Poker News

Underwater Poker

Juha Helppi risked life and limb yesterday and made poker history, as he emerged from the briny deep off the coast of St. Kitts the first InterPoker.com Extreme Poker Champion, having outwitted his opponents at 30 feet below sea level in the first ever underwater poker tournament.

Helppi made short work of his competitors, including seasoned tournament professionals Phil Laak and Kenna James, as well as Internet qualifier Louise H. from Denmark and InterPoker.com spokesperson Peter Marcus.

Snorkeling above, a host of tournament spectators silently watched the tournament, among them WSOP Champions Kathy Liebert and Todd Whiteles; and InterPoker representatives Mike de Halpert and Kristen Makin. Also supporting her boyfriend “The Unabomber” Phil Laak was WSOP Ladies Night Champion Jennifer Tilly. Situated next to a spectacular Caribbean reef, the tournament was also visited by several colorful fish and a curious (and potentially dangerous) stingray.

“I’ve been present at some of the most electric moments in poker history, but this one tops them all,” said InterPoker spokesperson Peter Marcus. “After Juha’s amazing performance today, I challenge anyone to argue that poker is not a sport, and that Extreme Underwater Poker should not be admitted into the Olympic games.”

In one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament, Helppi eliminated both Laak and Kenna simultaneously, calling both of their all-in bets, sending the Unabomber and the Cowboy floating back to land. Eventually, only Peter Marcus and Juha Helppi remained. Marcus drew K-J offsuit, and Helppi 2-9 offsuit. Running dangerously low on air both went all in, and the flop turned up Q-6-2, giving Helppi a pair of deuces. The Turn gave Helppi two pair with a nine, and the River supplied a King, eliminating Marcus and sending Juha Helppi into the record books as the first Extreme Poker Champion.

Despite a good-natured feud between Helppi, James and Laak, mutual respect prevailed as the contestants left the water. “Although I went out with one of the worst beats in the history of undersea poker, I congratulate Juha on becoming the first Extreme Poker champ,” said Phil Laak. “I honestly thought that when his mask filled with water that I could take advantage of his broken concentration, but in the end he drew great hole cards and bet very wisely, and I give him credit for that.”

“Juha is one of the best poker players the Caribbean Sea has ever seen. Even though it hurts to lose in a historic tournament such as this, I’m glad Juha was able to claim the bracelet and become the first InterPoker Extreme Poker champ,” said Kenna James.

Also feeling the sting of elimination (possibly from jellyfish) was Louise H., who despite the loss was thrilled to take part in the first underwaterpoker tournament. “It seems like just yesterday I was at home in Denmark, and then all of a sudden I find myself at the ocean floor playing poker against Phil Laak and Kenna James,” said Louise. “It was a very fun, and very surreal, experience that I will never forget.”

Juha Helppi was awarded the Caribbean Poker Classic Extreme Poker Bracelet, which is made from authentic Caribbean seashells and beads, at the InterPoker.com awards ceremony on November 29. “Without a doubt, this was one of the most challenging tournaments in which I have ever competed,” said Helppi. “Not only are Phil and Kenna two of the best poker players I have ever faced, I also had to overcome obstacles such as water leaking into my mask and staying away from the stingray. I feel like I truly earned this victory.”

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