Brian Rast Poker Tournament Updates

Brian Rast Wins Event #55 ($1,720,328)

Jul 07, '11

Phil Hellmuth Eliminated in 2nd Place ($1,063,034)

Shortly after re-doubling to almost even, Brian Rast took his new found momentum and began to quickly chip away at Hellmuth’s stack. It wasn’t long before the two players were all in again, but this time Hellmuth was at risk of elimination.

Phil Hellmuth button-raised 400,000 before the flop and Brian Rast called from the big blind.

The flop came J 10 9, Rast bet 500,000, Hellmuth moved all in and Rast called.

Rast turned over K Q for the nut straight on the flop while Hellmuth showed 8 2 for what was his third flopped flush draw in a matter of minutes.

The turn and river were the 5 and the 8, no help to Phil Hellmuth who was eliminated in 2nd place ($1,063,034). Brian Rast wins his second gold bracelet overall this summer in Event #55, taking home what many consider to be the most coveted title in poker, the “Chip Reese Memorial Trophy” and the $1,720,328 grand prize.

This finish marks Hellmuth’s third 2nd place finish at this year’s WSOP and now Brian Rast gets to join John Juanda and Eric Rodawig as the third person this summer to deny Phil Hellmuth what would have been his record-breaking twelfth WSOP gold bracelet.

Rast Doubles Again…Back to Even

Shortly after getting Hellmuth to shove with a flush draw in a previous hand, Brian Rast doubled up again through Hellmuth, and once again Hellmuth got it all in with a draw on the flop.

Phil Hellmuth completed the small blind, Brian Rast raised to 285,000 from the big blind and Hellmuth called.

The flop came K J 4, Rast bet 375,000, Hellmuth raised to 900,000, Rast moved all in for around 4,200,000 and Hellmuth called.

Rast was ahead with K 7 for top pair against Hellmuth’s 10 8 for a flush draw.

The turn and river were the K and the 7, giving Rast a full house on the river to win the pot and double up to nearly even with 9,250,000 to Hellmuth’s 9,950,000.

Down But Not Out..Rast Doubles to Stay Alive

Phill Hellmuth completed the small blind, Brian Rast raised to 400,000 from the big blind and Hellmuth called.

The flop came 10 4 4, Rast bet 345,000, Hellmuth shoved and Rast called all in.

Rast was ahead with A K against Hellmuth’s 9 6.

The turn and river were the Q and the 2, no help to Hellmuth as Rast doubled up to 5,260,000 that hand.

Hellmuth Eyes Number Twelve

Phil Hellmuth began heads-up play with a a slight chip lead of 10,015,000 to 9,185,000 against Brian Rast. Although it was Rast that won the first pot of heads-play with a button-raise for the minimum, it was Phil Hellmuth that quickly took control of the final heads-up match.

Brian Rast entered heads-up play very aggressively, but Hellmuth was able to three-bet his way to a noticeable chip lead in the early hands of heads-up action. Hellmuth took the first pot that saw a showdown worth 500,000 with queen-high and diligently began to chop away at his opponent’s stack. Hellmuth eventually chipped his way up to a 3:1 chip lead with 14.4 million to 4.8 million after raking a pot worth over 3 million by check-raising Rast off the turn for most of his stack.

Hellmuth continued to put the squeeze on his opponent this past level, taking a massive chip lead of more than 5:1 after winning a showdown with 10 6 for two pair on a board of Q 8 6 10 A. That hand put Hellmuth at about 16.3 million to Rast’s 2.9 million.

Player Tags: Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast

Level 27: Hellmuth Leads Rast Heads-Up, Ly Eliminated 3rd ($665,763)

Jul 07, '11

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 60,000-120,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 2 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 9,600,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 10,015,000
2. Brian Rast – 9,185,000

Eliminations:

3rd. Minh Ly – $665,763

Minh Ly Eliminated in 3rd Place ($665,763)

Phil Hellmuth button-raised to 280,000 before the flop, Minh Ly moved all in for about 1,900,000 from the small blind and Hellmuth called.

Hellmuth lead with A 6 against Ly’s K 5.

The board came 9 7 6 5 3, giving Hellmuth a pair of sixes on the flop to win the pot. Minh Ly was eliminated in 3rd place ($665,763) while Hellmuth took the chip lead going into heads-up play.

NOTE: With the elimination of Minh Ly in 3rd place, Phil Hellmuth took the chip lead going into heads-up play with 10,015,000 to Brian Rast’s 9,185,000.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast

Level 26: Rast Takes Chip Lead, Ahmed Eliminated 4th ($482,085)

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: The final four players took a one hour dinner break at the conclusion of Level 25 and returned at approximately 10:45pm to resume play.

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 50,000-100,000 with a 30,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 6,400,000

Chip Counts:

1. Brian Rast – 8,925,000
2. Phil Hellmuth – 8,120,000
3. Minh Ly – 2,155,000

Eliminations:

4th. Owais Ahmed – $482,085

Hellmuth Loses Chip Lead, Takes it Back

Hellmuth lost the chip lead back to Minh Ly at the beginning of Level 26 and then continued to give even more away. Hellmuth lost a 2 million chip pot to Brian Rast that didn’t make it to a showdown about a half-hour in, and that hand knocked Hellmuth down to third in chips behind both Minh Ly and Brian Rast.

Hellmuth answered back however and managed to take a pot off of Brian Rast worth over 3 million with a pair of sixes, once again taking the chip lead with just under 7 million.

Rast Doubles Through Ly, Takes Chip Lead

Brian Rast who had since been knocked down to third in chips with about 4.2 million found a well-timed double up through Minh Ly that put Rast on top with 8.6 million and knocked Ly down to the short stack with 1.9 million in chips.

Minh Ly opened the pot for a raise to 200,000 from under the gun, Brian Rast reraised to 500,000 from the button and Ly called.

The flop came 7 6 2, Ly bet 1,000,000, Rast moved all in for about 3,700,000 and Ly called.

Rast lead with 10 10 against Ly’s J 7.

The turn and river were the K and the 3, no help for Minh Ly as Brian Rast doubled up to take the chip lead with about 8.6 million.

Owais Ahmed Eliminated in 4th Place ($482,085)

Phil Hellmuth completed the small blind, Owais Ahmend moved all in from the big blind for about 1,750,000 and Hellmuth called.

Hellmuth lead with A J against Ahmed’s K 10.

The board came K 9 7 5 A, giving Ahmed top pair on the flop for the lead, but Hellmuth rivered an ace to win the pot. Owais Ahmed was eliminated in 4th place ($482,085).

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast,   Owais Ahmed

Level 25: Hellmuth Leads Final Four At The Dinner Break

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: The final four players took a one hour dinner break at the conclusion of Level 25 and will return at approximately 10:45pm to resume play.

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 20,000 ante

Players Remaining: 4 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 4,800,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 6,875,000
2. Minh Ly – 5,410,000
3. Brian Rast – 4,730,000
4. Owais Ahmed – 2,185,000

Hellmuth Gives Back, Still Leads at Dinner

Hellmuth first lost about 700,000 chips to Minh Ly in a big pot that dropped Hellmuth down to about 9 million in chips and kicked Ly up to 6.1 million. Ly flopped top pair on an all spade board and although Hellmuth saved bets on the turn and the river, he mucked the A that hand after failing to hit his draw.

Despite shipping chips the other way, Hellmuth has continued to be quite active heading towards the dinner break. Rast won a three-way, million-chip pot with an
A – Q high as well a s a few smaller pots against Hellmuth this past hour, slowly closing the gap between the chip leader and the rest of the pack.

Although Hellmuth had nearly double second place an hour into this round with over 10 million chips, he aggressively managed to give back more than 3 million in the last forty minutes of the level. Hellmuth still holds a sizable chip lead heading into the dinner break four-handed with just under 7 million in chips.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast,   Owais Ahmed

Level 25: Hellmuth Dominates Table, Extends Lead to Over 10 Million

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 40,000-80,000 with a 20,000 ante

Players Remaining: 4 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 4,800,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 10,100,000
2. Minh Ly – 5,220,000
3. Brian Rast – 2,700,000
4. owais Ahmed – 1,180,000

Hellmuth Dominates Table, Extends Lead

Phil Hellmuth has been extremely active over the last hour and as a result he has managed to extend his lead to over 10 million in chips. He first broke 7 million after flopping a set of kings with no action against Minh Ly and Brian Rast, who at the time were second and third in chips with 4.8 million and 4.5 million.

Hellmuth picked up a lot of small pots this past level as well as a 1.2 million chip pot against Owais Ahmed with a big bet on the river that forced a fold. Hellmuth managed to collect another few million chips this past hour without having many forced showdowns, but occasionally offered his opponents a peek of his current run-good.

Hellmuth showed pocket jacks after three-bet, check-shoving from the small blind against Owais Ahmed’s big blind. That hand left Ahmed on the short stack and put Hellmuth close to 8 million in chips.

Hellmuth continued to dominate the table this past hour and managed to take a big chunk out Brian Rast’s stack about halfway through Level 25. In two consecutive hands, Hellmuth was able to take nearly 1.1 million from Rast, Putting himself over 10 million in chips and leaving Rast with about 2.7 million. Hellmuth first rivered two pair to win a 1.4 million showdown and then another 740,000 pot with a rivered set of nines.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast,   Owais Ahmed

Level 24: Hellmuth Leads Final Five; Lind 6th, Seiver 7th

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 30,000-60,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 5 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 3,840,000

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 7,385,000
2. Brian Rast – 4,145,000
3. Owais Ahmed – 2,990,000
4. Minh Ly – 2,885,000
5. Matt Glantz – 2,040,000

Eliminations:

6th. George Lind – $300,441
7th. Scott Seiver – $243,978

George Lind Eliminated in 6th Place ($300,441)

George Lind opened the pot for 125,000 from under the gun and Minh Ly called from the button.

The flop came A Q 6, Lind checked, Ly bet 150,000 and Lind called.

The turn was the 10, Lind checked, Ly bet 380,000, Lind check-raised all in and Ly called.

Lind turned over Q 10 for two pair but Ly was ahead with 8 7 for a flush.

The river was the 3, no help to George Lind who was eliminated in 6th place ($300,441).

Scott Seiver Eliminated in 7th Place ($243,978)

Scott Seiver moved all in before the flop and Brian Rast called from the big blind.

Rast lead with A A against Seiver’s 8 8.

The board came 7 6 3 2 9, no help for Scott Seiver who was eliminated in 7th place ($243,978).

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Brian Rast,   Scott Seiver,   George Lind

Level 23: Hellmuth Leads, Lamb Eliminated 8th ($201,338)

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 2,742,857

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Hellmuth – 5,830,000
2. Matt Glantz – 3,155,000
3. Minh Ly – 2,405,000
4. Brian Rast – 1,995,000
5. George Lind – 1,985,000
6. Scott Seiver – 1,945,000
7. Owais Ahmed – 1,885,000

Eliminations:

8th. Ben Lamb – $201,338

Hellmuth Doubles Through Rast, Takes Chip Lead

Brian Rast opened the pot for 125,000 before the flop, Phil Hellmuth reriased to 250,000 and Rast called.

The flop came Q J 5, Rast bet 2,000,000, Hellmuth reriased all in for 2,030,000 and Rast called the additional 30,000 raise.

Hellmuth turned over J J for middle set while Rast showed 7 5 for bottom pair and a live flush draw.

The turn and river were the 7 and the 7, giving both players a full house on the river, but Hellmuth the best hand overall to win the pot. Hellmuth doubled up to just over 4,750,000 that hand, stealing the chip lead for the first time tonight.

Ben Lamb Eliminated in 8th Place ($201,338)

Scott Seiver opened the pot for 100,000 before the flop, Ben Lamb moved all in with the short stack for 295,000 and Seiver called.

Seiver lead with A J against Lamb’s A 2.

The board came K 6 4 3 9, no help for Ben Lamb who was the first one eliminated in 8th place ($201,338).

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast,   Ben Lamb,   Scott Seiver

Level 23: Lester Eliminated 9th, Official Final Table Now Underway

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: The day began with the final nine players consolidated down to one table. With the elimination of Jason Lester in 9th place ($168,520), the official eight-handed final table is now underway.

NOTE: Although this tournament began as a mixed-game event, the official eight-handed final table will only be playing No-Limit Hold’em from here on out.

NOTE: One-hundred minute levels with a fifteen minute break at the end of each level.

Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 8 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 2,400,000

Chip Counts:

1. Minh Ly – 4,490,000
2. Brian Rast – 3,860,000
3. George Lind – 2,8405,000
4. Matt Glantz – 2,685,000
5. Phil Hellmuth – 2,345,000
6. Owais Ahmed – 1,225,000
7. Scott Seiver – 1,100,000
8. Ben Lamb – 655,000

Payouts:

1st. $1,720,328
2nd. $1,063,034
3rd. $665,763
4th. $482,058
5th. $376,750
6th. $300,441
7th. $243,978
8th. $201,338

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Brian Rast,   Ben Lamb,   Scott Seiver,   Owais Ahmed,   George Lind

Level 23: Unofficial Final Table Begins Now

Jul 06, '11

NOTE: Play ended last night at just after 5:00am and resumed this afternoon at approximately 3:30pm. The final nine players combined at one table, and with the elimination of just one more player, the official eight-handed final table will be set.

Triple Draw 2-7 – Hold’em – Omaha 8:
Blinds: 50,000-100,000
Limits:100,000-200,000

Razz – Stud – Stud 8:
Ante: 20,000
Bring-In: 30,000
Completion: 100,000
Limits:100,000-200,000

No-Limit Hold’em – PLO (No Ante):
Blinds: 25,000-50,000 with a 15,000 ante

Players Remaining: 9 out of 128

Average Chip Count: 2,133,333

Chip Counts:

1. Minh Ly – 5,215,000
2. Brian Rast – 2,660,000
3. Matt Glantz – 2,535,000
4. George Lind – 2,315,000
5. Phil Hellmuth – 2,245,000
6. Owais Ahmed – 1,425,000
7. Ben Lamb – 1,180,000
8. Jason Lester – 920,000
9. Scott Seiver – 725,000

Payouts:

1st. $1,720,328
2nd. $1,063,034
3rd. $665,763
4th. $482,058
5th. $376,750
6th. $300,441
7th. $243,978
8th. $201,338
9th. $168,529

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Minh Ly,   Phil Hellmuth,   Jason Lester,   Brian Rast,   Ben Lamb,   Scott Seiver,   Owais Ahmed,   George Lind

Brian Rast Wins Event #15 ($227,232)

Jun 11, '11

Allen Kessler Eliminated in 2nd Place ($140,309)

Brian Rast returned from the dinner break with a chip lead of 2,040,000 to Allen Kessler’s 1,405,000. Kessler managed to chip up a bit and narrow the gap, but it wasn’t long before Kessler was all in for a 3,000,000 pot.

Brian Rast button-raised to 90,000 before the flop and Allen Kessler called from the big blind.

The flop came A 5 3, Kessler checked, Rast bet 90,000, Kessler check-raised to 200,000, Rast three-bet to 500,000, Kessler four-bet all in for just over 1.4 million and Rast insta-called.

Rast turned over K 9 for the nut flush while Kessler showed 5 3 for bottom two pair. Kessler would need to catch a five or a three to win with a full house, or catch a running straight flush on the board to chop.

The turn and river were the 7 and the 7, and Allen Kessler was eliminated in 2nd place ($140,309). Brian Rast wins Event #15 capturing the gold bracelet and the $227,232 grand prize.

Player Tags: Allen Kessler,   Brian Rast

Level 24: Final Two on Dinner Break; Rast Leads Kessler Heads-Up

Jun 11, '11

NOTE: The final two players took a sixty minute dinner break at the conclusion of Level 24 and should return at approximately 8:20pm to resume play.

Blinds: 15,000-30,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 765

Average Chip Count: 1,721,250

Chip Counts:

1. Brian Rast – 2,040,000
2. Allen Kessler – 1,405,000

Eliminations:

3rd. Dajuan Whorley – $91,212
4th. Daisuke Endo – $66,940
5th. Mika Paasonen – $49,902
6th. Ali Eslami – $37,654

This was a shockingly fast round of play, losing four of the remaining six players that started the level. Both Brian Rast and Allen Kessler claimed two K.O.’s each this level, setting themselves up in prime position for heads-up play. After the elimination of Dajuan Whorley in 3rd place, Brian Rast led Allen Kessler in heads-up play with 1,910,000 to 1,535,000.

Ali Eslmani Eliminated in 6th Place ($37,654)

Ali Eslami raised to 105,000 from the cutoff and Brian Rast called from the big blind.

The flop came K 7 2, Rast shoved and Eslami called all in.

Rast showed K 7 for two pair and was ahead of Eslami’s big-slick.

The turn was the 7, giving Rast a full house. Eslmani was drawing dead to the river and was eliminated in 6th place ($37,654).

Mika Paasonen Eliminated in 5th Place ($49,902)

Mika Paasonen raised to 60,000 before the flop, Brian Rast three-bet him all in and Paasonen called.

Rast showed A K for the lead against Paasonen’s K 10.

The board came K 8 2 9 3, giving both players top pair on the flop, Rast of course with the better kicker. Mika Paasonen was eliminated in 5th place ($49,902).

Daisuke Endo Eliminated in 4th Place ($66,994)

Daisuke Endo open-shoved the button for about 100,000 and Allen Kessler called from the small blind.

Kessler turned over K 10 for the lead against Endo’s Q J.

The board came K 6 5 2 8, giving Kessler top pair on the flop. Daisuke Endo was eliminated in 4th place ($66,994).

Dajuan Whorley Eliminated in 3rd Place ($91,219)

Allen Kessler raised to 70,000 before the flop and Dajuan Whorley called from the big blind.

The flop came 9 8 3, Whorley checked, Kessler bet 80,000, Whorley check-raised to 175,000, Kessler shoved and Whorley called all in.

Whorley showed J 9 for top pair against Kessler’s A A.

The turn and river were the 7 and the 5, no help for Dujuan Whorley who was eliminated in 3rd place ($92,219).

NOTE: With the elimination of Dajuan Whorley in 3rd place, Brian Rast led Allen Kessler in heads-up play with 1,910,000 to 1,535,000.

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Allen Kessler,   Ali Eslami,   Brian Rast,   Dajuan Whorley,   Mika Paasonen,   Daisuke Endo

Level 22: Cohen Eliminated 10th, Final Table Now Underway

Jun 11, '11

NOTE: Play ended last night with the unofficial final table of 10 players and resumed today at 2:30pm. With the elimination of Andrew Cohen in 10th place ($13,601), the official nine-handed final table is now underway.

Blinds: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 9 out of 765

Average Chip Count: 382,500

Chip Counts:

1. Brian Rast – 995,000
2. Allen Kessler – 618,000
3. John Gordon – 590,000
4. Ali Eslami – 375,000
5. Dajuan Whorley – 255,000
6. Mika Paasonen – 215,000
7. Daisuke Endo – 174,000
8. Ted Lawson – 140,000
9. Ronald Lee – 25,000

Payouts:

1st. $227,232
2nd. $140,309
3rd. $91,212
4th. $66,994
5th. $49,902
6th. $37,654
7th. $28,741
8th. $22,183
9th. $17,298

Be sure to check back hourly for level-by-level updates of this final table.

Player Tags: Ted Lawson,   Allen Kessler,   Ali Eslami,   John Gordon,   Brian Rast,   Dajuan Whorely,   Mika Paasonen,   Ronald Lee

Day 3 Begins at 2:30 p.m.

Jun 11, '11

Only ten remain in the $1,500 pot-limit hold’em event here at the Rio. As is the theme of the day, the final table will be stacked with notables looking to pick up WSOP gold.

Leading the way is Brian Rast with 1,081,000. His nearest competitor, Allen Kessler, sits with 618,000. In addition to the bracelet, these players will battle it out for the first-place prize of $227,232.

Here’s a look at the chip counts.

Rank	Player Name	Chip Count
1	Brian Rast	1,081,000
2	Allen Kessler	618,000
3	Ali Eslami	402,000
4	John Gordon	380,000
5	Ronald Lee	198,000
6	Andrew Cohen	190,000
7	Mika Paasonen	187,000
8	Daisuke Endo	174,000
9	Ted Lawson	140,000
10	Dajuan Whorley	85,000

All of the action begins at 2:30 p.m. today and Card Player will have all of it for you with level-by-level updates.

Player Tags: Brian Rast

Level 17 Hour Two Update: Lots of Eliminations Early

Jul 14, '10

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 with a 1,000 ante

Players Remaining: 500 out of 7,319

Average Chip Count: 439,140

Card Player Chip Counts:

Adam Schoenfeld — 320,000
Andrew Brokos — 487,000
Josh Brikis — 1,194,000

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Tony Dunst – 1,470,000
2. Duy Le – 1,460,000
3. Matt Affleck – 1,450,000
4. Phil Galfond – 1,392,000
5. Matthew Jarvis – 1,373,000
6. Garrett Adelstein – 1,290,000
7. Benjamin Statz – 1,283,000
8. Theo Jorgensen – 1,260,000
9. Matthew Brown – 1,203,000
10. Josh Brikis – 1,194,000

Notable Eliminations:

Lauren Kling
Fabrice Soulier
Yevgeniy Timoshenko
Eric Buchman
Shannon Shorr
Matt Matros

Big Hands:

Lee Finds a Double

Bernard Lee got his last 41,000 into the middle prefop against Dragan Galic. Galic tabled AQ and Lee showed 66 and it was time to race.

Lee flopped a set and doubled up to 100,000 as the board ran out 862A5.

Billirakis Scores an Early KO

Jamie Robbins and Steve Billirakis got tangled up in a preflop raising war which led to Robbins committing the last of his chips in the middle and Billirakis making the call.

Robbins tabled K-Q and Billirakis showed AK. The board ran out good for Billirakis as it came 649K9. Robbins shook Billirakis’ hand and headed to claim his prize money.

Matros Crippled Compliments of a Cold Deck

Matt Matros and Kevin Stani got all of Stani’s chips in the middle preflop. Matros showed KK, but ran into the AA of Stani. The board came A8763 and Matros lost 294,000 to Stani, leaving him with just 59,000.

Matros was eliminated just an orbit later.

The Johnny Chan Show Continues on Day Five

Andrew Jeter moved in his last 42,000 from the small blind after Johnny Chan had raised under-the-gun. Chan made the call and it was off to showdown.

Jeter showed K8 and Chan was ahead with pocket threes. The board came out Q32AJ. Chan is up to 1,170,000 and Jeter is off to collect his money.

Soulier Gone

Fabrice Soulier moved all-in for his last 79,000 from the cutoff and David Emmons three-bet from the button to isolate and both blinds folded.

Soulier was in trouble when Emmons showed AK and Soulier could only muster up K10. Soulier caught a good flop of Q106, but the J on the turn gave Emmons the nut straight. The 8 couldn’t salvage a chop for Soulier and he was eliminated.

Buchman Eliminated as Rice Doubles

Shawn Rice and Eric Buchman got into a prelflop battle with Rice and Buchman being on the button and in the big blind. They ended up getting all-in with very similar stack sizes.

Buchman showed KQ and Rice held KK. After they counted out the stacks, it was revealed that Rice had Buchman covered by just 2,000 chips.

The board ran out 599A7 and Buchman’s chances at a repeat of last year’s final table appearance are over.

Hougaard Slips

Isaac Krantz moved all-in on a flop of J64 and Jesper Hougaard quickly made the call.

Hougaard showed pocket kings, but had to fade some cards when Krantz showed 57, giving him an open-ended straight draw. The 8 on the turn meant that Hougaard went from first to worst and he slipped to 757,000 and Krantz doubled up to 320,000.

Rast Sent Packing

Brian Rast raised from early position and Greg Schaefer three-bet from middle position. Rast made the call and the fop came Q94. All the money got in the middle and Rast showed A7, good for a flush draw and Schaefer showed AQ, giving him top pair.

The turn was the 10 and the river was the A. Rast missed his draw and he was sent to the rail, while Schaefer is now up to 810,000 in chips.

David Peters Doubles Up

David Peters got his stack of about 300,000 in preflop with the AK versus the 75 of an opponent. The board ran out J10368 and he doubled to about 640,000.

Brett Richey Doubles Up

A player in middle position bet 16,000 and Brett Richey moved all in for 209,000. His opponent went into the tank before eventually making the call. Richey exposed the AK while his opponent tabled the AQ. The board ran out K102104 and Richey doubled to about 460,000.

Shannon Shorr Eliminated

On a board of K1033 one player was already all in. There was a side pot between Shannon Shorr and another player. Shorr and his opponent got all the money in and Shorr tabled pocket tens but was no good against the pocket kings of his opponent. The river bricked for Shorr and his stack of over 400,000 was gone. The other all-in player had A-K and was also eliminated.

Lauren Kling Eliminated

Lauren Kling moved all in preflop for 52,000 with the AQ and was called by an opponent with the 88. The pocket pair held as the board ran out 10-6-5-2-9. Kling was gone.

Eric Baldwin Doubles Up a Player

A player in late position moved all in for 93,000 and it was folded to Eric Baldwin in the small blind. Baldwin tanked before finally moving all in over the top to force the big blind out. Baldwin’s opponent tabled the QQ and Baldwin exposed the 77. The queens held as the board ran out 662AJ. Baldwin was still at over 400,000 after the hand.

Twitter Accounts

Bernard Lee
Scotty Nguyen
Tristan Wade
Brandon Cantu

Player Tags: Eric Buchman,   Johnny Chan,   Fabrice Soulier,   Steve Billirakis,   Bernard Lee,   Brian Rast,   Shannon Shorr,   Eric Baldwin,   Lauren Kling

Round 5 Hour 1 Update: Brian Rast Eliminated

Jun 19, '10

Blinds: 3,000-6,000

Players Remaining: 15 out of 256

Round Five Starting Chip Stack: 480,000

Notable Eliminations:

Brian Rast — $38,424

Notable Advancements to Round Six:

None

Player Twitter Accounts:

Faraz Jaka
Ludovic Lacay

Big Hands:

Vanessa Rousso Doubles Up

On a flop of AK10 Vivek Rajkumar four-bet and Vanessa Rousso five bet all in. Rajkumar insta-called and tabled the 1010 for bottom set but was behind against the QJ of Rousso. The turn and river failed to pair the board for Rajkumar and he doubled up Rousso to 800,000. Rajkumar was left with just 160,000 after the hand.

Brian Rast Eliminated

Ayaz Mahmood limped and Brian Rast checked from the big bind. The flop came 763 and Rast checked. Mahmood bet 10,000 and Rast moved all in for just 50,000. Mahmood called and exposed the A7 and was behind against the 63 of Rast. The A on the turn gave Mahmood a higher two pair and sent Rast to the brink of elimination. Rast failed to fill up when the 4 landed on the river. Mahmood advances.

Player Tags: Vanessa Rousso,   Brian Rast,   Vivek Rajkumar

Round 4 Hour 1 Update: Jason Somerville, Brian Rast and Kido Pham Advance

Jun 19, '10

Blinds: 2,500-5,000

Players Remaining: 30 out of 256

Round Four Starting Chip Stack: 240,000

Notable Eliminations:

31. Antonio Esfandiairi — $17,987

Notable Advancements to Round Four:

Jason Somerville
Brian Rast
Kido Pham

Player Twitter Accounts:

Faraz Jaka
Kevin Saul
David Williams
Ludovic Lacay

Big Hands:

Jason Somerville Advances

Jason Somerville bet 6,000 from the button and Julian Herold raised to 16,000. Somerville four-bet to 46,000 and Herold five-bet to 105,000. Somerville moved all in and Herold made the call. Somerville tabled the AK and was in great shape versus the AQ. The board ran out J92KQ and Herold was gone. Somerville is on to round five.

Brian Rast Doubles Up, Eliminates Antonio Esfandiari

On a flop of K96 Antonio Esfandiari put Brian Rast all in. Rast made the call with the K10 and was in great shape against the QJ of Esfandiari. The pair of kings held and Rast doubled to over 450,000. Esfandiari was down to just 30,000 after the hand and was eliminated shortly thereafter.

Kido Pham Advances

Anton Kozlovskiy bet on the button and Kido Pham raised to 23,500. Kozlovskiy made the call. The flop came 765 and Pham checked. Kozlovskiy bet 35,000 and Pham check-raised to 110,000. Kozlovskiy shoved and Pham called. Pham tabled the AA and was slightly ahead of the 86 of Kozlovskiy, who had a ton of outs. However, the board bricked with the K turn and K river to send Pham on to the next round. Check out Card Player’s odds calculator to see the exact percentages when all the money went in on the flop!

Player Tags: Antonio Esfandiari,   Kido Pham,   Brian Rast,   Jason Somerville

Day 1 in the Books

Jun 09, '10

After 10 levels of play, the 792 entrants in event no. 17, the $5,000 no-limit hold’em event, are now down to 225. The deeper structure seemed to favor the pros as many notable names have a big stack at the day’s end.

Chino Rheem (Pictured Right) and Jeff Williams are pacing the field and look to be towards the top of chip counts with 185,000 and 172,400, respectively. Antonio Esfandiari and Mike Gracz are also among the chip leaders with well over 120,000 each.

There were several other top flight pros that survived the day. Other notables include Brian Rast, Ted Lawson, Tony G, Phil Hellmuth, Isaac Baron, TJ Cloutier, Scott Clements, Marco Johnson, Shaun Deeb, Vivek Rajkumar, Joe Sebok, Jason Mercier, Perry Friedman, Nam Le, Vitaly Lunkin, Lee Markholt, Scott Fischman, Chau Giang, Sam Stein, Phil Ivey, Annette Obrestad, Andrew Lichtenberger, and Joe Cada. Last year’s winner, Brian Lemke, is also still alive.

Don’t forget to check out some of the twitter feeds from some of the players still remaining.

Antonio Esfandiari
Annette Obrestad
Eugene Todd
Justin “Boosted J” Smith
Mike Leah
Phil Hellmuth
Nenad Medic
Barry Greenstein
Joe Sebok
Phil Ivey
Eric Baldwin
Jonathan Little
Brent Roberts
Eric Haber"
Mike Watson

The players will come back on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. to play the second day of this event with the intention to reach the final table. Check back with Card Player for updates on this event and to see who is still alive to claim the $818,959 first place prize money.

Player Tags: Antonio Esfandiari,   Chino Rheem,   Joe Sebok,   Brian Rast,   Jeff Williams

Level 3 Update: Theo Tran Eliminates a Player

May 30, '10

Blinds: 50-100

Players Remaining: 1,612 out of 4,341

Card Player Chip Counts:

Justin Marchand – 5,500
Stephen Murphy – 4,000
Tony Dunst – 12,000

Notable Eliminations:

Greg Raymer
Antonio Esfandiari
J.C. Tran
Jennifer Tilly

Big Hands:

Theo Tran Eliminates a Player

A player in early position bet 150 and two players called. Theo Tran (5,400 in chips) was next to act and made it 400 to go. The initial raiser folded and the next player to act called, prompting a fold from the third player. The flop came 1042 and Tran’s opponent bet 675. Tran made the call. The 4 hit the turn and the unknown went all in for 900 and Tran made the instant call. Tran tabled the AA while his opponent flipped over the A10. The 9 brick on the river sent the pot to Tran who is now at 7,200.

Chad Batista Doubles Up an Opponent

We caught up with the action on a flop of 883 with Chad Batista raising a 500 bet from an opponent, making it 1,500 to go. His opponent announced all in and Batista made the call for a little bit more. His opponent tabled pocket tens while Batista exposed the A3 and failed to improve. Batista is at 4,125 after the hand.

Brian Rast Loses a Hand

We met up with the action on a flop of 877 with Brian Rast on the button versus a player in middle position. Rast’s opponent bet 325 and he called. The 10 fell on the turn and action went check-check. The 4 hit the river and Rast’s opponent bet 1,000 prompting a long decision for Rast. He eventually made the call and his opponent tabled 10-10 for a turned full house. Rast mucked and is now at 3,800.

Tony Dunst Looking Good

With 9,600 in his stack, Tony Dunst had an opponent in for just over 2,000. Dunst tabled the A10 and was up against the pocket kings of his opponent. Dunst flopped an ace and it held to eliminate a player. He is now at 12,000.

Phan Doubles Through Lindgren

Erick Lindgren limped in and then was faced with an all-in from Tim Phan for 1,000. Lindgren made the call and tabled KK and Phan showed AK.

The flop was good for Phan as it came AQ7. The turn kept Phan in the lead with the 6 and the A came on the river, giving Phan trips and the pot. “I wonder how you beat me online,” said Lindgren as Phan stacked his chips.

Left In The Deck:

Michael Binger is either very uninterested in the tournament or is already figuring out what he’s going to do when he’s short stacked. He is at the table reading Crisis Economics.

Player Tags: Brian Rast,   Theo Tran,   Chad Batista,   Tony Dunst

Level 1 - Hour 2 Update: Talal Shakerchi Wins Big Pot

Jul 04, '09

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Counts:

1. Dave D’Alesandro — 64,000
2. Jeremiah Smith — 63,000
3. Angelo Ricci — 62,000
4. Talal Shakerchi – 60,000
5. Sam Khouiss — 52,000
6. Allan Vrooman — 40,000
7. Carlos Mortensen — 39,000
8. Juha Helppi – 37,000
9. Kara Scott — 33,600
10. Eddie Sabat — 32,000

Card Player Chip Counts:

Stephen Murphy – 29,250
Todd Brunson — 26,100
Mike Matusow — 26,000

Notable Eliminations:

None

Big Hands

David Pham vs. Jason Young

With just about 1,000 already in the pot, David Pham bets 600 on an AK9 flop, Jason Young calls. The turn is the 9, and this time Pham bets 1,200, Young calls. The river is the J, Pham bets 3,000 and Young calls. Pham shows AK for top two pair while Jason Young flashes the A as he tosses his cards into the muck. “The Dragon” is up to 35,000 in chips after this hand.

Juha Helppi Adds to Stack

On a board of J532, a player bet 2,500 into Juha Helppi. Helppi went into the tank and threw out a raise to 7,500. Helppi’s opponent went into the tank as well and eventually made the fold. Helppi asked, “did you fold kings?” Helppi is at 37,000.

Talal Shakerchi Wins Big Pot

On a board of K4JK, Talal Shakerchi bet 2,500 and his opponent min-raised to 5,000. Shakerchi deliberated momentarily before making the call. The river brought the 8 and Shakerchi bet 4,000 into the large pot. His opponent reraised to 10,000 and Shakerchi made the quick call. He tabled the JJ for jacks full while his opponent turned over the KQ for trip kings. Shakerchi is up to 60,000.

Brian ‘tsarrast’ Rast and Erik Seidel Tangle

With what might be perhaps the toughest combination of two players sitting right next to each other in the field over over 1,000 players, Erik Seidel had the button against Brian Rast’s small blind. Seidel threw out a raise from the button and Rast called. The board ran out 8455A and Seidel bet 600 on the end. Rast contemplated briefly before calling. Seidel turned over the A8 for top two. Rast Mucked. Seidel is at 30,500.

Left in the Deck

Players are on a twenty-minute break and will return at approximately 2:25 pm PDT to begin Level 2.

Player Tags: Juha Helppi,   David Pham,   Erik Seidel,   Jason Young,   Brian Rast

Level 22 Update: Brian Rast, Brian Townsend, Matthew Marafioti and Keith Lehr Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alec Torelli — 5,375,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 4,030,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,500,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 3,145,000
5. Greg Raymer — 2,995,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 2,045,000
7. Dani Stern- 1,275,000
8. Ted Forrest — 815,000
9. Noah Schwartz – 550,000
10. Tony Guoga- 445,000

Average Chip Count: 2,192,727

Notable Eliminations:

14. Brian Rast ($128,666)
13. Brian Townsend ($128,666)
12. Matthew Marafioti ($172,120)
11. Keith Lehr ($172,120)

Big Hands:

Brian Rast Eliminated in 14th Place ($128,666)

Vitaly Lunkin raised pre-flop to 100,000 from middle position and Brian Rast moved all-in over the top for 420,000 more from the big blind. Lunkin went into the tank and eventually made the call for the majority of his chips and exposed 55. However, Rast had him dominated with KK. The flop was a disaster for Rast however, as Lunkin flopped a full house with three cards of 885. The turn brought the 2 and the river 5 gave Lunkin quads, eliminating Rast close to the final table bubble.

Brian Townsend Eliminated in 13th Place ($128,666)

Brian Townsend shoved all in for his last 800,000 on the button and Alec Torelli isolated behind him. Noah Schwartz tanked in the big blind for a few minutes before making the call himself, putting a huge portion of his stack at risk.

Townsend showed 76, Torelli showed pocket tens and Schwartz showed the best hand with pocket queens. Unfortunately, the board ran out J107104 and Torelli’s quads bumped his stack to 5 million. Schwartz took a hit down to 700,000 and Townsend was eliminated from the tournament.

Matthew Marafioti Eliminated in 12th place ($172,120)

Ted Forrest opened the action with a 120,000 under the gun raise that was re-raised by Isaac Haxton to 375,000 total. Matthew Marafioti was next to act and instantly went all in for 575,000 total. Tony G woke up with AK in the small blind and went into the tank for minutes. Riding a short stack for quite some time, Tony G eventually decided to fold. Isaac immediately called and tabled KK. Marafioti was discouraged as he flipped over QQ. When the players flipped over their cards Tony G said he might have had the odds to call, from the small blind and with his extremely short stack. The flop came A25, putting Haxton well ahead and caused Tony G to pace around the table. The A hit the turn and the J fell on the river, eliminating Marafioti. Haxton is now up to 2,400,000 in chips.

Vitaly Lunkin Wins Huge Double

With very little in the pot, Greg Raymer pushed all in into Vitaly Lunkin for about 1,700,000. Lunkin called immediately to the shock of Raymer. The 2004 Main Event champion exclaimed, “I didn’t think he would call,” as he turned over 66. Lunkin had the perfect read on Raymer and tabled JJ, for a higher pocket pair. With other players at the table saying “nice call” to Lunkin, the flop came out AQK, to put Lunkin far out ahead. The 10 on the turn put Raymer drawing for at best a split pot. The river brought the 10 and Lunkin won a 3,500,000 chip pot.

Keith Lehr Eliminated in 11th Place ($172,120)

Greg Raymer raised and Keith Lehr moved all in for 800,000 from the small blind. Raymer made the call and showed JJ which was racing against Lehr’s AQ. The board ran out king high but failed to connect with Lehr’s hand, sending him to the rail.

Left in the Deck:

The players at the table were trying to work out a short 20 minute break to continue play until one more is eliminated. However, Tony G gave the only dissenting vote to force the rest of the table to take an hour break before resuming play.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Ted Forrest,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Keith Lehr,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Isaac Haxton

Level 15 Update: Greg Raymer Gets Stronger

May 29, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 40 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,660,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,400,000
3. Matth Glantz — 1,058,000
4. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
5. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
6. Ted Forrest — 940,000
7. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000
8. Sorel Mizzi — 840,000
9. Chris Moneymaker — 835,000
10. David Pham — 820,000

Average Chip Count: 603,000

Notable Eliminations:

James Mackey
Alex Jacob
Dale Pinchot

Big Hands:

Greg Raymer Takes Out James Mackey

Shortly into the level, James Mackey found himself all in holding K-Q. Unfortunately, Greg Raymer woke up with A-K. The board brought a king, but Raymer’s kicker was enough to send Mackey home out of the money. After the hand, Raymer stacked ballooned to 1.67 million.

Alec Torelli Picks Up a Big Pot With an All-In Move

Greg Raymer opened from early position to 30,000 and Vanessa Rousso made the call. Brian Rast then raised to 105,000 in the hijack and the action moved over to Alec Torelli. After a few minutes in thought, Torelli moved all in for 810,000.

Raymer quickly folded, as did Rousso. Rast asked for a count, saw that his 650,000 was well covered and the folded. Torelli moved up to approximately 960,000.

Phil Galfond Doubles Through Justin Bonomo

Phil Galfond found himself all in holding a dominating A-K against Justin Bonomo and his A-J. A king hit the flop and Bonomo failed to catch up, doubling Galfond to 488,000 in chips. Bonomo is still healthy with about 1.1 million.

Sami Kelopuro Doubles Up Courtesy of Alan Sass

After an all-in and call, Sami Kelopuro revealed his pocket queens and was way ahead of Alan Sass and his pocket eights. The board ran out Q63J4 and Kelopuro’s set of queens were enough to double him up to about 375,000 in chips.

Chris Moneymaker Gives Up Some Chips to Noah Schwartz

Noah Schwartz was all in on the short stack holding pocket kings against the pocket sevens of Chris Moneymaker. The board failed to help the 2003 champion and Schwartz doubled up to 320,000. Moneymaker dropped below the million mark with 910,000.

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Frank Kassela

On a flop of J107 Sorel Mizzi is all in holding J-10 for top two pair against Frank Kassela’s and his pocket eights. Kassela needs an eight or a nine to bust Mizzi but the turn and river come 610, giving Mizzi a boat and a newly formed stack of about 750,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Frank Kassela,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   James Mackey,   Justin Bonomo,   Vanessa Rousso,   Brian Rast,   Phil Galfond,   Alan Sass,   Noah Schwartz,   Alec Torelli,   Sorel Mizzi,   Sami Kelopuro

Level 12 Update: Brian Townsend Builds a Huge Stack

May 29, '09

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 with a 500 ante

Players Remaining: 67 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alex Veldhuis – 1,090,000
2. Brian Townsend – 950,000
2. Brian Rast – 910,000
3. Justin Bonomo- 760,000
4. Chris Moneymaker – 700,000
6. Ted Forrest – 690,000
7. Matthew Marafioti – 540,000
8. Alec Torelli – 494,500
9. JC Tran- 491,000
10. Andy Black- 470,000

Average Chip Count: 354,706

Notable Eliminations:

Doyle Brunson
Kenny Tran
Lee Markholt
John Duthie
Matt Giannetti
Adam Junglen
Michael DeMichele
Chris Mooreman
David “Devil Fish” Ulliott

Big Hands:

Chau Giang Doubles Up

Facing a 26,500 button raise from Andrew Robl, Chau Giang moved all in pre-flop for 45,000 more. Robl was committed and quickly called with the A10 and Giang was happy to see he had his opponent dominated with the AK. The board ran out Q643K and Giang doubled up to a modest stack of 146,000.

Chris Moneymaker Avoids Disaster

Chris Moneymaker raised pre-floped and Humberto Brenes just called. The flop brought the A and both played the hand cautiously until Moneymaker made a 25,000 bet on the river that Brenes quickly called. Moneymaker turned over pocket queens and Brenes exposed pocket kings to take the small pot. Moneymaker exclaimed, “I got lucky with that flop,” and Brenes said, “Yes you did.”

Brian Townsend Wins a Huge Pot

On a board of A87103 with 330,000 already sitting in the pot, Brian Townsend bet 300,000, leaving just 45,000 in his stack. Mark Seif then went into the tank for a few minutes on the button. Seif was sitting on a stack of 415,000 and he decided to make the call after some deliberation. Townsend flipped over AK and Seif mucked. Seif took a huge hit down to 115,000 after the hand and Townsend’s stack grew to 975,000.

Chris Moore Busts One

Chris Moore (UTG) and his opponent on the small blind got it all in preflop. Their cards:

Moore: AA
Small Blind: 99

Board: 854JJ

Moore won the hand and sent his opponent packing.

Michael DeMichele Sent to the Rail

On a board of 810585, Alexander Veldhuis put Michael DeMichele all in. DeMichele looked disgusted and tanked for quite some time before calling with pocket aces. Veldhuis exposed 88 for quads to eliminate DeMichele.

Brian Rast Gets Lucky to Double Up

On a flop of 75A, Brian Rast got it all in against the A5 of Bruno Fitoussi. The turn brought the Q, giving the online cash game player extra outs. The Q fell on the river and Rast rivered a better two pair to double up to about 650,000.

David “Devil Fish” Ulliott is Eliminated

On the very next hand after Brian Rast’s huge double up, the short stack David Ulliott raised pre-flop to 25,000 with pocket kings. Rast min-raised to 50,000 and Ulliott went all-in instantly. Rast called and exposed 77 and Ulliott tabled pocket kings. The flop was a disaster for Ulliott, as it came A67. Ulliott failed to connect with a higher set and was sent home.

Table 60 is running hot

At the same table and a hand after Rasts double up and Ulliot’s elimination, Greg Raymer called the all-in of Ville Wahlbeck. Raymer showed AJ and Wahlbeck exposed pocket kings. Kings were no good once again as Raymer flopped an ace and built his stack to around 300,000.

Left in the Deck:

Mike Matusow is entered in the Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better tournament that is running simultaneously and has ran over to the other table to see a hand.

Players went to a 20 minute break, and will return to play more 2 more levels before a 60 minute dinner break later this evening. After the break they will play four levels or down to 18 players, whichever comes first.

Card Player TV

Check out this video from CardPlayer TV with chip leader Lex Veldhuis.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Humberto Brenes,   Chris Moneymaker,   Chau Giang,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Chris Moore,   Brian Townsend,   Andrew Robl

Level 22 Update: Brian Rast, Brian Townsend, Matthew Marafioti and Keith Lehr Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 10 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alec Torelli — 5,375,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 4,030,000
3. Vitaly Lunkin – 3,500,000
4. Isaac Haxton – 3,145,000
5. Greg Raymer — 2,995,000
6. Justin Bonomo — 2,045,000
7. Dani Stern- 1,275,000
8. Ted Forrest — 815,000
9. Noah Schwartz – 550,000
10. Tony Guoga- 445,000

Average Chip Count: 2,192,727

Notable Eliminations:

14. Brian Rast ($128,666)
13. Brian Townsend ($128,666)
12. Matthew Marafioti ($172,120)
11. Keith Lehr ($172,120)

Big Hands:

Brian Rast Eliminated in 14th Place ($128,666)

Vitaly Lunkin raised pre-flop to 100,000 from middle position and Brian Rast moved all-in over the top for 420,000 more from the big blind. Lunkin went into the tank and eventually made the call for the majority of his chips and exposed 55. However, Rast had him dominated with KK. The flop was a disaster for Rast however, as Lunkin flopped a full house with three cards of 885. The turn brought the 2 and the river 5 gave Lunkin quads, eliminating Rast close to the final table bubble.

Brian Townsend Eliminated in 13th Place ($128,666)

Brian Townsend shoved all in for his last 800,000 on the button and Alec Torelli isolated behind him. Noah Schwartz tanked in the big blind for a few minutes before making the call himself, putting a huge portion of his stack at risk.

Townsend showed 76, Torelli showed pocket tens and Schwartz showed the best hand with pocket queens. Unfortunately, the board ran out J107104 and Torelli’s quads bumped his stack to 5 million. Schwartz took a hit down to 700,000 and Townsend was eliminated from the tournament.

Matthew Marafioti Eliminated in 12th place ($172,120)

Ted Forrest opened the action with a 120,000 under the gun raise that was re-raised by Isaac Haxton to 375,000 total. Matthew Marafioti was next to act and instantly went all in for 575,000 total. Tony G woke up with AK in the small blind and went into the tank for minutes. Riding a short stack for quite some time, Tony G eventually decided to fold. Isaac immediately called and tabled KK. Marafioti was discouraged as he flipped over QQ. When the players flipped over their cards Tony G said he might have had the odds to call, from the small blind and with his extremely short stack. The flop came A25, putting Haxton well ahead and caused Tony G to pace around the table. The A hit the turn and the J fell on the river, eliminating Marafioti. Haxton is now up to 2,400,000 in chips.

Vitaly Lunkin Wins Huge Double

With very little in the pot, Greg Raymer pushed all in into Vitaly Lunkin for about 1,700,000. Lunkin called immediately to the shock of Raymer. The 2004 Main Event champion exclaimed, “I didn’t think he would call,” as he turned over 66. Lunkin had the perfect read on Raymer and tabled JJ, for a higher pocket pair. With other players at the table saying “nice call” to Lunkin, the flop came out AQK, to put Lunkin far out ahead. The 10 on the turn put Raymer drawing for at best a split pot. The river brought the 10 and Lunkin won a 3,500,000 chip pot.

Keith Lehr Eliminated in 11th Place ($172,120)

Greg Raymer raised and Keith Lehr moved all in for 800,000 from the small blind. Raymer made the call and showed JJ which was racing against Lehr’s AQ. The board ran out king high but failed to connect with Lehr’s hand, sending him to the rail.

Left in the Deck:

The players at the table were trying to work out a short 20 minute break to continue play until one more is eliminated. However, Tony G gave the only dissenting vote to force the rest of the table to take an hour break before resuming play.

Player Tags: Antanas Guoga,   Ted Forrest,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Keith Lehr,   Vitaly Lunkin,   Isaac Haxton

Level 15 Update: Greg Raymer Gets Stronger

May 29, '09

Blinds: 6,000-12,000 with a 2,000 ante

Players Remaining: 40 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Greg Raymer — 2,660,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 1,400,000
3. Matth Glantz — 1,058,000
4. Brian Townsend — 1,015,000
5. Justin Bonomo — 980,000
6. Ted Forrest — 940,000
7. Vitaly Lunkin — 915,000
8. Sorel Mizzi — 840,000
9. Chris Moneymaker — 835,000
10. David Pham — 820,000

Average Chip Count: 603,000

Notable Eliminations:

James Mackey
Alex Jacob
Dale Pinchot

Big Hands:

Greg Raymer Takes Out James Mackey

Shortly into the level, James Mackey found himself all in holding K-Q. Unfortunately, Greg Raymer woke up with A-K. The board brought a king, but Raymer’s kicker was enough to send Mackey home out of the money. After the hand, Raymer stacked ballooned to 1.67 million.

Alec Torelli Picks Up a Big Pot With an All-In Move

Greg Raymer opened from early position to 30,000 and Vanessa Rousso made the call. Brian Rast then raised to 105,000 in the hijack and the action moved over to Alec Torelli. After a few minutes in thought, Torelli moved all in for 810,000.

Raymer quickly folded, as did Rousso. Rast asked for a count, saw that his 650,000 was well covered and the folded. Torelli moved up to approximately 960,000.

Phil Galfond Doubles Through Justin Bonomo

Phil Galfond found himself all in holding a dominating A-K against Justin Bonomo and his A-J. A king hit the flop and Bonomo failed to catch up, doubling Galfond to 488,000 in chips. Bonomo is still healthy with about 1.1 million.

Sami Kelopuro Doubles Up Courtesy of Alan Sass

After an all-in and call, Sami Kelopuro revealed his pocket queens and was way ahead of Alan Sass and his pocket eights. The board ran out Q63J4 and Kelopuro’s set of queens were enough to double him up to about 375,000 in chips.

Chris Moneymaker Gives Up Some Chips to Noah Schwartz

Noah Schwartz was all in on the short stack holding pocket kings against the pocket sevens of Chris Moneymaker. The board failed to help the 2003 champion and Schwartz doubled up to 320,000. Moneymaker dropped below the million mark with 910,000.

Sorel Mizzi Doubles Through Frank Kassela

On a flop of J107 Sorel Mizzi is all in holding J-10 for top two pair against Frank Kassela’s and his pocket eights. Kassela needs an eight or a nine to bust Mizzi but the turn and river come 610, giving Mizzi a boat and a newly formed stack of about 750,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Frank Kassela,   Chris Moneymaker,   Greg Raymer,   James Mackey,   Justin Bonomo,   Vanessa Rousso,   Brian Rast,   Phil Galfond,   Alan Sass,   Noah Schwartz,   Alec Torelli,   Sorel Mizzi,   Sami Kelopuro

Level 12 Update: Brian Townsend Builds a Huge Stack

May 29, '09

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 with a 500 ante

Players Remaining: 67 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Alex Veldhuis – 1,090,000
2. Brian Townsend – 950,000
2. Brian Rast – 910,000
3. Justin Bonomo- 760,000
4. Chris Moneymaker – 700,000
6. Ted Forrest – 690,000
7. Matthew Marafioti – 540,000
8. Alec Torelli – 494,500
9. JC Tran- 491,000
10. Andy Black- 470,000

Average Chip Count: 354,706

Notable Eliminations:

Doyle Brunson
Kenny Tran
Lee Markholt
John Duthie
Matt Giannetti
Adam Junglen
Michael DeMichele
Chris Mooreman
David “Devil Fish” Ulliott

Big Hands:

Chau Giang Doubles Up

Facing a 26,500 button raise from Andrew Robl, Chau Giang moved all in pre-flop for 45,000 more. Robl was committed and quickly called with the A10 and Giang was happy to see he had his opponent dominated with the AK. The board ran out Q643K and Giang doubled up to a modest stack of 146,000.

Chris Moneymaker Avoids Disaster

Chris Moneymaker raised pre-floped and Humberto Brenes just called. The flop brought the A and both played the hand cautiously until Moneymaker made a 25,000 bet on the river that Brenes quickly called. Moneymaker turned over pocket queens and Brenes exposed pocket kings to take the small pot. Moneymaker exclaimed, “I got lucky with that flop,” and Brenes said, “Yes you did.”

Brian Townsend Wins a Huge Pot

On a board of A87103 with 330,000 already sitting in the pot, Brian Townsend bet 300,000, leaving just 45,000 in his stack. Mark Seif then went into the tank for a few minutes on the button. Seif was sitting on a stack of 415,000 and he decided to make the call after some deliberation. Townsend flipped over AK and Seif mucked. Seif took a huge hit down to 115,000 after the hand and Townsend’s stack grew to 975,000.

Chris Moore Busts One

Chris Moore (UTG) and his opponent on the small blind got it all in preflop. Their cards:

Moore: AA
Small Blind: 99

Board: 854JJ

Moore won the hand and sent his opponent packing.

Michael DeMichele Sent to the Rail

On a board of 810585, Alexander Veldhuis put Michael DeMichele all in. DeMichele looked disgusted and tanked for quite some time before calling with pocket aces. Veldhuis exposed 88 for quads to eliminate DeMichele.

Brian Rast Gets Lucky to Double Up

On a flop of 75A, Brian Rast got it all in against the A5 of Bruno Fitoussi. The turn brought the Q, giving the online cash game player extra outs. The Q fell on the river and Rast rivered a better two pair to double up to about 650,000.

David “Devil Fish” Ulliott is Eliminated

On the very next hand after Brian Rast’s huge double up, the short stack David Ulliott raised pre-flop to 25,000 with pocket kings. Rast min-raised to 50,000 and Ulliott went all-in instantly. Rast called and exposed 77 and Ulliott tabled pocket kings. The flop was a disaster for Ulliott, as it came A67. Ulliott failed to connect with a higher set and was sent home.

Table 60 is running hot

At the same table and a hand after Rasts double up and Ulliot’s elimination, Greg Raymer called the all-in of Ville Wahlbeck. Raymer showed AJ and Wahlbeck exposed pocket kings. Kings were no good once again as Raymer flopped an ace and built his stack to around 300,000.

Left in the Deck:

Mike Matusow is entered in the Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better tournament that is running simultaneously and has ran over to the other table to see a hand.

Players went to a 20 minute break, and will return to play more 2 more levels before a 60 minute dinner break later this evening. After the break they will play four levels or down to 18 players, whichever comes first.

Card Player TV

Check out this video from CardPlayer TV with chip leader Lex Veldhuis.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Humberto Brenes,   Chris Moneymaker,   Chau Giang,   Bruno Fitoussi,   Greg Raymer,   Brian Rast,   Chris Moore,   Brian Townsend,   Andrew Robl

Brian Rast Eliminated in 7th Place ($204,275)

Apr 24, '09

Yevgeniy Timoshenko raised from under the gun to 300,000 and Christian Harder reraised to 850,000. Brian Rast moved all in from the small blind and Timoshenko asked for a count.

It turned out that Timoshenko had Rast and his 5,720,000 stack covered by just 30,000. Timoshenko made the call and Harder folded.

Rast showed A K but Timoshenko showed K K. The board came out 9 8 6 6 J and Timoshenko took the biggest pot of the tournament to increase his stack to over 13 million.

Rast is eliminated on the final table bubble in 7th place and earns $204,275.

Player Tags: Brian Rast,   Yevgeniy Timoshenko

Justin Young Eliminated in 8th Place ($163,420)

Apr 24, '09

Brian Rast raised to 275,000 and Justin Young moved all in for 1.2 million. Rast called with Q Q and Young showed 9 9.

The flop came A 9 7 and Young took the lead, but the turn and river came 8 Q and Rast hit a higher set on the river, to move up to 5,440,000 in chips.

Young is eliminated in 8th place and earned $163,420.

 

 

Player Tags: Brian Rast

Brian Rast Doubles Through Christian Harder

Apr 24, '09

Brian Rast moved all in for 1,325,000 and Christian Harder called from the small blind with A-K. Rast showed pocket deuces and they held when the board ran out jack high.

Rast doubles up to 2.8 million.

Player Tags: Brian Rast,   Christian Harder

Freddy Deeb Eliminated in 12th Place ($81,710)

Apr 23, '09

Freddy Deeb and Brian Rast saw a flop of J 7 2. Rasts bet 165,000 and Deeb moved all in. Rast called with A J but Deeb showed 8 7 for middle pair with a flush draw.

The turn and river came 4 5 and Deeb was eliminated in 12th place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Brian Rast,   Freddy Deeb

David Grey Eliminated in 23rd Place ($49,025)

Apr 23, '09

David Grey moved all in for 233,000 and Brian Rast made the call with pocket aces. Grey could only show K 5 and couldn't overcome Rast and his big pair.

Grey finished in 23rd place and earned $49,025. Rast now has 1,900,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: David Grey,   Brian Rast