E-DOG Wins a Cool Half-Million

About six months ago I was talking to Annie Duke, and she told me the folks at UltimateBet hoped to have 150 players in the $4,000 buy-in championship event in Aruba. Of course, reflecting the trend in poker, they got almost three times that number.

Before addressing the actual tournament, I feel obligated to discuss the subplot of the love that was spreading in Aruba. It started when I was sitting next to my buddy Tony Cousineau in an event, and he informed me that he had just bought a nice rock for his girlfriend and they were getting married. This came as a shock to me, considering that a few years ago, there was a profile of Tony in Card Player in which he was wearing a T-shirt that displayed a heart with a dagger ripping it open and the caption, "Death Before Marriage." Then, I saw Paul Darden. He was wearing a wedding ring, and informed me that he had just gotten married. He also told me there were 250 people at the wedding. Hmm, I must have just missed the cut, because I think I am one of his top 260 friends. Congratulations to both Tony and Paul. I then was thinking enough was enough when Russ Hamilton announced that his golfing pal Rick Casper had gotten engaged and said he would get married on TV if he finished in the top three of the tournament. Rick must have thought that was a safe statement, because he had played in only one live tournament, and that was a few weeks earlier.

When the tournament was down to a few tables, I noticed that Rick was playing well, as was Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott, my father, Barry, and Erick Lindgren, who looked like he had a game plan and was extremely focused. After Devilfish busted out seventh on the TV bubble, the final table was set. I must say that Devilfish was playing awesome poker, and I have an all-new respect for his game. The funny thing is that I have always loved his play, but it really impressed me in Aruba.

The final six players were all fairly close in chips, and the WPT took the structures back down to ensure much more play at the final table. Those who made the final table were Erick Lindgren, Barry Shulman, Rick Casper, Daniel Larsson, Anthony Fagan, and Ted Harrington. After a few hours of play, all six of them were still in. Then, they started dropping like flies until Erick was crowned the champion. Erick had made the final six at the Aviation Club in the summer, and now he has an extra $500,000 to show for his great play.

I am not going to take credit for Erick's win, but I did write a few months ago that everyone should keep an eye on him because he was playing well. I think Phil Ivey is taking credit for it. Once Phil showed up as a spectator (his new role), Erick won every hand. I am sure Erick was motivated by seeing Phil, and didn't want me to write an article about him and "third-place finishes" like I did with young Phil. Erick, you are a smart man.

Anyhow, back to the subplot. Although Rick Casper said he was going to get married if he finished in the top three, he decided to do it anyway even after finishing sixth. Enjoy the honeymoon, Rick.

On a different note, I am pleased to welcome Nolan Dalla back to the Card Player team. His first column appears in this issue.