Dustin Dirksen Poker Tournament Updates

Final Table Update: Reagan Leman and Dustin Dirksen Eliminated

Jun 23, '10

Blinds: 15,000-30,000 with a 4,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 1,397

Average Chip Count: 1,571,625

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Steven Kelly — 3,140,000
2. Jeffrey King — 2,335,000
3. Derric Haynie — 1,055,000

Eliminations:

5. Reagan Leman — $78,361
4. Dustin Dirksen — $112,214

Big Hands:

Reagan Leman Eliminated in 5th Place ($78,361)

Reagan Leman open-shoved for just 600,000. Jeff King called in the small blind. Leman tabled A5 while King exposed the AQ. The board ran out Q9882 and Lehman was gone.

Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in 4th Place ($112,214)

Derric Haynie shoved from the small blind and Dustin Dirksen called 700,000 for his tournament life. Haynie tabled the Q10 while Dirksen exposed the A10. The flop came Q106 giving Haynie the huge advantage. The 7 on the turn and the K on the river sealed the victory for Haynie. Haynie was over 2,000,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Jeff King,   Dustin Dirksen,   Reagan Leman

Final Table Update: Dustin Dirksen Eliminated

Jun 23, '10

Blinds: 12,000-24,000 with a 3,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 out of 1,397

Average Chip Count: 898,071

Tournament Leaderboard:

1. Jeffrey King — 1,428,000
2. Derric Haynie — 1,275,000
3. Paul Varano — 865,000
4. Dustin Dirksen — 775,000
5. Steven Kelly — 680,000
6. Reagan Leman — 570,000
7. Brett Shaffer — 375,000

Eliminations:

8. Michael Cooper — $30,119

Big Hands:

Michael Cooper Eliminated in 8th Place ($30,119)

Michael Cooper shoved for 343,000 and Dustin Dirksen moved all in over the top. Everyone else folded and Cooper tabled the AQ and was in great shape against the A10 of Dirksen. However, the flop came ten high, giving Dirksen a pair. The pair of tens held and Cooper was eliminated. Cooper was out in eighth and Dirksen was at 760,000 after the hand.

Player Tags: Michael Cooper,   Dustin Dirksen

Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in 6th Place ($400,000)

Jan 10, '09

Benny Spindler raised to 300,000 and Dustin Dirksen reraised to 825,000. It was folded around to Spindler and he moved all in, having Dirksen covered. Dirksen called quickly and the players turned up their hands.

Dirksen: AK
Spindler: 1010

The board came QJJ63 and Spindler's tens held up to send Dirksen home in 6th place. He earned $400,000 for his final-table performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Benjamin Spindler

Pieter Tielen Doubles Up

Jan 10, '09

Pieter Tielen was all in and called by Dustin Dirksen.

Tielen: 77
Dirksen: AJ

The dealer flipped over a board of 66559 and Tielen doubled up to just over 2 million in chips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Pieter Tielen

Dirksen Doubles Again

Jan 10, '09

Dustin Dirksen got all of his chips into the middle preflop once again, and this time it was Benny Spindler who had him covered. Their cards:

Dirksen: JJ
Spindler: A8

Board: 54499

Dirksen doubled up again and he now holds around 3.6 million. Spindler was knoccked down to 3 million after the hand.







 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Benjamin Spindler

Dustin Dirksen Doubles Up

Jan 10, '09

Dustin Dirksen moved all in preflop on the very first hand at the final table and Team PokerStars Pro Alexandre Gomes made the call. Their cards:

Dirksen: AK
Gomes: QJ

Board: 96236

Dirksen won the hand and he now holds 1,630,000.








 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Alexandre Gomes

Poorya Nazari Doubles Up

Jan 09, '09

After a series of preflop raises, Poorya Nazari and Dustin Dirksen get it all in. Nazari has pocket aces and Dirksen is in terrible shape with AK.

The board comes K53106 and Dirksen's pair of kings isn't enough to end the night. Nazari now has over 3 million in chips and Dirksen is down to just 1 million.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Poorya Nazari

Dustin Dirksen Doubles Up

Jan 09, '09

Alexandre Gomes raised under the gun and Dustin Dirksen reraised in late position another 210,000. Gomes asked for a count of Dirksen's stack and realized it was another 1.745 million.

Dirksen then said, "Don't do it," and Gomes moved all in. Dirksen immediately called and showed pocket aces and Gomes was in major trouble with QJ.

The board came K556K and Dirksen doubled up to over 4 million in chips.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Alexandre Gomes

David Baker Eliminated in 16th Place ($75,000)

Jan 09, '09

David Baker was facing a raise on his short stack and decided to move all in preflop. Dustin Dirksen made the call and they turned up their hands. Baker held A-10 but he was dominated by the A-K of Dirksen. Baker asked the dealer to, "Do it super slow so I can get the most out of my sweat." The dealer dealt slow but there was no help for Baker at any speed. He was eliminated in 16th place and took home $75,000 in prize money.





 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   David Baker

Dustin Dirksen Picks Up Another

Jan 09, '09

Cero Zuccarello raised to 34,000 and Dustin Dirksen called from the big blind.

The flop came 972 and Zuccarello bet 35,000. Dirksen called and the turn was the 9.

Zuccarello continued with a bet of 85,000 and Dirksen called. The river was the 3 and this time Zuccarello checked behind.

Dirksen showed J7 for second pair and took it down.

Player Tags: Cero Zuccarello,   Dustin Dirksen

Three-Way Pot For Dustin Dirksen

Jan 09, '09

Pieter Tielen raised to 40,000 on the button and was called by both Dustin Dirksen and Albert Minnullin in the blinds.

The flop came QJJ and everyone checked. The turn was the J and Minnullin bet 50,000.

Tielen folded and Dirksen made the call. The river was the 6 and Dirksen checked. Minnullin checked behind and Dirksen turned over KQ for a full house to take the pot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Pieter Tielen,   Albert Minnullin

Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in 6th Place ($400,000)

Jan 10, '09

Benny Spindler raised to 300,000 and Dustin Dirksen reraised to 825,000. It was folded around to Spindler and he moved all in, having Dirksen covered. Dirksen called quickly and the players turned up their hands.

Dirksen: AK
Spindler: 1010

The board came QJJ63 and Spindler's tens held up to send Dirksen home in 6th place. He earned $400,000 for his final-table performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Benjamin Spindler

Pieter Tielen Doubles Up

Jan 10, '09

Pieter Tielen was all in and called by Dustin Dirksen.

Tielen: 77
Dirksen: AJ

The dealer flipped over a board of 66559 and Tielen doubled up to just over 2 million in chips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Pieter Tielen

Dirksen Doubles Again

Jan 10, '09

Dustin Dirksen got all of his chips into the middle preflop once again, and this time it was Benny Spindler who had him covered. Their cards:

Dirksen: JJ
Spindler: A8

Board: 54499

Dirksen doubled up again and he now holds around 3.6 million. Spindler was knoccked down to 3 million after the hand.







 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Benjamin Spindler

Dustin Dirksen Doubles Up

Jan 10, '09

Dustin Dirksen moved all in preflop on the very first hand at the final table and Team PokerStars Pro Alexandre Gomes made the call. Their cards:

Dirksen: AK
Gomes: QJ

Board: 96236

Dirksen won the hand and he now holds 1,630,000.








 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Alexandre Gomes

Poorya Nazari Doubles Up

Jan 09, '09

After a series of preflop raises, Poorya Nazari and Dustin Dirksen get it all in. Nazari has pocket aces and Dirksen is in terrible shape with AK.

The board comes K53106 and Dirksen's pair of kings isn't enough to end the night. Nazari now has over 3 million in chips and Dirksen is down to just 1 million.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Poorya Nazari

Dustin Dirksen Doubles Up

Jan 09, '09

Alexandre Gomes raised under the gun and Dustin Dirksen reraised in late position another 210,000. Gomes asked for a count of Dirksen's stack and realized it was another 1.745 million.

Dirksen then said, "Don't do it," and Gomes moved all in. Dirksen immediately called and showed pocket aces and Gomes was in major trouble with QJ.

The board came K556K and Dirksen doubled up to over 4 million in chips.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Alexandre Gomes

David Baker Eliminated in 16th Place ($75,000)

Jan 09, '09

David Baker was facing a raise on his short stack and decided to move all in preflop. Dustin Dirksen made the call and they turned up their hands. Baker held A-10 but he was dominated by the A-K of Dirksen. Baker asked the dealer to, "Do it super slow so I can get the most out of my sweat." The dealer dealt slow but there was no help for Baker at any speed. He was eliminated in 16th place and took home $75,000 in prize money.





 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   David Baker

Dustin Dirksen Picks Up Another

Jan 09, '09

Cero Zuccarello raised to 34,000 and Dustin Dirksen called from the big blind.

The flop came 972 and Zuccarello bet 35,000. Dirksen called and the turn was the 9.

Zuccarello continued with a bet of 85,000 and Dirksen called. The river was the 3 and this time Zuccarello checked behind.

Dirksen showed J7 for second pair and took it down.

Player Tags: Cero Zuccarello,   Dustin Dirksen

Three-Way Pot For Dustin Dirksen

Jan 09, '09

Pieter Tielen raised to 40,000 on the button and was called by both Dustin Dirksen and Albert Minnullin in the blinds.

The flop came QJJ and everyone checked. The turn was the J and Minnullin bet 50,000.

Tielen folded and Dirksen made the call. The river was the 6 and Dirksen checked. Minnullin checked behind and Dirksen turned over KQ for a full house to take the pot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Pieter Tielen,   Albert Minnullin

$2,000 NLHE - Final Table - Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in 5th Place

Jun 14, '08

Blinds/Antes: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 4 of 1,344

Chip Counts:

Blair Hinkle: 2,829,000
David Steicke: 1,561,000
Daniel O'Brien: 769,000
Mark Brockington: 473,000

Average Stack: 1,344,000

Eliminations:

Dustin Dirksen: 5th Place ($137,757)

Big Hands/Storylines:

Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in Fifth Place ($137,757)

Dustin Dirksen raised all in preflop for 330,000 and Blair Hinkle made the call after pondering his move for a moment. Thier cards:

Hinkle: A8
Dirksen: A2

Board: Q3286

Dirksen was eliminated in fifth place, and he took home $137,757 in prize money. Hinkle cleared a hurdle by what had been his toughest opponent to start the day.

Hinkle the Dominator

It was announced 51 hands into the match that Hinkle had won 16 pots, or roughly one evey three hands. He now has the chip lead and it looks like whoever else wants to win this bracelet is going to have to go through Hinkle to win.

Daniel O'Brien Doubles Up

Blair Hinkle raised to 100,000 preflop and Daniel O'Brien made the call. Their cards:

Hinkle: AQ
O'Brien: QJ

Board: 1095108

O'Brien doubled up on the hand to survive.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Blair Hinkle

$2,000 NLHE - Final Table - France and Australia Out

Jun 14, '08

Blinds/Antes: 12,000-24,000 with a 3,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 of 1,344

Chip Counts:

David Steicke: 1,510,000
Blair Hinkle: 1,300,000
Dustin Dirksen: 798,000
Mark Brockington: 607,000
Daniel O'Brien: 397,000
Chris Bjorin: 174,000
Dominik Kulicki: 131,000

Average Stack: 768,000

Eliminations:

9th Place: Stephane Tayar ($45,252)
8th Place: Andrew Jeffreys ($63,598)

Big Hands/Storylines:

Stephane Tayar Eliminated in Ninth Place ($45,252)

Early in play, Stephane Tayar got it all in preflop and David Steicke made the call. Their cards:

Steicke: QQ
Tayar: A10

Board: 5229K

The frenchman Tayar was eliminated in ninth place, and took home $45,252 in prize money.

Chris Bjorin Doubles Up

Chris Bjorin raised to 108,000 preflop and Dustin Dirksen made the call. Blair Hinkle then reraised all in over the top of everyone and Dirksen laid down his hand. Bjorin and Hinkle then reveaed their cards:

Hinkle: KJ
Bjorin: 1010

Board: 1054Q6

Bjorin doubled up on the hand to survive by spiking a 10 on the flop.

Andrew Jeffreys Eliminated in Eighth Place ($63,598)

The lone Aussie at the table, Andrew Jeffreys, moved all in preflop and Steicke quickly called him down. Steicke flipped over rockets and Jeffreys held cowboys for the classic ace vs. kings showdown. The board hit the table A10257 and Jeffreys was eliminated in eighth place. he took home $63,598 in prize money.

Player Tags: Chris Bjorin,   Dustin Dirksen,   Blair Hinkle,   David Steicke,   European Report,   Andrew Jeffreys

No Limit Hold 'Em Level 17 Recap

Jun 13, '08

Blinds: 5,000-10,000 ante 1,000

Players Left: 22-1,344

Chip Average: 244,364

Chip Leaders:

Andrew Jeffreys: 660,000
Dustin Dierkson: 550,000
Nick Niergarth: 530,000
Rick LeNoble: 500,000
Matthew Lagarde: 430,000
Blair Hinkle: 385,000
Conor Tate: 300,000

Big Hands:

The last hour has seen a ton of action, with enough all ins and reraises to make your head spin. A sampling:

- Tayar Stephane was all in for 73,000 and called by Rick LeNoble, who had about 150,000 behind. Stephane showed down 1010, LeNoble 55. There was no funny stuff and Stephane survived the hand, chipping up to 155,000.

- A few feet away a huge pot was brewing: after the seat 9 player moved all in from middle position, Chris "CDBR799" Dombrowski covered with his own all in from the cutoff and then Nick "GBmantis" Niergarth, who seemed to have woken up with a hand on the button, had a decision to make. He ultimately chose to cover both players, showing down QQ. Dombrowski showed AJ and seat 9 65. The flop came Q33, and that was all she wrote. Niergarth won a pot worth more than 540,000, and was second only to Jeffreys in the tournament.

- Tayar Stephane, ten minutes after doubling through Lenoble, eliminated a very loud Dylan Bircheff when his pocket jacks held up against Bircheff's KJ. All of a sudden Stephane was up to almost 300,000.

- A few hands later, Dustin Dirksen doubled through Ricky Tang, when both players got it in on a floip of 1053. Dirksen, holding A8, needed an ace or a spade to crack Tang's JJ, and the 3 on the turn gave Dirksen what would prove to be the winning hand. Dirksen was up to 550,000, while Tang was down to about 180,000.

- After LeNoble changed tables, he almost immediately moved all in under the gun for 139,000 and was eventually called by a reluctant Graham Wheldon, who had 140,000. Ricky Tang on the big blind elected to make the call, and seemed to be negotiating the situation he expected: Tang's AQ was behind but drawing very live against Lenoble's 88 and Wheldon's 1010. A flop of J84, however, brought LeNoble to his feet, and the set held when the 2 and 6 fell on the turn and river. After the hand, Tang was down to about four big blinds, Wheldon a single chip. Wheldon was out a few hands later.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Nick Niergarth,   Ricky Tang,   European Report,   Rick LeNoble

No Limit Hold 'Em - Level 15 Recap

Jun 13, '08

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 ante 500

Players Left: 39-1,344

Average Chip Stack: 137,846

Chip Leaders:

Andrew Jeffreys: 580,000
Matthew Lagarde: 360,000
Tim Phan: 290,000
David Steicke: 250,000
Dustin Dirksen: 230,000
Paul Smith: 200,000
Matthew Erlich: 200,000
Conor Tate: 195,000
Blair Hinkle: 187,000
Eric Lucas: 185,000

Big Hands:

Celeste Doubles Through Steicke

Eric Celeste doubled through David Steicke when his A8 made a straight on the river against Steicke's pocket queens: 1097 - 10 - 6. Celeste is up to 107,000 and Steicke was down to about 90,000.

Steicke Wreaks Revenge Against Lee

Steicke wreaked his revenge a few hands later when his all was called by Andrew Ly, who held AK and was in a dominating position against Steicke's A9. Alas, the board ran out 976 - 8 - Q and Lee was crippled, down to 11,000. A few hands later Lee was eliminated. Steicke, meanwhile, is up to about 250,000.

Greenstein Unsheathes Pen

Greenstein looked almost amused after his all in from early position was reraised by Chris "CDBR799" Dombrowski on the button. Dombrowski tabled 88, and Greenstein, who showed K2, had already unsheathed his pen by the time the board ran out AQ6- 6 - 2 to end the bracelet winner's day.

No, Barry, it's Queen on the River

Dustin Dirksen made almost the exact same play Greenstein did, but with slightly better results: Dirksen was all in from the same position holding Q8 and was immediately called by online pro Russell "rdcrsn" Carson, who showed AA. The flop brough some help to Dirksen, both a pair and a gutshot straight draw, as it hit 1098. The 4 on the turn helped neither player, but the Q on the river made two pair, and gave him new life in the tournament. Dirksen's stack shot up to about 110,000, while Carson is down to about 50,000.

Player Tags: Barry Greenstein,   Dustin Dirksen,   Russell Carson,   David Steicke

$2,000 NL Hold'em - Level 12

Jun 13, '08

Note: Players are currently playing hand-for-hand. The original plan was to go hand-for-hand with 101 players remaining, but as two tables were intentionally in stall-mode, tournament officials declared hand-for-hand would begin with 102 still alive. Top 99 make the money.

Blinds: 1000/2000 with 300 ante

Big Hands:

Rajkumar Scoops a Monster

Vivek Rajkumar was the chip leader at his table when play began, and now he dominates. While playing hand-for-hand Rajkumar was heads-up with an opponent on a board of 75542. Rajkumar bet 53,700 all-in after the river card, and his opponent made the call. Rajkumar showed the 75 for a full house to rake in a pot of 153,000.

Bounahra Dodges Trouble

Badih Bounahra called a preflop raise to 6000 and the flop came down AA2. Both players checked the flop, then the board double-paired with the 2 on the turn. His opponent bet 6000 on the turn and Bounahra called. The 6 was the river and his opponent led out for 10,000. Bounahra was tempted but eventually folded JJ. His opponent revealed AJ for the full house.

Lagarde Caught Bluffing By a Bluffer

Matthew Lagarde was in the cut-off position and raised to 5500. The button then put in a reraise to 15,000. Lagarde folded, then his opponent showed 52. Lagarde admitted "I was ahead".

Dirksen Takes a Hit

Dustin Dirksen began the day as chip leader, but donated away 19,200 in chips after his opponent bet all-in preflop. Dirksen called with king-queen offsuit while his opponent held AA. The board ran out 109942.

With hand-to-hand being played, few chances were being taken. Shawn Hattem won the blinds by raising from the button with ace-queen offsuit to increase his stack to 148,000; Glen Bean folded ace-10 from the big blind to the small blind's all-in, the small blind showing pocket sevens; and Frank Howerton won the blinds when he raised all-in for 21,000 with pocket jacks. Big blind mucked king-queen offsuit.

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Badih Bounahra,   Vivek Rajkumar,   Matthew Lagarde

$2,000 NLHE - Final Table - Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in 5th Place

Jun 14, '08

Blinds/Antes: 20,000-40,000 with a 5,000 ante

Players Remaining: 4 of 1,344

Chip Counts:

Blair Hinkle: 2,829,000
David Steicke: 1,561,000
Daniel O'Brien: 769,000
Mark Brockington: 473,000

Average Stack: 1,344,000

Eliminations:

Dustin Dirksen: 5th Place ($137,757)

Big Hands/Storylines:

Dustin Dirksen Eliminated in Fifth Place ($137,757)

Dustin Dirksen raised all in preflop for 330,000 and Blair Hinkle made the call after pondering his move for a moment. Thier cards:

Hinkle: A8
Dirksen: A2

Board: Q3286

Dirksen was eliminated in fifth place, and he took home $137,757 in prize money. Hinkle cleared a hurdle by what had been his toughest opponent to start the day.

Hinkle the Dominator

It was announced 51 hands into the match that Hinkle had won 16 pots, or roughly one evey three hands. He now has the chip lead and it looks like whoever else wants to win this bracelet is going to have to go through Hinkle to win.

Daniel O'Brien Doubles Up

Blair Hinkle raised to 100,000 preflop and Daniel O'Brien made the call. Their cards:

Hinkle: AQ
O'Brien: QJ

Board: 1095108

O'Brien doubled up on the hand to survive.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Blair Hinkle

$2,000 NLHE - Final Table - France and Australia Out

Jun 14, '08

Blinds/Antes: 12,000-24,000 with a 3,000 ante

Players Remaining: 7 of 1,344

Chip Counts:

David Steicke: 1,510,000
Blair Hinkle: 1,300,000
Dustin Dirksen: 798,000
Mark Brockington: 607,000
Daniel O'Brien: 397,000
Chris Bjorin: 174,000
Dominik Kulicki: 131,000

Average Stack: 768,000

Eliminations:

9th Place: Stephane Tayar ($45,252)
8th Place: Andrew Jeffreys ($63,598)

Big Hands/Storylines:

Stephane Tayar Eliminated in Ninth Place ($45,252)

Early in play, Stephane Tayar got it all in preflop and David Steicke made the call. Their cards:

Steicke: QQ
Tayar: A10

Board: 5229K

The frenchman Tayar was eliminated in ninth place, and took home $45,252 in prize money.

Chris Bjorin Doubles Up

Chris Bjorin raised to 108,000 preflop and Dustin Dirksen made the call. Blair Hinkle then reraised all in over the top of everyone and Dirksen laid down his hand. Bjorin and Hinkle then reveaed their cards:

Hinkle: KJ
Bjorin: 1010

Board: 1054Q6

Bjorin doubled up on the hand to survive by spiking a 10 on the flop.

Andrew Jeffreys Eliminated in Eighth Place ($63,598)

The lone Aussie at the table, Andrew Jeffreys, moved all in preflop and Steicke quickly called him down. Steicke flipped over rockets and Jeffreys held cowboys for the classic ace vs. kings showdown. The board hit the table A10257 and Jeffreys was eliminated in eighth place. he took home $63,598 in prize money.

Player Tags: Chris Bjorin,   Dustin Dirksen,   Blair Hinkle,   David Steicke,   European Report,   Andrew Jeffreys

No Limit Hold 'Em Level 17 Recap

Jun 13, '08

Blinds: 5,000-10,000 ante 1,000

Players Left: 22-1,344

Chip Average: 244,364

Chip Leaders:

Andrew Jeffreys: 660,000
Dustin Dierkson: 550,000
Nick Niergarth: 530,000
Rick LeNoble: 500,000
Matthew Lagarde: 430,000
Blair Hinkle: 385,000
Conor Tate: 300,000

Big Hands:

The last hour has seen a ton of action, with enough all ins and reraises to make your head spin. A sampling:

- Tayar Stephane was all in for 73,000 and called by Rick LeNoble, who had about 150,000 behind. Stephane showed down 1010, LeNoble 55. There was no funny stuff and Stephane survived the hand, chipping up to 155,000.

- A few feet away a huge pot was brewing: after the seat 9 player moved all in from middle position, Chris "CDBR799" Dombrowski covered with his own all in from the cutoff and then Nick "GBmantis" Niergarth, who seemed to have woken up with a hand on the button, had a decision to make. He ultimately chose to cover both players, showing down QQ. Dombrowski showed AJ and seat 9 65. The flop came Q33, and that was all she wrote. Niergarth won a pot worth more than 540,000, and was second only to Jeffreys in the tournament.

- Tayar Stephane, ten minutes after doubling through Lenoble, eliminated a very loud Dylan Bircheff when his pocket jacks held up against Bircheff's KJ. All of a sudden Stephane was up to almost 300,000.

- A few hands later, Dustin Dirksen doubled through Ricky Tang, when both players got it in on a floip of 1053. Dirksen, holding A8, needed an ace or a spade to crack Tang's JJ, and the 3 on the turn gave Dirksen what would prove to be the winning hand. Dirksen was up to 550,000, while Tang was down to about 180,000.

- After LeNoble changed tables, he almost immediately moved all in under the gun for 139,000 and was eventually called by a reluctant Graham Wheldon, who had 140,000. Ricky Tang on the big blind elected to make the call, and seemed to be negotiating the situation he expected: Tang's AQ was behind but drawing very live against Lenoble's 88 and Wheldon's 1010. A flop of J84, however, brought LeNoble to his feet, and the set held when the 2 and 6 fell on the turn and river. After the hand, Tang was down to about four big blinds, Wheldon a single chip. Wheldon was out a few hands later.

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Nick Niergarth,   Ricky Tang,   European Report,   Rick LeNoble

No Limit Hold 'Em - Level 15 Recap

Jun 13, '08

Blinds: 3,000-6,000 ante 500

Players Left: 39-1,344

Average Chip Stack: 137,846

Chip Leaders:

Andrew Jeffreys: 580,000
Matthew Lagarde: 360,000
Tim Phan: 290,000
David Steicke: 250,000
Dustin Dirksen: 230,000
Paul Smith: 200,000
Matthew Erlich: 200,000
Conor Tate: 195,000
Blair Hinkle: 187,000
Eric Lucas: 185,000

Big Hands:

Celeste Doubles Through Steicke

Eric Celeste doubled through David Steicke when his A8 made a straight on the river against Steicke's pocket queens: 1097 - 10 - 6. Celeste is up to 107,000 and Steicke was down to about 90,000.

Steicke Wreaks Revenge Against Lee

Steicke wreaked his revenge a few hands later when his all was called by Andrew Ly, who held AK and was in a dominating position against Steicke's A9. Alas, the board ran out 976 - 8 - Q and Lee was crippled, down to 11,000. A few hands later Lee was eliminated. Steicke, meanwhile, is up to about 250,000.

Greenstein Unsheathes Pen

Greenstein looked almost amused after his all in from early position was reraised by Chris "CDBR799" Dombrowski on the button. Dombrowski tabled 88, and Greenstein, who showed K2, had already unsheathed his pen by the time the board ran out AQ6- 6 - 2 to end the bracelet winner's day.

No, Barry, it's Queen on the River

Dustin Dirksen made almost the exact same play Greenstein did, but with slightly better results: Dirksen was all in from the same position holding Q8 and was immediately called by online pro Russell "rdcrsn" Carson, who showed AA. The flop brough some help to Dirksen, both a pair and a gutshot straight draw, as it hit 1098. The 4 on the turn helped neither player, but the Q on the river made two pair, and gave him new life in the tournament. Dirksen's stack shot up to about 110,000, while Carson is down to about 50,000.

Player Tags: Barry Greenstein,   Dustin Dirksen,   Russell Carson,   David Steicke

$2,000 NL Hold'em - Level 12

Jun 13, '08

Note: Players are currently playing hand-for-hand. The original plan was to go hand-for-hand with 101 players remaining, but as two tables were intentionally in stall-mode, tournament officials declared hand-for-hand would begin with 102 still alive. Top 99 make the money.

Blinds: 1000/2000 with 300 ante

Big Hands:

Rajkumar Scoops a Monster

Vivek Rajkumar was the chip leader at his table when play began, and now he dominates. While playing hand-for-hand Rajkumar was heads-up with an opponent on a board of 75542. Rajkumar bet 53,700 all-in after the river card, and his opponent made the call. Rajkumar showed the 75 for a full house to rake in a pot of 153,000.

Bounahra Dodges Trouble

Badih Bounahra called a preflop raise to 6000 and the flop came down AA2. Both players checked the flop, then the board double-paired with the 2 on the turn. His opponent bet 6000 on the turn and Bounahra called. The 6 was the river and his opponent led out for 10,000. Bounahra was tempted but eventually folded JJ. His opponent revealed AJ for the full house.

Lagarde Caught Bluffing By a Bluffer

Matthew Lagarde was in the cut-off position and raised to 5500. The button then put in a reraise to 15,000. Lagarde folded, then his opponent showed 52. Lagarde admitted "I was ahead".

Dirksen Takes a Hit

Dustin Dirksen began the day as chip leader, but donated away 19,200 in chips after his opponent bet all-in preflop. Dirksen called with king-queen offsuit while his opponent held AA. The board ran out 109942.

With hand-to-hand being played, few chances were being taken. Shawn Hattem won the blinds by raising from the button with ace-queen offsuit to increase his stack to 148,000; Glen Bean folded ace-10 from the big blind to the small blind's all-in, the small blind showing pocket sevens; and Frank Howerton won the blinds when he raised all-in for 21,000 with pocket jacks. Big blind mucked king-queen offsuit.

 

Player Tags: Dustin Dirksen,   Badih Bounahra,   Vivek Rajkumar,   Matthew Lagarde

Ryan Young Wins Event #35

Jun 23, '07

Going into heads up play the chip stacks of Ryan Young and Dustin Dirksen were comparable in size.  Dirksen quickly got into a rhythm and was winning the majority of pots through aggressive play.   Young even gave Dirksen a number of walks.  A very interesting hand came up when Dirksen raised to $220,000 with the 10 7 and Young called with 8 7.  The flop brought the A 3 2, and both players checked.  The turn brought the J and once again they each checked.  The 9 on  the river prompted Young to stab at the pot with $175,000.  Dirksen looked incredulously at Young for a moment, and eventually just called.  His intuition was correct and he took down the pot with ten high.  Dirksen used his momentum to build up a chip lead of around $1,000,000 before the definitive hand of the match came down.  Both players saw the flop for no raise with Young holding the 10 3 and Dirksen J 10.   The 10 3 2 came down on the flop, Dirksen bet and Young raised.  Dirksen quickly went all-in with his top pair and Young called instantly with his tens and threes.  The turn brought the 9 and the river the 6.   Young doubled up to $6,500,000 while Dirksen was left with around $1,000,000.  Young had Dirksen 6-to-1, leaving Dirksen badly in need of a double up. He pushed a number of times, and picked up a few small pots before the flop until the last hand came down. With only minutes left in the level Young open-pushed with A 7 and Dirksen called with K J.  The board came down 10 7 6 4 Q, giving Young the pot, the bracelet and the $615,154.  Dirksen earned $381,531 for his second place finish.  

Player Tags: Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final Table Draws Near

Jun 22, '07

Eliminations came at a rapid pace this hour, with the final two tables losing seven players this hour.  The first to bust after combining tables was Aaron Kanter in 18th ($23,586).   Two players emerged as massive chip leaders.  Ryan Young was sat in seat five at table 61, with Nam Le.  With more than $2,000,000, he had more than the rest of the table combined until Dustin Dirksen, the second largest stack with around $1,500,000, was moved to balance the tables. The dynamic shifted dramatically after that, and Dirksen brought a light atmosphere to the table.  The two chip leaders soon got involved in a pot. Young raised $55,000 and Dirksen called preflop.  The flop came A 5 6 and Young bet $140,000.  After folding, Dirksen said," Will you show me? How about for a hundred?" When Young agreed, Dirksen quickly pulled a $100 from his pocket and threw it to Young, who revealed his 5-6 for a flopped two-pair.  The eleven remaining players will continue on until the final table is set, so make sure to check back for more updates here at Cardplayer.com.

Player Tags: Nam Le,   Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final 5 Tables

Jun 22, '07

With the elimination of Fred Ruscetti the final five tables have been set.  In the last hour several big names were eliminated.  Antonio Esfandiari and John Juanda were elimintated in 62nd and 61st place repspectively winning $9,708.  Dutch Boyd earned the same payout busting in 58th place. 

Dustin Dirksen has rebuilt his depleted chipstack and is currently sitting second in chips.  Nam Le, Phil Gordon, and Aaron Kanter are still alive as well.

There are currently 40 players remaining with an hour and a half until the dinner break.

Notable Chip Counts

Dustin Dirksen	490,000
Phil Gordon	171,000
Nam Le	100,000
Aaron Kanter	98,000

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Nam Le,   Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Aaron Kanter,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd,   Fred Ruscetti

Hour Three Update

Jun 22, '07

There are currently 65 players remaining on 8 tables.

One-time chip leader Dustin Dirksen sent a large portion of his chips to the player in Seat 9, when they were all in preflop in a race.  Dirksen started with the lead with Jacks, but Seat 9's A-K caught up with an Ace on the turn, and Dirksen was sent to the middle of the chip leaderboard. 

Still alive in the tournament are Dutch Boyd, Antonio Esfandiari, and Phil Gordon.

The dinner break is scheduled for 9pm.  Expect many more tables broken before then.

Notable Chip Counts

J.C. Alvarado	170,000
John Juanda	135,000
Dutch Boyd	114,000
Phil Gordon	96,000
Nam Le	81,000
Antonio Esfandiari	27,000

Player Tags: Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd

Level 2 Action

Jun 21, '07

Jon “PearlJammer” Turner, Phil Gordon, Jared Hamby, Ben Roberts, and Dustin Dirksen are just a few players who have chipped up early in today’s event. T.J. Cloutier and Gavin Smith have not been so lucky, and have been eliminated.  Lee Watkinson, who was just one seat over from Gordon, pushed all in preflop with pocket nines, only to be called by pocket Queens at the other end of the table.  Watkinson received no help and was eliminated. 

 

Shannon Elizabeth proved its best to not overestimate your opponents.  In a four-way limped pot, Elizabeth checked from the big blind.  The flop was Q 9 7, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 bet $400, one limper folded, Seat 10 called, and Elizabeth called.  The turn was the 2, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 moved all in for $1,650, Seat 10 moved all in over the top for about $3,000, and Elizabeth laughed and eventually called.  Elizabeth showed A 10, Seat 4 had K Q and Seat 10 held Q 10.  The river was the A, and Elizabeth tripled up.

 

Michael Mizrachi has wasted no time mixing it up at his table.  Five players called a $250 raise including Mizrachi from the button.  The flop came A 5 4 and all players checked.  The turn was the A, an early position player raised $350, and only Mizrachi called. The river was the 7, the early position player checked, and Mizrachi bet $1500.  His opponent folded and Mizrachi needled him, showing the 2 2.

 

We will also be following the progress of Erica Schoenberg in our Pro Blogs section today.  Keep it here at CardPlayer.com

Player Tags: Lee Watkinson,   T.J. Cloutier,   Benjamin Roberts,   Phil Gordon,   Gavin Smith,   Michael Mizrachi,   Jon Turner,   Dustin Dirksen,   Erica Schoenberg,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Jared Hamby

Ryan Young Wins Event #35

Jun 23, '07

Going into heads up play the chip stacks of Ryan Young and Dustin Dirksen were comparable in size.  Dirksen quickly got into a rhythm and was winning the majority of pots through aggressive play.   Young even gave Dirksen a number of walks.  A very interesting hand came up when Dirksen raised to $220,000 with the 10 7 and Young called with 8 7.  The flop brought the A 3 2, and both players checked.  The turn brought the J and once again they each checked.  The 9 on  the river prompted Young to stab at the pot with $175,000.  Dirksen looked incredulously at Young for a moment, and eventually just called.  His intuition was correct and he took down the pot with ten high.  Dirksen used his momentum to build up a chip lead of around $1,000,000 before the definitive hand of the match came down.  Both players saw the flop for no raise with Young holding the 10 3 and Dirksen J 10.   The 10 3 2 came down on the flop, Dirksen bet and Young raised.  Dirksen quickly went all-in with his top pair and Young called instantly with his tens and threes.  The turn brought the 9 and the river the 6.   Young doubled up to $6,500,000 while Dirksen was left with around $1,000,000.  Young had Dirksen 6-to-1, leaving Dirksen badly in need of a double up. He pushed a number of times, and picked up a few small pots before the flop until the last hand came down. With only minutes left in the level Young open-pushed with A 7 and Dirksen called with K J.  The board came down 10 7 6 4 Q, giving Young the pot, the bracelet and the $615,154.  Dirksen earned $381,531 for his second place finish.  

Player Tags: Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final Table Draws Near

Jun 22, '07

Eliminations came at a rapid pace this hour, with the final two tables losing seven players this hour.  The first to bust after combining tables was Aaron Kanter in 18th ($23,586).   Two players emerged as massive chip leaders.  Ryan Young was sat in seat five at table 61, with Nam Le.  With more than $2,000,000, he had more than the rest of the table combined until Dustin Dirksen, the second largest stack with around $1,500,000, was moved to balance the tables. The dynamic shifted dramatically after that, and Dirksen brought a light atmosphere to the table.  The two chip leaders soon got involved in a pot. Young raised $55,000 and Dirksen called preflop.  The flop came A 5 6 and Young bet $140,000.  After folding, Dirksen said," Will you show me? How about for a hundred?" When Young agreed, Dirksen quickly pulled a $100 from his pocket and threw it to Young, who revealed his 5-6 for a flopped two-pair.  The eleven remaining players will continue on until the final table is set, so make sure to check back for more updates here at Cardplayer.com.

Player Tags: Nam Le,   Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final 5 Tables

Jun 22, '07

With the elimination of Fred Ruscetti the final five tables have been set.  In the last hour several big names were eliminated.  Antonio Esfandiari and John Juanda were elimintated in 62nd and 61st place repspectively winning $9,708.  Dutch Boyd earned the same payout busting in 58th place. 

Dustin Dirksen has rebuilt his depleted chipstack and is currently sitting second in chips.  Nam Le, Phil Gordon, and Aaron Kanter are still alive as well.

There are currently 40 players remaining with an hour and a half until the dinner break.

Notable Chip Counts

Dustin Dirksen	490,000
Phil Gordon	171,000
Nam Le	100,000
Aaron Kanter	98,000

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Nam Le,   Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Aaron Kanter,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd,   Fred Ruscetti

Hour Three Update

Jun 22, '07

There are currently 65 players remaining on 8 tables.

One-time chip leader Dustin Dirksen sent a large portion of his chips to the player in Seat 9, when they were all in preflop in a race.  Dirksen started with the lead with Jacks, but Seat 9's A-K caught up with an Ace on the turn, and Dirksen was sent to the middle of the chip leaderboard. 

Still alive in the tournament are Dutch Boyd, Antonio Esfandiari, and Phil Gordon.

The dinner break is scheduled for 9pm.  Expect many more tables broken before then.

Notable Chip Counts

J.C. Alvarado	170,000
John Juanda	135,000
Dutch Boyd	114,000
Phil Gordon	96,000
Nam Le	81,000
Antonio Esfandiari	27,000

Player Tags: Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd

Level 2 Action

Jun 21, '07

Jon “PearlJammer” Turner, Phil Gordon, Jared Hamby, Ben Roberts, and Dustin Dirksen are just a few players who have chipped up early in today’s event. T.J. Cloutier and Gavin Smith have not been so lucky, and have been eliminated.  Lee Watkinson, who was just one seat over from Gordon, pushed all in preflop with pocket nines, only to be called by pocket Queens at the other end of the table.  Watkinson received no help and was eliminated. 

 

Shannon Elizabeth proved its best to not overestimate your opponents.  In a four-way limped pot, Elizabeth checked from the big blind.  The flop was Q 9 7, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 bet $400, one limper folded, Seat 10 called, and Elizabeth called.  The turn was the 2, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 moved all in for $1,650, Seat 10 moved all in over the top for about $3,000, and Elizabeth laughed and eventually called.  Elizabeth showed A 10, Seat 4 had K Q and Seat 10 held Q 10.  The river was the A, and Elizabeth tripled up.

 

Michael Mizrachi has wasted no time mixing it up at his table.  Five players called a $250 raise including Mizrachi from the button.  The flop came A 5 4 and all players checked.  The turn was the A, an early position player raised $350, and only Mizrachi called. The river was the 7, the early position player checked, and Mizrachi bet $1500.  His opponent folded and Mizrachi needled him, showing the 2 2.

 

We will also be following the progress of Erica Schoenberg in our Pro Blogs section today.  Keep it here at CardPlayer.com

Player Tags: Lee Watkinson,   T.J. Cloutier,   Benjamin Roberts,   Phil Gordon,   Gavin Smith,   Michael Mizrachi,   Jon Turner,   Dustin Dirksen,   Erica Schoenberg,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Jared Hamby

Ryan Young Wins Event #35

Jun 23, '07

Going into heads up play the chip stacks of Ryan Young and Dustin Dirksen were comparable in size.  Dirksen quickly got into a rhythm and was winning the majority of pots through aggressive play.   Young even gave Dirksen a number of walks.  A very interesting hand came up when Dirksen raised to $220,000 with the 10 7 and Young called with 8 7.  The flop brought the A 3 2, and both players checked.  The turn brought the J and once again they each checked.  The 9 on  the river prompted Young to stab at the pot with $175,000.  Dirksen looked incredulously at Young for a moment, and eventually just called.  His intuition was correct and he took down the pot with ten high.  Dirksen used his momentum to build up a chip lead of around $1,000,000 before the definitive hand of the match came down.  Both players saw the flop for no raise with Young holding the 10 3 and Dirksen J 10.   The 10 3 2 came down on the flop, Dirksen bet and Young raised.  Dirksen quickly went all-in with his top pair and Young called instantly with his tens and threes.  The turn brought the 9 and the river the 6.   Young doubled up to $6,500,000 while Dirksen was left with around $1,000,000.  Young had Dirksen 6-to-1, leaving Dirksen badly in need of a double up. He pushed a number of times, and picked up a few small pots before the flop until the last hand came down. With only minutes left in the level Young open-pushed with A 7 and Dirksen called with K J.  The board came down 10 7 6 4 Q, giving Young the pot, the bracelet and the $615,154.  Dirksen earned $381,531 for his second place finish.  

Player Tags: Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final Table Draws Near

Jun 22, '07

Eliminations came at a rapid pace this hour, with the final two tables losing seven players this hour.  The first to bust after combining tables was Aaron Kanter in 18th ($23,586).   Two players emerged as massive chip leaders.  Ryan Young was sat in seat five at table 61, with Nam Le.  With more than $2,000,000, he had more than the rest of the table combined until Dustin Dirksen, the second largest stack with around $1,500,000, was moved to balance the tables. The dynamic shifted dramatically after that, and Dirksen brought a light atmosphere to the table.  The two chip leaders soon got involved in a pot. Young raised $55,000 and Dirksen called preflop.  The flop came A 5 6 and Young bet $140,000.  After folding, Dirksen said," Will you show me? How about for a hundred?" When Young agreed, Dirksen quickly pulled a $100 from his pocket and threw it to Young, who revealed his 5-6 for a flopped two-pair.  The eleven remaining players will continue on until the final table is set, so make sure to check back for more updates here at Cardplayer.com.

Player Tags: Nam Le,   Ryan Young,   Dustin Dirksen

Final 5 Tables

Jun 22, '07

With the elimination of Fred Ruscetti the final five tables have been set.  In the last hour several big names were eliminated.  Antonio Esfandiari and John Juanda were elimintated in 62nd and 61st place repspectively winning $9,708.  Dutch Boyd earned the same payout busting in 58th place. 

Dustin Dirksen has rebuilt his depleted chipstack and is currently sitting second in chips.  Nam Le, Phil Gordon, and Aaron Kanter are still alive as well.

There are currently 40 players remaining with an hour and a half until the dinner break.

Notable Chip Counts

Dustin Dirksen	490,000
Phil Gordon	171,000
Nam Le	100,000
Aaron Kanter	98,000

Player Tags: John Juanda,   Nam Le,   Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Aaron Kanter,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd,   Fred Ruscetti

Hour Three Update

Jun 22, '07

There are currently 65 players remaining on 8 tables.

One-time chip leader Dustin Dirksen sent a large portion of his chips to the player in Seat 9, when they were all in preflop in a race.  Dirksen started with the lead with Jacks, but Seat 9's A-K caught up with an Ace on the turn, and Dirksen was sent to the middle of the chip leaderboard. 

Still alive in the tournament are Dutch Boyd, Antonio Esfandiari, and Phil Gordon.

The dinner break is scheduled for 9pm.  Expect many more tables broken before then.

Notable Chip Counts

J.C. Alvarado	170,000
John Juanda	135,000
Dutch Boyd	114,000
Phil Gordon	96,000
Nam Le	81,000
Antonio Esfandiari	27,000

Player Tags: Phil Gordon,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Dustin Dirksen,   Dutch Boyd

Level 2 Action

Jun 21, '07

Jon “PearlJammer” Turner, Phil Gordon, Jared Hamby, Ben Roberts, and Dustin Dirksen are just a few players who have chipped up early in today’s event. T.J. Cloutier and Gavin Smith have not been so lucky, and have been eliminated.  Lee Watkinson, who was just one seat over from Gordon, pushed all in preflop with pocket nines, only to be called by pocket Queens at the other end of the table.  Watkinson received no help and was eliminated. 

 

Shannon Elizabeth proved its best to not overestimate your opponents.  In a four-way limped pot, Elizabeth checked from the big blind.  The flop was Q 9 7, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 bet $400, one limper folded, Seat 10 called, and Elizabeth called.  The turn was the 2, Elizabeth checked, Seat 4 moved all in for $1,650, Seat 10 moved all in over the top for about $3,000, and Elizabeth laughed and eventually called.  Elizabeth showed A 10, Seat 4 had K Q and Seat 10 held Q 10.  The river was the A, and Elizabeth tripled up.

 

Michael Mizrachi has wasted no time mixing it up at his table.  Five players called a $250 raise including Mizrachi from the button.  The flop came A 5 4 and all players checked.  The turn was the A, an early position player raised $350, and only Mizrachi called. The river was the 7, the early position player checked, and Mizrachi bet $1500.  His opponent folded and Mizrachi needled him, showing the 2 2.

 

We will also be following the progress of Erica Schoenberg in our Pro Blogs section today.  Keep it here at CardPlayer.com

Player Tags: Lee Watkinson,   T.J. Cloutier,   Benjamin Roberts,   Phil Gordon,   Gavin Smith,   Michael Mizrachi,   Jon Turner,   Dustin Dirksen,   Erica Schoenberg,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Jared Hamby

Day Two

Jun 14, '07

Day two of event #22, $5,000 No Limit Hold 'Em is set to begin at 2 p.m. Play ended last night at 2 a.m. and out of the large field of 640 only 85 remained. The money starts at 63 players and it should take this group of gamblers no time at all to reach it.

Play will resume in level 13 with blinds of $2,000-$4,000 with a $500 ante. Dustin Dirksen is our chip leader with almost $280,000 but not far behind are John "Tex" Barch, Dustin "Neverwin" Woolf, Kathy Liebert, Jennifer Tilly and Nick Schulman. Stay with CardPlayer.com to find out what happens and visit our Pro Blog section to hear from Mike Sexton on how day two shapes up.

Player Tags: Kathy Liebert,   John Barch,   Dustin Woolf,   Jennifer Tilly,   Nick Schulman,   Dustin Dirksen