. There are already a handful of notables in the field:
David "ODB" Baker
Josh Brikis
Chad Power
Ari Engel
The "early birds" have taken their seats and cards are in the air for the first of two starting days. There are already a handful of notables in the field:
David "ODB" Baker
Josh Brikis
Chad Power
Ari Engel
Playin this $3500 main in Baltimore . 25k to start at 50/100
— Josh Brikis (@JBrikis) March 21, 2014
Going Live!
It's now less than (30) minutes before the $3,500 Main Event begins, in what's been a great inaugural series. The $1 Million Live! Poker Classic has been going on for almost two weeks now, and it all culminates with this event (and Poker Night In America). The action today begins at 11:15am, and here are some of the pertinents in regards to today's play:
- Players begin with 25,000 starting stack
- Levels will last 60 minutes throughout the event
- Re-entries and late entries are available until the beginning of Level 7
- Each Day 1 chip leader will receive at $10,000 bonus
Live updates will commence shortly and continue through the conclusion of the event.
- Players begin with 25,000 starting stack
- Levels will last 60 minutes throughout the event
- Re-entries and late entries are available until the beginning of Level 7
- Each Day 1 chip leader will receive at $10,000 bonus
Live updates will commence shortly and continue through the conclusion of the event.
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