The World Series of Poker ... and More

The World Series of Poker made it feel like back to normal in Downtown Las Vegas. With the Horseshoe - Binion's Horseshoe, that is - and the Golden Nugget both running mini festivals, poker interest downtown was running real high. Binion's was getting up to 400 runners per event, and the operations manager, Carol, ran a fantastic ship that sailed all day and all night. John Colville did a fantastic job at the Golden Nugget, where, at any time, you could get a $2-$5 no-limit cash game and win a few hundred dollars from a small starting stack.

This was where my preparation for the World Series of Poker was done, as my two good buddies Padraig and Jesse had the idea to stay downtown for three weeks. And what a great idea it turned out to be. The first event I played was the seniors event, as I only recently qualified to play it. And what a great event it turned out to be, as I had my first-ever shot at a World Series gold bracelet. I finished ninth, collecting $34,400. Reaching the final table was a moment I felt I prepared for all my life. Jesse took me to the Rio on the morning of the final. It was as if we'd cruised there in a hovercraft. I've no recollection of the drive; I was that focused. All my dreams had been answered. I'd made a final table at the world's biggest poker tournament. As I walked into the arena, my blood was bubbling. My heart was beating so fast that I could hear it. This is a moment that will live with me forever. I just wish I could have stayed a little longer. The support I received that day was overwhelming. It felt as if everybody in the crowd was willing me to win.

Being in Las Vegas during July brings back the memories of the many great times I've spent there during the World Series of Poker. But, in fact, the most memorable time I've ever had during this time of year was one year that I was unable to make it to Las Vegas. You may not believe what I am about to tell you, but anyway I will try.

Cast your mind back to July 7, 2005. Can you remember what you were doing that day? I surely can. Katharine and I were running a poker tournament at the Dorchester Hotel in London. We had driven up the day before from Bridgnorth and were stopping at the Ibis Hotel, just opposite Euston Station. We awoke to the sound of sirens all around London. One of the biggest disasters in English history happened that day when six young men decided to blow themselves up in different spots all across London. The capital city was in mayhem.

My trusted co-worker Spiva was supposed to be on his way up with a coachload of dealers: 30 dealers, 60 packs of cards, 30 chip sets, and 30 pastillons. For those of you who do not know what a pastillon is, it's French for cut card.

Meanwhile, I had a four-mile walk to the Dorchester Hotel, and there was no public transport available. No taxis, no tubes, no buses, so I had to use my "plates of meat" to walk. The journey was worth it, as when I arrived, Spiva and the 30 dealers were parked and waiting. Nothing and nobody can stop the British public. Nobody was going to beat us. The tournament went ahead as scheduled with 330 property developers of Great Britain paying £300 each. Only one person didn't turn up for the venue. It was the after-dinner speaker.

I was asked by the property developers' organizer if I could do it. I told him I had no previous experience. But, the show must go on. And when he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for Mr. Mad Marty Wilson," the room erupted. I had absolutely no idea what I was going to say as I walked up the three steps and onto the stage. I tapped the microphone twice and said ...

Join me next month when I finish the story. You won't believe your ears! ♠

Mad Marty Wilson is a professional gambler and poker consultant for Matchroom Sport.