'The Seniors' at the Series

On Saturday, May 18, 396 (a new record) of my seniors friends came to play in "The Seniors" IX World Championship of Poker, which was one of the events in the recently completed World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe.

Last year marked the inaugural appearance of "The Seniors" at the Series, and 340 seniors entered that event. Jay Heimowitz won the gold bracelet and had his name engraved on the permanent Oklahoma Johnny "The Seniors" trophy, the Golden Eagle. Oh, yes, Jay also took home more than $115,000.

At this year's event, "The Seniors" recognized and honored Jay's victory and lifelong poker accomplishments by inducting him as the 44th member of "The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame. Jay exceeds all of the requirements of membership in "The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame, and it was a pleasure to induct this outstanding gentleman.

At the induction, Amarillo Slim had a few words to say, so I had to cut my remarks short. When Slim and I start talking, it takes a while. All in all, it was a great ceremony.

Then, the 396 seniors sat down and played no-limit hold'em in "The Seniors" IX World Championship of Poker. The first day's action narrowed the field down to 39 players, who returned the next day to complete "The Seniors" tournament.

Bill Swan from Wichita Falls, Texas, playing in his first "The Seniors" World Championship of Poker, won the gold bracelet and will have his name engraved on the Golden Eagle. Bill also took home $134,000. My good friend of many years Mike Sexton was just old enough to play in this year's "The Seniors" tournament. Mike had to settle for second place, but his loss was soothed by more than $68,000 in prize money. Mike told me later that he was going to follow me around and play in all of "The Seniors" events.

"The Seniors" World Championship of Poker paid 36 places. For the names and finishing positions of "The Seniors" players, go to my website: www.seniorpoker.com.

"The Seniors" X World Championship of Poker will be held Aug. 4-11 at the new home of "The Seniors," Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. At that tournament, two new members will be inducted into "The Seniors" Poker Players Hall of Fame on Aug. 11.

Until next time, remember to stay lucky.

Editor's note: "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale is the author of Gentleman Gambler, which is available through Card Player, and the creator of the Seniors Charities and the Seniors World Championship of Poker. His E-mail address is [email protected], and you can visit his website at www.seniorpoker.com.