2001 World Series of Poker

Carlos Mortensen, a 29-year-old poker professional from Spain, is the 2001 world champion. After five days of making great calls and incredible bluffs, Carlos is the newest king of poker. Not only did Carlos play for himself, he was definitely a crowd favorite. It isn't too often in poker that you see someone pump his fists and get the crowd yelling and cheering like Carlos did. Congratulations, Carlos! Read Andy Glazer's report starting on page 50 for the full story.

Others who deserve recognition for their success this year at the World Series include Phil Hellmuth, Chris Ferguson, Jim Lester, Allen Cunningham, Scotty Nguyen, and Nani Dollison.

Hellmuth won the $2,000 no-limit hold'em championship, came in second in the $5,000 Omaha eight-or-better event, fifth in the $10,000 no-limit hold'em championship, sixth in the $3,000 limit hold'em event, ninth in the $1,500 stud eight-or-better event, and 15th in both the $2,500 pot-limit Omaha and $1,500 razz events.

Ferguson won the $1,500 Omaha eight-or-better championship, came in fifth in the $2,500 stud eight-or-better event, 12th in the $2,000 no-limit hold'em, $2,500 pot-limit Omaha, and $2,500 stud events, and 24th in the $3,000 pot-limit hold'em event.

Jim Lester won the $3,000 limit hold'em championship, came in second in the $2,500 pot-limit Omaha event, seventh in the $3,000 no-limit hold'em event, and ninth in the $1,500 pot-limit Omaha event.

Allen Cunningham won the $5,000 stud championship, came in eighth in the $1,500 limit Omaha event, ninth in the $1,500 Omaha eight-or-better event, and 27th in the $10,000 no-limit hold'em championship.

Scotty Nguyen won two events this year, $2,500 pot-limit Omaha and $5,000 Omaha eight-or-better.

Nani Dollison also won two events, $2,000 limit hold'em and the $1,000 ladies half stud, half hold'em championship.

It seems that every year in the "big one," there is a player who has a great shot to win but gets very unlucky and is completely forgotten. The unlucky player in this year's event was Paul Phillips. During the evening of the third day, prior to making the money, Paul was one of the chip leaders. He called two all-in bets by other players in two consecutive hands. He held pocket aces both times, and lost to the underpair on both hands. He busted out shortly thereafter. Too bad, and better luck next time, Paul.

Overall, I thought the events were run very well this year, and that Tex Morgan's TEARS structure was a big success after a few kinks were worked out.

Last issue, I mentioned that I handed out a questionnaire to several players. The results of that questionnaire will be published in three parts, beginning in this issue on Page 14.