Chris Csik has taken down the first World Series of Poker Circuit event, to be held in the state of Maryland, after defeating Faisal Sidiqui, in heads-up action, to take the first prize of over $200,000.
It was the first time the World Series of Poker (WSOP) had visited the state of Maryland.
It won’t be forgotten.
In only the second event of the series, a $365 re-entry event, they broke the Maryland record for a live tournament, after 2,403 players turned up to party. Jesse Mills walked away with $106,305 for first.
Then fireworks flew in the $1,675 Main Event. Reigning World Poker Tour (WPT) Player of the Year (POY), Mukul Pahuja, going to twitter town after officials announced they were going to offer a $1m guarantee for the event, after buy-ins had already exceeded $960,000.
Pahuja went nuts, Phil Hellmuth – who was also playing in the event – loved it, Pahuja called him a cheeseburger salesman, and you can read all about it right here.
The largest live tournament in Maryland’s history, Phil Hellmuth being called a cheeseburger – there’s a few first’s right there. But there was another one. Chris Csik won the first-ever WSOPC Main Event to be held on Maryland soil. He defeated 670 players to take home a handsome looking check of $206, 020.
“It’s really just surreal,” Csik told WSOP after his win. “I couldn’t even tell you right now. It’s hard to understand the gravity of the situation. Obviously it’s a lot of money and I work hard for a score like this and it feels really cool to get it.”
It was the largest chunk of change in Csik’s career. Although he did finish 78th in last year’s Monster Stack, at the WSOP. He also adds a gold ring and seat at the National Championships to his hoard.
Csik started the final table as the chip leader, but had a 2:1 chip disadvantage by the time he met Faisal Sidiqui in heads-up action. Patience, luck and some skill over turned that deficit. Steve Karp and Roland Israelashvili were also at the final table.
“It’s the biggest of my life, but it’s hard to say that the lifestyle is going to change,” said Csik. “Because every score that you get you think it’s going to be the be all and end all, but then you just keep looking for more and just keep going out there. I’ve been going at it a while and it’s a tough sport to stick with.”
Justin Liberto took the other National Championships seat after winning the Casino Championship honors. He cashed three times, all of which were final tables, and he also won a gold ring.
Other notables to cash in the event were Christian Harder (15th), Phil Hellmuth (50th) and Amanda Musumeci (52nd).
Final Table Results
1st. Chris Csik – $206,020
2nd. Faisal Sidiqui – $127,484
3rd. Daniel Fisher – $93,505
4th. Jonathan Gilliam – $69,536
5th. Jason Rogers – $52,411
6th. John Moore – $40,029
7th. Roland Israelashvili – $30,974
8th. Trevor Deeter – $24,281
9th. Steve Karp – $19,276
