After a successful tour of Biloxi, the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) has parked its considerable derriere inside the Horseshoe Cincinnati in Ohio for another 12 events designed to attract the states recreational player fields.
It’s the first time that the WSOP has chosen Ohio as one of it’s sparring partners, and the first three events have passed with great news on the attendance front.
Event #1 was a $365 No Limit Hold’em (NLHE) event that attracted 308 players, contributing to a total prize pool of $92,400, and the victor was a familiar name within WSOP circles.
Caufman Talley’s victory was his fourth gold ring, creating knuckles that resemble that of Mr T.
“It feels good [to win my fourth ring], especially because it’s in Cincinnati and I’m the Cincinnati Kid,” Talley said. “Cincinnati is a great place. This is a real awesome casino and the tournament was ran well. The staff is awesome.”
Talley had to overcome a final table with some considerable talent with the likes of Harrah’s New Orleans Main Event Champion Justin Truesdell (3rd), WSOPC winner Robert Hankins (7th), WSOP final tablist Darren Rabinowitz (6th) and 16 time WSOPC casher Bill Vargas (2nd) all pushing the Cincinnati Kid to the peaks of his powers as he picked up $21,716 for his win.
Jason Hill Tops a Huge Field
I have had my outpouring of acrimony over the introduction of re-entry events at a recreational level, but the model continues to thrive despite my opposition.
1,106 players contributed $365 to a $331,800 prize pool (some more than others), as Event #2 was played out over a five-day span. The winner was Jason Hill who defeated Timothy Bishop in heads up action to take the $60,554 first prize.
“It feels pretty spectacular to be part of history,” Hill said. “This is my first WSOP win and this is the most money I’ve won.”
In stark contrast to the glitzy final table that emerged from Event #1, this one possessed no previous WSOPC winners and five of the final table representatives were cashing in their first-ever WSOP event.
Samuel Panzica Does the Double
Samuel Panzica has taken his second WSOPC gold ring after victory in Event #3: $365 Limit Omaha Eight or Better. 148 players created a prize pool of $44,400 and Panzica took $12,434 for his victory.
Panzica first won WSOPC gold back at the turn of the year when he defeated Philip Gilreath in heads-up action to win the $580 NLHE event in Choctaw, Durant for $33,477.
“It feels good,” Panzica said of his second victory. “The WSOP National Championship was a lot of fun last year. I’m going to play a few stops this year and try to qualify again.”
At just 21-years of age, Panzica’s record on the WSOP circuit is impressive. Not only has he won two WSOPC titles, but he has cashed nine times, made four WSOPC final tables, a WSOP final table and more than $130,000 in career earnings.
On his way to glory Panzica had to get passed two-time WSOPC winner John Holley (8th), WSOP bracelet winner Aaron Steury (7th) as well as 28-time WSOPC casher and gold ring winner Joshua Pender (5th).
