Daily Archives: August 18, 2023

Dusk Till Dawn is set to be awash with budding poker players from far and wide as the Nottingham-based poker club, the home of British poker, is hosting the 2023 APAT World Championship Of Amateur Poker (WCOAP).

The WCOAP, affectionately known as "The Worlds," is the highlight of the APAT season for recreational poker players everywhere. The 2023 WCOAP runs from August 20 through August 28, and its schedule is designed to put every entrant through their paces.

Costing 180 to enter (150+30), the World Amateur Poker Championship serves as the 2023 WCOAP Main Event. There are six Day 1s, including two online flights at GGPoker, with each allowing players to re-enter on the following day should their first bullet not go to plan.

APAT Announces Partnership with GGPoker

Day 1a of the 2023 WCOAP Main Event takes place at Dusk Till Dawn at 3:00 p.m. BST on August 20. Online flights, which only cost 150 to buy into thanks to GGPoker making them free of registration fees, run at 7:30 p.m. BST on August 21 and August 22.

Last year's WCOAP Main Event attracted 423 entrants, each paying 150 to enter. Those entrants created a 52,875 prize pool, and Dan Owston came out on top, defeating Manuel Simao heads-up to capture a coveted APAT gold medal, a commemorative bracelet, and 10,000 cash.

In total, there are 25 APAT bracelet-awarding events taking place at Dusk Till Dawn between August 10-28. They include a variety of No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha tournaments, plus other events including H.O.R.S.E., Razz, 8-Game, Crazy Pineapple, Antes Only, Win the Button, and a 340 buy-in NLHE High Roller.

Garry Bennett is the reigning High Roller champion after he defeated Dusk Till Dawn regular Vahid Amirzahiri heads-up. The victory came with 5,290 in prize money.

APAT Goes Fully International During 2023; Full Schedule Released

Although the World Amateur Poker Championship is the individual tournament every APAT member wants to win, the WCOAP International Team Championship is the event designed for bragging rights.

Scotland came out on top in 2022, beating arch-rivals England by 20 points, with Portugal rounding off the podium. This year's team events see 12 teams, an increase on the nine from 2022, battle it out for their country.

Ben Burnhill once again leads out his band of merry Scots, made up of Nazar Mohammed, Blair Matheson, and Charlie Kearns. Team England look, on paper at least strong, with Wayne Parker leading out Danny Strange, Matt Carter, and Asa McGrath.

However, the United States could be the dark horses of the competition. Jen Mason captains Team United States, which consists of Deborah Worley-Roberts, Ben Mason, and Carey Hollick.

Stay tuned to PokerNews throughout the 2023 APAT WCOAP.

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The APAT World Championship Of Amateur Poker Starts August 20 - PokerNews.com

It took earning $30,000 over three days for Justin Liberto to convince his parents he could make a career out of playing poker. It took him 27 minutes to solidify his stake in the card-playing community.

Growing up, cards were always on the table in the Liberto household.

First, it was pinochle, a trick-taking, ace-10 game requiring two to four players. Liberto was a first grader holding his own against the adults. When they graduated to the slightly more complicated game pitch, the then-fourth grader was handily dismantling the entire family.

The Fallston native and John Carroll graduate has since enjoyed a decadelong run in the World Series of Poker and its traveling circuit, collecting four rings and a bracelet recognizing championships, and nearly $3 million. Liberto is ranked No. 24 in the latest Global Poker Index.

In a moment of reflection, Liberto said with a laugh, I sometimes can envision 16-year-old Justin would be like, What the heck?

Well, playing cards were the first thing Liberto wholly applied himself to.

When Chris Moneymaker, an aptly named accountant and amateur player, revolutionized the sport by turning a $39 entry to an online poker tournament into $2.5 million by winning the 2003 WSOP main event, every 15-year-old was playing poker in their friends basement, Liberto said. Thats basically how I started out.

Liberto refined his chops as a high schooler crowding an at-home felt table on $25 buy-ins, bankrolled by jobs at Dons Flowers and Produce on Bel Air Road, then barbacking at Looneys Pub. He experimented with bluffing, raising and analyzing hands on the fly.

Then came his first big score.

Liberto was a 19-year-old junior at Virginia Tech grinding away at the online site PokerStars when he hit for $8,000. A few weeks later, after seeing the check, his parents reluctantly agreed to let him compete in a tournament over winter break. Liberto drove up to Verona, New York, to the Turning Stone Casino where the minimum age to gamble is 18 as its on a Native American reservation.

They didnt love me going up there, essentially [saying], Wait until youre 21, Liberto said. Regardless, they let me go and the first tournament I played, I win $10,000. I was supposed to come home the next day but theyre like, Alright, you can stay another day. I won the next one for $12,000.

In that span, I made $30,000, Liberto said. [My parents] were like, Oh, thats about what Virginia Tech costs for a year. From that point, they kind of understood that maybe it wasnt a pipe dream.

Four months after graduation, Liberto was practically down to a chip and a chair. He worked a sales job for the next 15 months to save up and give poker another go. He moved to Pennsylvania with his wife to be closer to a casino.

Libertos first WSOP appearance was in 2013. The World Series consists of dozens of events of various stakes. More than 6,000 people entered the $1,500 No-Limit Holdem Millionaire Maker. Against what was then the largest one-day starting field in tournament history, Liberto finished fourth. His cash prize? A whopping $400,000. I was like, Whoa, OK. Its on now, he said.

Fast-forward to the 2015 WSOP and the $3,000 Six-handed No-limit Hold em event.

Among the field of 1,043 players, Liberto kept relatively under the radar, cruising to the events final table. It came down to him and Seamus Cahill, who held a commanding lead. Play was halted having run late into night three when the Irishman proposed cutting a deal a way to take some money off the table and ensure both a hefty purse.

Liberto, down in chips nearly 2-to-1, mulled over the offer with his best friend. He considered it until Cahill tried to strong-arm the negotiations, refusing to budge on his settling number.

As if he were Matt Damon in the 1998 movie Rounders, Liberto, playing the part of Mike McDermott, looked at his friend with a grin. Lets dance, he said.

[From the archive: North Laurel native Greg Merson wins World Series of Poker Main Event worth $8.5 million]

Liberto estimated the comeback needed to secure his first bracelet might normally have taken close to four hours. Twenty-seven minutes later, he pocketed the $640,711 first-place prize and more importantly, could wrap his wrist with the poker equivalent of a Lombardi Trophy.

Poker is one of those games where you can get in lulls to the point where youre like, Do I even know what Im doing? Liberto said. I was definitely in a very confident zone that day. If you do your work away from the table, you can put yourself in a good position.

Fallston native Justin Liberto has established himself as one of the world's top poker players. He's won titles at the World Series of Poker and on the World Poker Tour and is ranked No. 24 in the Global Poker Index. (Drew Amato/World Poker Tour)

The WSOP is roughly six weeks of non-stop poker. Its not for the faint of heart.

You could get in a tournament at noon, be out by 3 p.m. and jump right back into the next tournament that starts at 4, Liberto said. Basically, every day is about 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Probably half of my years work comes in those six weeks. Its a grind. But I love being out there. I still have the passion for it.

For Liberto, the mental gymnastics doesnt stop when its time to color up. Its back to the hotel room to re-run hands either through an online website or with a friend. Its studying scenarios and opponents.

That might go until 3 a.m.

Christian Harder, a 35-year-old Annapolis native who has endured the peaks and valleys of pokers ultramarathon since he was 21, lauded Libertos table presence. Some players command the cushioned chair, he said, intimidating their opponents, while others sit quietly composed.

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Justin walks a fine line, Harder explained. He has such a confident aura about him but his play is the intimidating part. No one wants to play Justin because he plays a very aggressive style. In a way its annoying to play against, putting you in tough situations. ... Its the unexpected raises and putting you in difficult spots.

His success has carried over beyond the World Series. Hes won four events on the WSOP circuit, each coming with a prized ring. Three of the victories came during stops at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. Hes also competed on the World Poker Tour, winning one event, making two final tables and cashing in 27 events.

Liberto recently wrapped up his 10th WSOP appearance, cashing on 12 events, including three top-10 finishes.

His top payouts were a second-place finish to David Baker in the $1,500 Razz event in early June, collecting $94,558. In mid-July at the tail-end of the series, he finished fourth in the $10,000 Six-handed No-Limit Hold em Championship where, after calling a prominent bluff from the eventual top finisher, Liberto made out with $306,555.

Out of the thousands of players who take part in WSOP events, Liberto finished 64th in the Player of the Year standings, a point system that takes into account players finishes over all 95 events.

Most recently, he won the $10,000 No limit Hold em Deep stack event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open on Aug. 1. His first-place prize was $257,000.

I always say I dont know a lot about almost anything but I know a lot about one thing, Liberto said. And thats poker.

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Justin Liberto has strong run at World Series of Poker, ranked No. 24 in Global Poker Index - Baltimore Sun

Benfleet banker turned poker player wins share of 1.3million in huge tournament (Image: Grosvenor Casinos)

A 28-year-old former banker from Benfleet has won a share of more than 1.3million afterbeating almost11,500other poker players in a huge tournament.

After swapping a desk job as a banker for thepoker table, Alex Todd - known as "King Toddie"- won the top prize at the UK's biggest poker tournamentGoliath, securing first place over thousands ofother entrants.

Alex started playing poker with his dad and madethe decision togiveup his jobin banking during the Covid pandemic to take up playing poker full time.

He plans to use his winnings on a luxury holiday with his fiance, as well as investing the money on a new set of golf clubs. The winner isalsoconsidering gettinga personalised "Toddie" numberplateforhis car.

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Celebrating after hisgiganticGoliath win of 178,000,Alex said: Conquering Goliath was a whirlwind of emotion and mental endurance. I was low on chips going into the second day of the tournament, starting with just 125,000. I went on a run and was able to build up a good stack.

There were a few times if I had made a different move, I would have been out, but luck was with me on the day. I ended up bagging 24.4 million chips and held the chip lead going into the third and final day with 45 players left. Years of grinding prepared me for the final table, and I was ready to seize the opportunity.

From the moment I secured the victory, I have just felt a feeling of elation and it doesnt seem to going away any time soon. Although, nothing will beat my family telling me how proud of me they are!

The live poker tournament, which is the largestoutside of Las Vegas,took place at Grosvenor Casino in Coventry and is the most prestigious win in Alexs career to date.

His winning hand to scoop the jackpot prize was pocket tens and when the river card was dealt and Alexs hand held up, his friends started cheering from the sidelines and his family celebrated as they watchedalong from home.

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Benfleet banker turned poker player wins share of 1.3million in huge tournament - Yahoo News UK

Online poker has transformed the traditional card game by bringing it to a digital platform. Whether youre a beginner or experienced player, playing poker online offers an exciting and rewarding experience. Choosing a reputable platform is essential, ensuring user-friendliness and a wide range of game options. Starting with smaller stakes and gradually increasing as confidence grows is recommended, while taking advantage of promotions and bonuses can boost your bankroll. Learning the different game variations, such as Texas Holdem and Omaha, is crucial for success. Good sportsmanship and proper etiquette are important in online poker communities, as is managing your bankroll wisely. By following these tips, youll be on your way to becoming a skilled player in the online poker world.

This article provides guidance on navigating the online poker lobby for beginners. It advises selecting a table suitable for your skill level and bankroll, observing other players and their strategies, and always playing within your limits. The article emphasizes the importance of enjoying the experience and connecting with other poker enthusiasts. It ends on a positive note, encouraging readers to practice, learn how to play poker, and become skilled online poker players.

Online poker offers a wide variety of game variations beyond the traditional version. Texas Holdem is a popular choice, where each player is dealt two private cards and combines them with five community cards to make the best possible hand. Omaha is another exciting option, with players receiving four private cards and using exactly two along with three community cards to form their hand. For those seeking higher stakes, Pot-Limit Omaha allows players to bet any amount up to the size of the pot. Regardless of which game is chosen, success in online poker requires strategy, patience, and skill.

To enhance the overall poker experience, players should familiarize themselves with the different types of online poker games available. Texas Holdem and Omaha are two popular variations in which players are dealt private cards and use community cards to form their hands. Pot-Limit Omaha is a high-risk, high-reward game where players can bet any amount up to the size of the pot. Mastering online poker requires dedication, practice, and the willingness to learn from experienced players and resources. With time and effort, players can improve their skills and enjoy the thrill of victory in the online poker world.

To start playing online poker, it is important to understand how to navigate the online poker lobby. There are various options available including cash games, sit and go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments, each offering different levels of excitement and challenges. Beginners can start with cash games or sit and go tournaments as they have lower stakes and are less time-consuming. Before joining a game, it is important to read the rules and details, such as blinds, buy-ins, and payout structure. The lobby will also display information on the number of players, average chip stack, and game speed. By taking your time to browse through the options and choose the game that suits your bankroll and playing style, you can enhance your online poker experience.

Online poker offers a variety of game variations to choose from. It is crucial to have a good understanding of these different types before getting started. Some popular online poker games include Texas Holdem, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and Five-Card Draw.

Texas Holdem is the most well-known online poker game. Each player receives two private cards and combines them with five community cards to form the best hand. Omaha is similar to Texas Holdem but with the requirement of using exactly two private cards along with three community cards. Seven-Card Stud is a classic poker game where players are dealt seven cards, three face-down and four face-up, aiming to create the best five-card hand. Five-Card Draw is a simpler version where players receive five face-down cards and have the option to exchange any number of them to improve their hand.

Regardless of the game chosen, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the specific rules and strategies in order to maximize chances of success and enjoy the online poker experience. So, go ahead, explore the various types of online poker games, and find the one that suits you best. Good luck and have fun! Managing Your Online Poker Bankroll

When playing online poker, it is important to not only focus on your hand and moves but also to understand the unwritten rules and etiquette. Respect your fellow players, avoid derogatory language, and create a positive atmosphere. Pay attention and avoid distractions to make better decisions. Act in a timely manner to not slow down the game and be considerate of others. Use the chat feature sparingly and appropriately, avoiding discussing strategy or colluding. Mastering online poker etiquette leads to a more enjoyable and fair game for everyone involved.

Managing your online poker bankroll is a crucial aspect of the game that beginners often overlook. It is important to set a limit on your expenses and not exceed that amount. Online poker should be seen as entertainment and not as a way to make quick money. Monitoring your wins and losses is also essential. Keeping track of your playing sessions and evaluating your performance regularly will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments to your strategy. Its important to play within your means and resist the temptation to chase losses. By implementing these practices, you can ensure that your bankroll remains intact and you can continue to enjoy the game without unnecessary financial stress.

In summary, managing your online poker bankroll involves setting a budget, understanding the game as entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity, monitoring your wins and losses, and playing within your means. By following these practices, you can enjoy the game responsibly and without financial stress.

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A Beginner's Guide to Playing Online Poker: Everything You Need to ... - OCNJ Daily

Join PAWS on August 27th for the 2nd annual Poker Paddle!

It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a leisurely morning on the stunning Lake Megunticook while supporting the important work of PAWS. The event is open to individuals of all ages and abilities, and participation is limited to paddle vessels only. Whether you prefer a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, this event promises a fun and enjoyable experience on the water.

Not only will you get to soak in the beauty of Lake Megunticook, but you'll also have a chance to win a hand crafted, one-of-a kind, prize paddle if youre the winner. As you navigate your way around the lake you'll collect playing cards at various checkpoints. The participant with the best poker hand at the end of the paddle will be crowned the winner and awarded the prize paddle.

All proceeds from the Poker Paddle will go directly to supporting the work of PAWS. By participating in this event and spreading the word, you'll be actively contributing to the well-being and welfare of these deserving animals. So mark your calendars for August 27th and join us for a day of paddling, camaraderie, and making a positive impact. Don't miss this opportunity to have fun on the water while supporting PAWS and their mission to help animals in need.

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PAWS hosts its 2nd Annual PAWS Poker Paddle - PenBayPilot.com

For the second year in a row, I took some vacation time during the summer and missed out on part of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. In 2022, I stepped away to be a contestant on Season 9 of Survival Challenge which I wrote about in-depth here and this summer I returned, albeit as a volunteer to help hold the game for a whole new crop of players.

While there for a week, some of the other volunteers wanted to hold a home game, and being well aware of my position in poker, along with my 2013 WSOP gold bracelet win, they were keen for me to play.

The stakes may have been low we played $0.25/$0.50 no-limit holdem and most everyone bought in for $20 but it was one of my favorite poker-playing experiences of the year. Among those who played were a pair of young fellas playing for their first time in Bentley and Jude; Survival Challenge alum Bryce Fosdick; the May family (Michelle, Tim and their son Luke), and my SC Season 9 fellow contestant Michael Allbright.

Here are a few standout moments and hands from that game.

Why Did I Miss the 2022 WSOP Main Event? Survival Challenge Season 9

One of the players to take a seat in the game was Chris ONeill, who played Season 8 of Survival Challenge the summer before me. Id learned earlier in the day that Chris had a little poker experience and was a fan of GGPoker Ambassador Kevin Martin.

In one hand, I put in a raise to $1.25 after looking down at the 44 and Jason Flick, who helps run the challenges at Survival Challenge, raised all in for around $3. Another player called and then Chris opted for a small three-bet to $5 from the big blind. I just called, as did the other player, and there were three active players for the side pot while Jason had an opportunity to quadruple up in the main pot.

The flop fell 3x3x5x and I was feeling pretty good, especially after Chris checked. I bet $3, the other player folded, and then Chris sprung to life with an all-in check-raise to around $10. It wasnt that much more to me and I was getting decent pot odds, but I couldnt fathom that I was ahead.

What would he check-jam with that I beat? Maybe a straight draw, but they again I held two of the fours in my hand, so the chances of that were less likely. He could easily have either a three or five in his hand, such as an ace-three or ace-five, as well as any sort of overpair. I contemplated making the call hoping to either hit a four or hit runner-runner (there were a lot of turn cards that would allow me to pick up some equity), but ultimately, I decided to save the money as I just didnt think there was any way I was ahead.

Well, I was wrong as Chris tabled Kx8x for a stone-cold bluff! Whats more, he was actually ahead of Jason, who had been all in preflop with Qx9x. Fortunately for Jason, a queen spiked on the river and he won the main pot, while Chris still made a bit by claiming the side pot.

Had I found a call, I wouldve won a sizeable side pot and felted Chris, but instead he left me shaking my head with no recourse but to tip my cap to him. Hes got some skills.

PokerNews Chad Holloway Discusses Wrestling & Poker Parallels on Talk is Jerich

Ian Szechowycz was the host of the home game, and hes actually a bit of a poker aficionado, even playing in casinos in Iowa and Illinois. It became clear early on that aside from me, he was the most experienced player at the table. In fact, I was so impressed that I told Ian he needs to make his way to Vegas to try his hand at the WSOP as hes got the talent to compete.

Ian made it clear from the get-go that he was keen to beat me in a big pot, and he ultimately got his wish, though he had to get lucky to do so!

It happened when I looked down at pocket aces and put in a raise to $1.50. There were some callers, including Ian, before Luke May reraised to $4. I then made it $8 to go and Ian put in a call. Luke did the same and it was three-way action to the flop, which I dont recall offhand. I do know that action checked to me and I continued for $6, which only Ian called.

The turn wasnt too scary and Ian checked. I decided to put him to the test by moving all in and he thought long and hard about what to do. Apparently, I had the best hand, but there were several draws on the board. He decided to call off his last $12 or so with an open-ended straight draw, and much to my dismay, he hit it on the river!

Ian got his wish by cracking my aces and beating me in a big pot, but rest assured Ill never let him forget he had to get lucky to do it!

It was an up-and-down experience, but in the end, I was able to show off my poker chops by nearly tripling my buy-in. More importantly, plans are already in the works for another game next summer, so it seems a new annual home game tradition was born!

Executive Editor US, PokerNews Podcast co-host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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Brutally Bluffed and Cracked Aces in the Inaugural Survival ... - PokerNews.com

Monday night's High Stakes Poker show the second episode of Season 11 featured a $1 million pot and was dominated by the overly aggressive play of Eric Persson.

Persson, however, wasn't seated at the table when the show began but would enter shortly after. When the cameras began rolling, the table included the same cast of characters as last week Andrew Robl, Rick Salomon, Rob Yong, Ferdinand Putra, Jean-Robert Bellande, Charles Yu (initial chip counts below).

Moments into the show, one of the largest pots in High Stakes Poker history transpired. With a $8,000 double straddle on, Bellande began the action by raising to $20,000 with QQ. Yu, on the button, then made it $60,000 with AK. Bellande then made it $500,000, essentially putting his opponent all in, and was followed by a shove and then call, creating a pot of $1,032,000.

Didnt really wanna get called, Bellande told the table as both players awaited the dealing of the community cards.

With such a massive pot at stake, the high rollers agreed to run it twice to minimize the risk. The first board showed 8108105, clean for the queens. But a flush was made on the second run-out for the ace-king hand and they chopped the pot.

Persson, who seems to appear on all the high stakes poker shows these days, mostly Hustler Casino Live and Ballys Big Bet Poker LIVE, joined the High Stakes Poker action late with $500,000 worth of chips. He would quickly make his presence felt.

With no straddle on in one hand, Persson limped for $2,000 in early position with QQ, clearly looking to set the trap. Bellande, in late position, called with 97 before Yong followed suit on the button with 65. as did Putra, holding Q2 in the small blind. Salomon then checked his option with Q8.

The flop came out 553, trips for Yong, who bet $12,000 after everyone checked it around to him, receiving a call only from Persson. When the J appeared on the turn, Persson checked and his lone remaining opponent did as well, surprisingly.

But following the 6 river, the hand went off the rails starting with the $45,000 over-bet from Persson. Yong, whose already superior hand improved to a full house on the river, raised to $200,000 and received an instant call before taking down the $436,000 pot.

Moments later, Bellande was able to semi-bluff Persson off two pair on the turn with an open-ended straight draw. Persson would then try to bully Robl with jack-high, but eventually gave up on the river and lost to pocket jacks in a $249,000 pot.

Things got even worse for the Maverick Casinos owner when he made a $90,000 raise with 43 on a flop of 10JA but was up against Yus AK. Later in the show, with 1010, Persson would fold to a massive four-bet preflop from Yong, who had AK.

Persson Hits Quads During High Stakes Poker Season 10

On the final hand of the episode, Persson punted off his stack, which he'd added on to. The future owner of a poker room at Tropicana in Las Vegas put on the triple straddle ($16,000) and looked down at Q9 facing a raise to $45,000 from Robl (small blind) who held AK.

Persson called to see a flop of A95, a pair for each player. Robl led for $45,000 and received a call. The turn was the 4 and Robl would bet out $102,000, continuing to tell the story that he had a big hand, which he did. But Persson wasn't a believer and moved all in for $238,000. Robl took no time in making the call and the two competitors decided to run it just once. The 5 on the river changed nothing.

Robl, who scooped that monster final pot, finished the episode with nearly $2.2 million in his stack, while Persson got stacked. Episode 3 of High Stakes Poker Season 11 will air next Monday (August 21) at 5 p.m. PT on PokerGO.

*Images courtesy of PokerGO

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Eric Persson Torches Hundreds of Thousands on Latest High ... - PokerNews.com