Inaugural 'Oklahoma Johnny' Hale Seniors World Championship

"The Seniors" are alive and well, and some are quite a bit richer, as the inaugural "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale Seniors World Championship of Poker recently concluded at the World Series of Poker.

The Seniors World Championship was a poker happening – a one of a kind event. The tournament room was full, and many tables had to be set up in another room. The prize pool for this inaugural event was an unbelievable $329,800.

There are very few things that we do in this life that can be accomplished without a lot of help from a lot of people. I have had a lot of help in the early years of "The Seniors," and I will continue to need help in the coming years. I would like to name all of the people who have helped, but there are hundreds (I will thank each of you in person), and I am afraid that I would miss naming one of these "Very Important People," so let me just say thank you to everyone who has been so helpful.

"The Seniors" also would like to thank Becky Behnen and her son Benny Binion Jr., Cathi Wood, Bob Thompson, Bill Guynn, and all of the dealers and staff of the 32nd annual World Series of Poker for helping to make this event such a success. Thanks also to Sam's Town Poker Room Manager Dick Gatewood for running satellites and awarding 17 seats to the event, as well as James Vinson of the Colorado Belle in Laughlin and Michael Byrne of Fort McDowell in Phoenix for all of their support and help. And, yes, thanks to all "The Seniors" players for their support and participation, which resulted in this event being such a great success. Finally, thank you to everyone who has made contributions to the Seniors Charities.

The second annual Seniors World Championship will be held at next year's 33rd annual World Series of Poker.

This year's Seniors World Championship paid the final three tables. Results were as follows:

Seniors World Championship

Entrants: 340 • Prize pool: $329,800

1. Jay Heimowitz, Bethel, NY – $115,430

2. Gary Pollak, Marina Del Ray, CA – 62,000

3. Mike Cox, Las Vegas, NV – 31,300

4. George Rodis, Las Vegas, NV – 19,790

5. Phyllis Meyers, Las Vegas, NV – 14,835

6. Steve Kaufman, Las Vegas, NV – 11,540

7. Norm Ketchum, Rockford, IL – 8,245

8. Scott Mayfield, Grants Pass, OR – 6,590

9. Larry Murphy, Las Vegas, NV – 5,275

Jay Heimowitz from Bethel, New York, won the Seniors World Championship event, and received a gold bracelet, a hat and jacket with the World Series of Poker logo on one side and the Seniors World Championship of Poker logo on the other side, and a gold key chain (complete with a commemorative coin). Additionally, his name will be placed on the "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale Seniors World Championship of Poker on the trophy, the Golden Eagle, which will remain on display in the Binion's Horseshoe cardroom. Congratulations to Jay, who is a very fine gentleman and will be a noteworthy addition to "The Seniors" roll of champions.

Until next time, stay lucky.

Editor's note: "Oklahoma Johnny" Hale is the author of Gentleman Gambler, 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.OklahomaJohnnyHale.com.