Poker News

Records are set at the 2005 ‘Fall Poker Roundup’

Pendleton, OR - The 2005 “Fall Poker Roundup” at the WILDHORSE Resort & Casino will ride into the history books as record numbers of chipkickers competed in the Northwest’s premier poker rodeo.

The opening event, Nov. 2nd, was a wild ‘n wooly $100 No Limit Hold’em Hoedown. The Super Satellite attracted almost 650 card cowpokes and set the stage for the Wildhorse Wild West Show.

The next day, a $200 No-Limit Hold’em melee brought out the good, the bad and the ugly. 551 gunslingers flopped ‘em and dropped ‘em until just one hero, Edward Patterson, from Twin Falls ID, stood alone holding $31,938. Nov. 4rd, the “Hold’em Limited” left the station with 457 passengers on board. Everyone’s headed for Victoryville. Although few stay aboard for the whole trip, a ticket costs $200 no matter how long you ride. Players begin to vanish as soon as the train starts to roll. When it stops, Tom Heinrich is the only rider left. So, he gets the money - $27,428.

For a few dollars more, the Nov. 5th event, a $250 No-Limit Hold’em strike ignites a Gold Rush as 604 go in search of the Land of Chips ‘n Money. Most, however, find only fool’s gold. When it’s over, Russ Ryeban is rich, collecting $42,580 for 1st.

Day Five there’s a Stud stampede. A herd of 179 left the stock yards. But it’s a long, hard trip to the market. Most don’t make it. Some get lost, some are attacked by predators. Most end up aschip beef. When it’s over, the prizewinning Stud is Ryan Nicholson, of Portland OR. He’s awarded the blue ribbon & $9,945.

The following day, Nov. 7th, 300 players attend a $150 limit Hold’em poker Records Are Set at Wildhorse “Poker Round-Up” pow-wow. It’s not peaceful. Everyone tries to get the drop on the other guy. When the smoke clears, Cameron Jewett, of Lafayette CA, is the only one standing. He gets $14,700 in wampum.

Nov. 8th is Golf Day and Ladies’ Day. The boys stroke balls while the girls compete in a $150 No- Limit Hold’em barrel race. 128 ladies saddle-up. Most get bucked. Suya Chen, of Salem OR, takes 1st for $5,014.

A $150 No-Limit Hold’em shoot-to-kill contest is held the next day. At high noon, 535 Flop Fighters ride into combat. Casualties run high. Some players never had a chance, they were D.O.A. Many become M.I.A’s. At the end, Michael Gatto dispatches Christa Simmons to collect $23,743 in booty.

The “Fall Poker Roundup” continues at press time with several events remaining. Nevertheless, from the opening shot, it’s been clear that Poker Manager Roland Waters is Sheriff of the largest, foremost tournament in the Northwest.

Considerable credit, too, should go to Tournament Host, Vince Burgio. It is the fifth year the muchdecorated poker celebrity has hosted the event. Burgio has just published Pizza, Pasta and Poker, a first-hand account of his years as a poker pro.

Filed under: Poker News