Mark Gregorich Poker Tournament Updates

Mark Gregorich Wins A Huge All In

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich was all in preflop for 66,100 with the KK up against the AK of Daniel Snowden.

The board ran out 10438Q to earn Gregorich the double up to over 130,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Doubles Up

Apr 30, '15

A short stacked player moved all in and Mark Gergorich, who was even shorter, quickly called with the KK.

He was up against the 104.

The board ran out 55257 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with around 30,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Barry Shulman Takes a Pot

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich opened to 1,800 from middle position, Barry Shulman called from the button and Myriam Mehnana called from the big blind.

All three players checked after a flop of KJ9. Mehnana checked again after the turn card came up the 9, but Gregorich bet 2,600. Shulman raised to 10,000 and Mehnana and Gregorich folded.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Myriam Mehnana

Dueval Fenton Rivers a Set

Apr 30, '15

The player under the gun limped into the pot and under the gun+1 did the same. Dueval Fenton completed from the small blind and Mark Gregorich checked his option from the big blind.

All players checked after a flop of 852. After the 6 opened on the turn Fenton cut out a bet of 1,500. Gregorich called and the other two players folded. The river was the 7 and Fenton and Gregorich checked.

Fenton showed 77 and Gregorich mucked his hand.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Notables In The Field Early

Apr 30, '15

With eight tables running so far here in the early going there are a number of recognizable faces in the field, including Card Player Publisher and two-time WSOP bracelet winner Barry Shulman, accomplished pro Mark Gregorich (with $1.4 million in tournament earnings) and Mark Steven Edwards, who won the WPT Regional Jacksonville in 2012.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Mark Stephen Edwards

Mark Gregorich Leads Final 39

May 01, '15

The final starting day of the inaugural Card Player Poker Tour St. Maarten main event came to a close with a total of 138 entries and a $207,000 prize pool.

Mark Gregorich leads the final 39 players with a stack of 231,900. Joan Sandoval put away 203,300 for the night and Slamani Tahar will return with 199,100.

bestbet Jacksonville regular Mark Stephen Edwards bagged the Day 1A chiplead (164,400) and will be near the top of the pack when Day 2 begins.

Jesse Hollander, bestbet Jacksonville Director of Poker Operations, and Kristy Arnett will also be back on Day 2.

The final 39 players will return at 2 pm local time on Saturday and play down to a winner. Live updates of all the action will be provided on CardPlayer.com.

The eventual champion will be the fifth main event winner of Season III of the CPPT, joining Fred Paradis, Maxim Sorokin, Nick Weinberg and Chan Pelton on the list of champions.

This could be the stop to crown the tour’s first two-time champion as 2013 CPPT Venetian Deepstacks main event winner Allyn Shulman is still in the field. Shulman is also the tour’s all-time money winner.

Day 2 Chip Counts

Rank	Player	Chip Count
1	Mark Gregorich	231,900
2	Joan Sandoval	203,300
3	Slamani Tahar	199,100
4	Bill Dobscha	179,600
5	Emil Hegedus	178,800
6	Mark Stephen Edwards	164,400
7	Adam Friedman	161,900
8	Tommie Yanssen	154,300
9	Andrew Fair	139,800
10	Albert Balayn	138,200
11	Kristy Arnett	132,100
12	Enrici Christophe	118,900
13	George Mull	118,400
14	Rafael Abrahamyan	114,200
15	Marvin Rosen	109,500
16	Wesley Bundy	108,900
17	Tod Reichert	105,800
18	Rosso Christophe	104,800
19	Louis Pfaff	103,400
20	Jan Van Der Wal	102,900
21	Joel Lirot	96,200
22	Daniel Snowden	94,200
23	Myriam Mehnana	87,700
24	Adam Cedric	84,200
25	Benichou Paul	83,800
26	Mike Garcell	74,600
27	Allyn Shulman	72,500
28	Desmond Culbert	61,700
29	Yury Shapiro	59,700
30	Joseph Massaro	55,300
31	Jesse Hollander	46,200
32	Albert Lunenberg	45,300
33	Cole Macy	41,200
34	Duane Mispagel	39,800
35	Robert Beck	38,200
36	Marko Merjjer	38,000
37	Duane Brand	35,000
38	Aubertin Christophe	33,600
39	Brochet Nicolas	18,800

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark vs. Mark Cooler

May 01, '15

Mark Tenner got all in preflop against chip leader Mark Gregorich.

Tenner had picked up the second best starting hand in hold’em in pocket kings. Unfortunately for him his KK had run into Gregorich’s AA.

The board ran out QJ8J7 to earn Gregorich yet another knockout here on day 1B.

He now has over 260,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Mark Tenner

Mark Gregorich Soaring On Day 1B

May 01, '15

A short stacked player moved all in with the 22 and Mark Gregorich called with the AJ.

The board ran out AQ1075 and Gregorich sent yet another player to the rail.

With that Gregorich, who survived day 1A but with only 40,000 in chips, increased his stack here on day 1B to a chip-leading 190,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Busts Another

May 01, '15

With a flop of K93a player moved all in with the K10 and Mark Gregorich made the call with the AK.

The turn brought the 9 and the river the 2 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with over 125,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gergorich Scores A Knockout On The Flop

May 01, '15

A player moved all in with the 1010 and Mark Gregorich called with the AQ.

The flop came down J42 to give Gregorich the nut flush and all but seal the deal. The 6 on the turn locked up the hand for Gregorich, who increased his stack to over 90,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Wins A Huge All In

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich was all in preflop for 66,100 with the KK up against the AK of Daniel Snowden.

The board ran out 10438Q to earn Gregorich the double up to over 130,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Doubles Up

Apr 30, '15

A short stacked player moved all in and Mark Gergorich, who was even shorter, quickly called with the KK.

He was up against the 104.

The board ran out 55257 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with around 30,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Barry Shulman Takes a Pot

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich opened to 1,800 from middle position, Barry Shulman called from the button and Myriam Mehnana called from the big blind.

All three players checked after a flop of KJ9. Mehnana checked again after the turn card came up the 9, but Gregorich bet 2,600. Shulman raised to 10,000 and Mehnana and Gregorich folded.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Myriam Mehnana

Dueval Fenton Rivers a Set

Apr 30, '15

The player under the gun limped into the pot and under the gun+1 did the same. Dueval Fenton completed from the small blind and Mark Gregorich checked his option from the big blind.

All players checked after a flop of 852. After the 6 opened on the turn Fenton cut out a bet of 1,500. Gregorich called and the other two players folded. The river was the 7 and Fenton and Gregorich checked.

Fenton showed 77 and Gregorich mucked his hand.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Notables In The Field Early

Apr 30, '15

With eight tables running so far here in the early going there are a number of recognizable faces in the field, including Card Player Publisher and two-time WSOP bracelet winner Barry Shulman, accomplished pro Mark Gregorich (with $1.4 million in tournament earnings) and Mark Steven Edwards, who won the WPT Regional Jacksonville in 2012.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Mark Stephen Edwards

Mark Gregorich Leads Final 39

May 01, '15

The final starting day of the inaugural Card Player Poker Tour St. Maarten main event came to a close with a total of 138 entries and a $207,000 prize pool.

Mark Gregorich leads the final 39 players with a stack of 231,900. Joan Sandoval put away 203,300 for the night and Slamani Tahar will return with 199,100.

bestbet Jacksonville regular Mark Stephen Edwards bagged the Day 1A chiplead (164,400) and will be near the top of the pack when Day 2 begins.

Jesse Hollander, bestbet Jacksonville Director of Poker Operations, and Kristy Arnett will also be back on Day 2.

The final 39 players will return at 2 pm local time on Saturday and play down to a winner. Live updates of all the action will be provided on CardPlayer.com.

The eventual champion will be the fifth main event winner of Season III of the CPPT, joining Fred Paradis, Maxim Sorokin, Nick Weinberg and Chan Pelton on the list of champions.

This could be the stop to crown the tour’s first two-time champion as 2013 CPPT Venetian Deepstacks main event winner Allyn Shulman is still in the field. Shulman is also the tour’s all-time money winner.

Day 2 Chip Counts

Rank	Player	Chip Count
1	Mark Gregorich	231,900
2	Joan Sandoval	203,300
3	Slamani Tahar	199,100
4	Bill Dobscha	179,600
5	Emil Hegedus	178,800
6	Mark Stephen Edwards	164,400
7	Adam Friedman	161,900
8	Tommie Yanssen	154,300
9	Andrew Fair	139,800
10	Albert Balayn	138,200
11	Kristy Arnett	132,100
12	Enrici Christophe	118,900
13	George Mull	118,400
14	Rafael Abrahamyan	114,200
15	Marvin Rosen	109,500
16	Wesley Bundy	108,900
17	Tod Reichert	105,800
18	Rosso Christophe	104,800
19	Louis Pfaff	103,400
20	Jan Van Der Wal	102,900
21	Joel Lirot	96,200
22	Daniel Snowden	94,200
23	Myriam Mehnana	87,700
24	Adam Cedric	84,200
25	Benichou Paul	83,800
26	Mike Garcell	74,600
27	Allyn Shulman	72,500
28	Desmond Culbert	61,700
29	Yury Shapiro	59,700
30	Joseph Massaro	55,300
31	Jesse Hollander	46,200
32	Albert Lunenberg	45,300
33	Cole Macy	41,200
34	Duane Mispagel	39,800
35	Robert Beck	38,200
36	Marko Merjjer	38,000
37	Duane Brand	35,000
38	Aubertin Christophe	33,600
39	Brochet Nicolas	18,800

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark vs. Mark Cooler

May 01, '15

Mark Tenner got all in preflop against chip leader Mark Gregorich.

Tenner had picked up the second best starting hand in hold’em in pocket kings. Unfortunately for him his KK had run into Gregorich’s AA.

The board ran out QJ8J7 to earn Gregorich yet another knockout here on day 1B.

He now has over 260,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Mark Tenner

Mark Gregorich Soaring On Day 1B

May 01, '15

A short stacked player moved all in with the 22 and Mark Gregorich called with the AJ.

The board ran out AQ1075 and Gregorich sent yet another player to the rail.

With that Gregorich, who survived day 1A but with only 40,000 in chips, increased his stack here on day 1B to a chip-leading 190,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Busts Another

May 01, '15

With a flop of K93a player moved all in with the K10 and Mark Gregorich made the call with the AK.

The turn brought the 9 and the river the 2 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with over 125,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gergorich Scores A Knockout On The Flop

May 01, '15

A player moved all in with the 1010 and Mark Gregorich called with the AQ.

The flop came down J42 to give Gregorich the nut flush and all but seal the deal. The 6 on the turn locked up the hand for Gregorich, who increased his stack to over 90,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Wins A Huge All In

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich was all in preflop for 66,100 with the KK up against the AK of Daniel Snowden.

The board ran out 10438Q to earn Gregorich the double up to over 130,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Doubles Up

Apr 30, '15

A short stacked player moved all in and Mark Gergorich, who was even shorter, quickly called with the KK.

He was up against the 104.

The board ran out 55257 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with around 30,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Barry Shulman Takes a Pot

Apr 30, '15

Mark Gregorich opened to 1,800 from middle position, Barry Shulman called from the button and Myriam Mehnana called from the big blind.

All three players checked after a flop of KJ9. Mehnana checked again after the turn card came up the 9, but Gregorich bet 2,600. Shulman raised to 10,000 and Mehnana and Gregorich folded.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Myriam Mehnana

Dueval Fenton Rivers a Set

Apr 30, '15

The player under the gun limped into the pot and under the gun+1 did the same. Dueval Fenton completed from the small blind and Mark Gregorich checked his option from the big blind.

All players checked after a flop of 852. After the 6 opened on the turn Fenton cut out a bet of 1,500. Gregorich called and the other two players folded. The river was the 7 and Fenton and Gregorich checked.

Fenton showed 77 and Gregorich mucked his hand.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Notables In The Field Early

Apr 30, '15

With eight tables running so far here in the early going there are a number of recognizable faces in the field, including Card Player Publisher and two-time WSOP bracelet winner Barry Shulman, accomplished pro Mark Gregorich (with $1.4 million in tournament earnings) and Mark Steven Edwards, who won the WPT Regional Jacksonville in 2012.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Barry Shulman,   Mark Stephen Edwards

Mark Gregorich Leads Final 39

May 01, '15

The final starting day of the inaugural Card Player Poker Tour St. Maarten main event came to a close with a total of 138 entries and a $207,000 prize pool.

Mark Gregorich leads the final 39 players with a stack of 231,900. Joan Sandoval put away 203,300 for the night and Slamani Tahar will return with 199,100.

bestbet Jacksonville regular Mark Stephen Edwards bagged the Day 1A chiplead (164,400) and will be near the top of the pack when Day 2 begins.

Jesse Hollander, bestbet Jacksonville Director of Poker Operations, and Kristy Arnett will also be back on Day 2.

The final 39 players will return at 2 pm local time on Saturday and play down to a winner. Live updates of all the action will be provided on CardPlayer.com.

The eventual champion will be the fifth main event winner of Season III of the CPPT, joining Fred Paradis, Maxim Sorokin, Nick Weinberg and Chan Pelton on the list of champions.

This could be the stop to crown the tour’s first two-time champion as 2013 CPPT Venetian Deepstacks main event winner Allyn Shulman is still in the field. Shulman is also the tour’s all-time money winner.

Day 2 Chip Counts

Rank	Player	Chip Count
1	Mark Gregorich	231,900
2	Joan Sandoval	203,300
3	Slamani Tahar	199,100
4	Bill Dobscha	179,600
5	Emil Hegedus	178,800
6	Mark Stephen Edwards	164,400
7	Adam Friedman	161,900
8	Tommie Yanssen	154,300
9	Andrew Fair	139,800
10	Albert Balayn	138,200
11	Kristy Arnett	132,100
12	Enrici Christophe	118,900
13	George Mull	118,400
14	Rafael Abrahamyan	114,200
15	Marvin Rosen	109,500
16	Wesley Bundy	108,900
17	Tod Reichert	105,800
18	Rosso Christophe	104,800
19	Louis Pfaff	103,400
20	Jan Van Der Wal	102,900
21	Joel Lirot	96,200
22	Daniel Snowden	94,200
23	Myriam Mehnana	87,700
24	Adam Cedric	84,200
25	Benichou Paul	83,800
26	Mike Garcell	74,600
27	Allyn Shulman	72,500
28	Desmond Culbert	61,700
29	Yury Shapiro	59,700
30	Joseph Massaro	55,300
31	Jesse Hollander	46,200
32	Albert Lunenberg	45,300
33	Cole Macy	41,200
34	Duane Mispagel	39,800
35	Robert Beck	38,200
36	Marko Merjjer	38,000
37	Duane Brand	35,000
38	Aubertin Christophe	33,600
39	Brochet Nicolas	18,800

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark vs. Mark Cooler

May 01, '15

Mark Tenner got all in preflop against chip leader Mark Gregorich.

Tenner had picked up the second best starting hand in hold’em in pocket kings. Unfortunately for him his KK had run into Gregorich’s AA.

The board ran out QJ8J7 to earn Gregorich yet another knockout here on day 1B.

He now has over 260,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Mark Tenner

Mark Gregorich Soaring On Day 1B

May 01, '15

A short stacked player moved all in with the 22 and Mark Gregorich called with the AJ.

The board ran out AQ1075 and Gregorich sent yet another player to the rail.

With that Gregorich, who survived day 1A but with only 40,000 in chips, increased his stack here on day 1B to a chip-leading 190,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gregorich Busts Another

May 01, '15

With a flop of K93a player moved all in with the K10 and Mark Gregorich made the call with the AK.

The turn brought the 9 and the river the 2 to secure the pot for Gregorich, who now sits with over 125,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Mark Gergorich Scores A Knockout On The Flop

May 01, '15

A player moved all in with the 1010 and Mark Gregorich called with the AQ.

The flop came down J42 to give Gregorich the nut flush and all but seal the deal. The 6 on the turn locked up the hand for Gregorich, who increased his stack to over 90,000.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich

Level 27 Update: Kovalchuk Leads Danzer Heads-Up; Gregorich 3rd ($90,829)

Jun 25, '12

Level: 27

Omaha 8
Blinds: 20,000-40,000
Limits: 40,000-80,000

Stud 8
Ante: 10,000
Bring-In: 10,000
Completion: 30,000
Limits: 40,000-80,000

Players Remaining: 2 out of 393

Average Chip Count: 1,473,750

Chip Counts:

Seat no. 1 — Oleksii Kovalchuk — 1,517,000
Seat no. 2 — George Danzer — 1,430,000

Players Eliminated:

Mark Gregorich — 3rd Place ($90,829)

Live Updates:

Mark Gregorich Eliminated in 3rd Place ($90,829)

Omaha 8

George Danzer opened the button for 80,000, Mark Gregorich called from the small blind, Oleksii Kovalchuk reraised to 120,000 rom the big blind and both players called.

The flop came K98, Gregorich bet 40,000, Kovalchuk raised to 80,000, Danzer folded, Gregorich three-bet all in and Kocalchuk called.

Kocalchuk: AAJ5
Gregorich: A832

Kovalchuk was ahead on the flop with an over pair of aces against Gregorich’s bottom pair. The turn and river were the 9 and the 7, offering no help to Mark Gregorich who was eliminated in 3rd place ($90,829). Olekssi Kovalchuk took the chip lead going into heads-up play with 1,897,000 to George Danzer’s 1,050,000.

Be sure to check back with Card Player at the conclusion of each level for regular updates with all of the action, current chip counts, and prize distributions.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Oleksii Kovalchuk

Level 25 Update: Bronshtein 5th ($48,387), Chad 6th ($36,094)

Jun 24, '12

Level: 25

Omaha 8
Blinds: 13,000-25,000
Limits: 25,000-50,000

Stud 8
Ante: 5,000
Bring-In: 7,000
Completion: 25,000
Limits: 25,000-50,000

Players Remaining: 4 out of 393

Average Chip Count: 736,875

Chip Counts:

Seat no. 1 — Oleksii Kovalchuk — 690,000
Seat no. 2 — George Danzer — 640,000

Seat no. 4 — Daniel Ratigan — 585,000

Seat no. 6 — Mark Gregorich — 995,000

Players Eliminated:

Yuval Bronshtein — 5th Place ($48,387)
Norman Chad — 6th Place ($36,094)

Live Updates:

Norman Chad Eliminated in 6th Place ($36,094)

Omaha 8

Norman Chad came back from the dinner break on the short stack and was the next player eliminated. Norman Chad got it all in before the flop with A1075 against Mark Gregorich’s A322.

The board came 443J6, giving Gregorich a flush and the nut low to scoop the pot and eliminate Norman Chad in 6th place ($36,093).

Yuval Bronshtein Eliminated in 5th Place ($48,387)

Stud 8

Daniel Ratigan brought in the 2 for 7,000, Yuval Bronshtein completed the bet to 25,000 with the Q and Daniel Ratigan called the raise. Bronshtein got the rest of his chips in on fourth street and Ratigan called.

Ratigan: 2324 — 65
Bronshtein: Q229 — Q57

Bronshtein was ahead with a pair of queens when the money went in, but Ratigan made a straight on sixth street to win the pot and eliminate Yuval Bronshtein in 5th place ($48,387).

Be sure to check back with Card Player at the conclusion of each level for regular updates with all of the action, current chip counts, and prize distributions.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Norman Chad,   Yuval Bronshtein,   Daniel Ratigan

Action Begins, Final Table Now Underway

Jun 24, '12

The final table of Event no. 42 ($2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi/Low) is now underway, and Card Player will be posting level-by-level updates with all of the action, current chip counts, and prize distributions.

Day 3 began with 22 players, and with the elimination of Brandon Guss in 9th Place ($16,325), the official final table is now set. Play will begin in Level 23, and will continue until a winner is determined.

With cards now back in the air, here is a look at the final table and how these players match up:

Seat no. 1 — Oleksii Kovalchuk — 335,000
Seat no. 2 — George Danzer — 517,000
Seat no. 3 — Wing Wong — 184,000
Seat no. 4 — Daniel Ratigan — 150,000
Seat no. 5 — Tim Burt — 152,000
Seat no. 6 — Mark Gregorich — 677,000
Seat no. 7 — Yuval Bronshtein — 340,000
Seat no. 8 — Norman Chad — 590,000

While only 8 remain, this event gathered 393 players, creating a total prize pool of $894,075. Here is a look at the final payouts:

1st Place — $228,014
2nd Place — $140,825
3rd Place — $90,829
4th Place — $65,812
5th Place — $48,387
6th Place — $36,093
7th Place — $27,313
8th Place — $20,966

Be sure to check back with Card Player at the conclusion of each level for regular updates with all of the action, current chip counts, and prize distributions.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Wing Wong,   Norman Chad,   George Danzer,   Yuval Bronshtein,   Daniel Ratigan,   Oleksii Kovalchuk

Level 12 Update: Chad Batista Wins Monster Pot

Dec 16, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000 with a 400 ante

Players Remaining: 88 out of 329

Chip Counts:

1. Chad Batista — 730,000
2. Steven Landfish — 660,000
3. Joseph Elpayaa — 640,000
4. Toto Leonidas — 510,000
5. Matt Stout — 485,000
6. Brent Hanks — 470,000
7. Sorel Mizzi — 470,000
8. Faraz Jaka — 410,000
9. Scotty Nguyen — 400,000
10. Soheil Shamseddin — 400,000

Average Chip Count: 225,000

Notable Eliminations:

Dani Stern
Chris Moore
Mark Gregorich
Keven Stammen
Cornel Cimpan
Matt Stout
Howard Lederer

Big Hands:

Chad Batista Gifted A Ton of Chips

A man known by the table as “the French guy” opened for a raise and Mark Gregorich reraised all in for his last 34,700. Chad Batista called behind him and Mr. French called as well.

The flop came down J83 and Batista bet 30,000. Unknown guy then reraised a handful of big chips to about 150,000 and Batista snap shoved all in. The Frenchman insta-called for his last 120,000 or so, showing AK. Batista showed bottom set of threes and the table started grumbling about running spades.

The turn was the 5 and Batista let out a groan while the rest of the table ducked for cover, anticipating a possible blow up. Instead, the river was the 7 and Batista safely avoided any bad beats. He left the room regain his composure while the dealer spent a few minutes moving chips across the table.

Gregorich never showed his hand, but apparently held A-Q. Meanwhile, Batista is looking at a stack of about 750,000. We’re guessing, however, since he has yet to organize the pile in front of him.

Mike Matusow Doubles Through Abe Mosseri

Mike Matusow was all in holding AQ against the JJ of Abe Mosseri. The flop came queen high and Matusow doubled up to 105,000 in chips.

Mosseri was left with 140,000, but got it all back shortly afterwards.

Abe Mosseri Doubles Through Barry Greenstein

Barry Greenstein raised to 8,000 and Abe Mosseri called on the button. Greenstein continued with a bet of 11,000 on a flop of 964 and Mosseri raised to 30,000.

Greenstein put him all in and Mosseri called with J10 for a flush draw. Greenstein could only show 87 for an open-ended straight draw and failed to hit when the turn and river came 6Q.

Mosseri is now back up to 275,000, while Greenstein fights the short stack with 45,000.

Cornel Cimpan Eliminated by Shawn Buchanan

Cornel Cimpan found himself all in holding pocket queens against the pocket jacks of Shawn Buchanan.

A jack on the board was unfortunate for Cimpan and he failed to catch up, busting from the tournament. This means only Yevgeniy Timoshenko can catch Eric Baldwin for Player of the Year honors.

Howard Lederer Eliminated by Curt Kohlberg

Howard Lederer was all in and in great shape holding A-K against Curt Kohlberg’s K-Q, but a queen in the door put him in danger of busting.

The turn gave him more outs with a wheel draw, but Lederer failed to catch up and was eliminated from the tournament. Kohlberg is now a big stack with 440,000.

Erik Seidel Watches Aces Go Down in Flames

Erik Seidel was all in holding pocket aces against the pocket nines of Carter King. The board ran out four spades, however, and Seidel’s aces were flushed away. King now sits with 175,000 in chips.

POY Watch

Erik Baldwin busted yesterday to Tom Dwan, but he’s not one for leaving his Player of the Year status to fate. Instead, Baldwin did the math and realized that if he wins today’s $500 side event, he would forced both Timoshenko and Cimpan to finish one spot higher in this tournament.

Now that Cimpan is gone, only Timoshenko can challenge him. Timoshenko would need to finish in the top two to pass him, but if Baldwin can somehow score another win, Timoshenko would need to win this tournament outright in order to claim the award.

Player Tags: Cornel Cimpan,   Erik Seidel,   Barry Greenstein,   Mike Matusow,   Mark Gregorich,   Abe Mosseri,   Chad Batista,   Carter King

Level 4 Hour 1 Update: Jerry Yang Eliminated

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Players Remaining: 921 out of 1116

Chip Counts:

1. Dragan Galic – 110,000
2. Jeff Williams – 100,000
3. Jeremy Ausmus – 88,000
4. Radek Stockner – 88,000
5. Eli Elezra – 84,300
6. Kevin Stammen – 74,000
7. Bryan Colin – 72,000
8. Michael Kamran – 72,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman – 40,000
10. Barry Shulman – 28,500

Notable Eliminations:

Jerry Yang, Perry Friedman, Darryl Dicken

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Eliminated

A short stacked Jerry Yang was all in preflop with J7 and was up against his opponent’s AK. Yang caught a good flop when it came 789, but the K on the turn put Yang in a bad spot.

Yang’s fate was sealed as the 4 fell on the river. Yang’s quest for a a second main event title will have to be postponed for at least another year.

Mark Gregorich Takes A Pot

On a board showing 10535, Mark Gregorich and his opponent checked with the pot around 4,000. The river was then the K and the action was checked to Gregorich. He bet 3,500 and his opponent went into the tank. After some thought, he said, “I’ll let you have it,” and mucked his cards. Gregorich raked in the pot and he was at 41,300.

By George!

The player in seat 6 opened the action for a raise to 1,150 and action folded around to Jason Alexander. He then reraised to 3,200 and seat 6 made the call. The flop then fell J52 and the action was checked to Alexander. He fired 6,000 and seat 6 came over the top, moving all in for 26,500. Alexander took a session in the tank and then pushed in the call.

Seat 6 showed 86 for a made flush and Alexander turned over 1010. He needed a lot of help and the J paired the board on the turn. The river then brought the J, giving Alexander a backdoor full house and the massive pot. He was at 84,500 after the hand.

Brad Garrett then had a little fun with his friend. “Wow,” he started. “As bad as your game is buddy, that’s incredible.” The table had a laugh and Alexander left his chips strewn about in front of him. “I’ll be back,” he joked, pretending to walk away from the table. “Yeah, to the pharmacy,” Garrett joked again. After all of this, Garrett forgot to input his ante and the dealer asked him to do it. “I’m sorry sweetheart,” he said. “Can I just get a minute to absorb what just happened.” Garrett then placed his ante in and play continued.

Duthie Shows Some Heart

Picking up the action on the turn, action was checked to John Duthie with the board showing Q7510. He fired a bet of 2,000 and his three opponents quickly mucked. Duthie took in the pot, but was still below his starting stack with just 20,000 in chips.

Michael Gracz Doubles His Opponent

Michael Gracz called his opponent’s all in bet, totaling around 24,000. Here were their hands.

Gracz: AK
Opponent: JJ

Board: J536A

Gracz hit his ace, but unfortunately for him it was after his opponent flopped a set. Gracz took a hit down to 50,000.

Those Flush Draws Will Cost You

After a flop of 724, Steve-Paul Ambrose called his opponent’s all in bet of about 21,000. Ambrose showed J9 for a flush draw, but his opponent held AA and Ambrose needed help. The turn was the 2 and the river was the 5 and Ambrose lost a big chunk of his stack, going down to 15,000.

Affleck Gets Opponent to Fold a Set

Matt “mcmatto” Affleck, the winner of the $3000 SCOOP event on PokerStars, and his opponent on the button got in 5600 preflop and took a flop of AKQ. Affleck bet 6500 and was called by the player on the button.

The turn was the 4 and Affleck bet 11,200 and was called. The river was the 5 and Affleck bet 24,000 of his 26,000 stack. The player on the button stood up and announced that he had a set and was seriously considering folding it. “This is disgusting,” said the player on the button as he agonized with his decision.

Finally, after a few minutes of thought, he tossed the QQ face up into the muck. Even though the entire table begged Affleck to show his hand, he did not oblige and tossed his hand into the muck without showinig.

Left In The Deck:

There were 1,116 players in day 1a for this year’s main event. This is down just slightly from last year’s numbers, as there were 1,297 players in 2008.

Player Tags: Michael Gracz,   Mark Gregorich,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Jerry Yang,   Jason Alexander

Level 1 Update: John Phan Eliminated; Gets Aces Cracked

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Counts:

1. Kenny Hallaert — 80,000
2. Jonas Klausen — 70,000
3. Craig Gray — 47,000
4. Steven van Zadelhoff — 44,000
5. C.K. Hua — 43,000
6. John Magill — 43,000
7. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 41,000
8. Erik Cajelais — 40,000
9. Ted Lawson — 38,000
10. Barry Shulman — 31,000

Notable Eliminations:

John Phan

Big Hands:

Mark Gregorich Off To Healthy Start

After a flop of A32, Mark Gregorich threw in a check raise against his opponent. Gregorich was called and bet the turn of the 7. His opponent called and both players saw a K fall on the river. Gregorich threw in a bet of 4,300 and was called by his opponent. Gregorich exposed the J9 for a flopped flush. His opponent mucked and Gregorich is now up to 45,000.

Phil Laak Gets Picked Off

The player in seat 2 raises to 325 from late position, Phil Laak calls from the cutoff as does the player on the button. The flop comes 762, seat 2 bets 625, Laak calls and the button folds. The turn is the 3, and this time seat 2 checks to Laak. Laak bets 1,050 and seat 2 calls. The river is the 9, and once again seat 2 checks. Laak bets 3,650 and seat 2 calls. Laak turns over 109 for a pair of nines on the river but seat 2 shows KK for a better pair. Seat 2 rakes the pot and Laak drops down to 27,000 in chips.

John Phan Eliminated

After being knocked down to just 4,000 the hand before after running his pocket queens into the turned nut straight of his opponent, John Phan raises this pot to 300 before the flop and gets two callers. The flop comes 987, and Phan bets 700. One opponent folds from late position and his other opponent in the small blind raised to 5,000. Phan called all in.

Phan: AA
Small Blind: K9

The turn is the 10, but the river is the K, giving Phan’s opponent two pair and the win. John Phan is eliminated from the tournament just halfway through the first level.

Jennifer Tilly Off to a Slow Start

On a flop of A42, Jennifer Tilly bets 300 and the player in seat 3 calls. The turn is the J, and this time Tilly bets 600, seat 3 calls. The river is the Q, and this time both players check. Seat 3 turns over A8 for top pair and Tilly mucks her hand. Seat 3 rakes the pot and Tilly is down to just 15,000 in chips after this hand.

Cory Carroll Doesn’t Get There

Cory Carroll raises to 300 from middle position and gets one caller from the cutoff. The flop comes A98, Carroll bets 525, the cutoff calls.The turn is the 8, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 900 and Carroll calls. The river is the 7, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 1,000 and Carroll folds. The cutoff rakes the pot while Carroll slips into the red 28,000 in chips after this hand.

Andy Black Bounces Back

Andy Black and a player saw a flop of KJ10. Black’s opponent checked to him and Black fired out a bet of 675. His opponent quickly called and the A hit the turn. Both players checked and the A fell on the river. Black’s opponent threw out a bet of 2,500 and Black reraised to 8,000. Black was called after brief deliberation. Black exposed the AK for a full boat. His opponent mucked a queen for the straight. Black is now up to about the starting stack of 30,000.

Left in the Deck

Players will take a twenty-minute break at the end of Level 1 and will return at approximately 2:30 pm PDT to begin Level 2.

Player Tags: John Phan,   Phil Laak,   Mark Gregorich,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Cory Carroll

Final Table Update: Mark Gregorich (8th) and Michael Keiner (7th) Eliminated

Jun 25, '09

Note: The final table is now on dinner break and they will return at 8:20 p.m. PDT.

Blinds: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 6 out of 424

Chip Counts:

1. Josh Schlein — 740,000
2. Mark Tenner — 585,000
3. Derek Raymond — 415,000
4. Fabio Coppola — 407,000
5. Sirous Jamshidi — 260,000
6. Scott Bohlman — 120,000

Average Chip Count: 397,500

Notable Eliminations:

8. Mark Gregorich – $26,213
7. Michael Keiner – $30,562

Elimination Hands:

Mark Gregorich Eliminated in Eighth Place ($26,213)

Mark Gregorich moved all in preflop for 24,000 and both Josh Schlein and Mark Tenner made the call. The flop fell K84 aand Tenner bet. Schlein mucked and the final two players flipped up their cards:

Tenner: KJ98
Gregorich: AK1010

Turn and River: K6

Tenner won the hand with a full house and Gregorich was eliminated in eighth place.

Michael Keiner Eliminated in Seventh Place ($30,562)

Michael Keiner raised all in preflop and Derek Raymond made the call. Their cards:

Keiner: A1055
Raymond: J943

Board: KJ886

Keiner was eliminated on the hand in seventh place by the jacks up of Raymond.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Mark Tenner,   Michael Keiner,   Josh Schlein,   Derek Raymond

Level 18 Update: Chop It Up!

Jun 06, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 6,000-12,000 blinds and 12,000-24,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 3,000 ante, 3,000 bring-in, with a 12,000 completion and 12,000-24,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 3,000-6,000 blinds with a 3,000 ante

NOTES: Games change every eight hands. Two players will be forced to sit out during 2-7 triple draw each hand.

Players Remaining: 20 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. Huck Seed – 690,000
2. Joe Serock – 640,000
3. Adam Friedman – 526,000
4. John Cernuto – 387,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 362,000
6. Doyle Brunson – 355,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 340,000
8. Todd Brunson – 320,000
9. Allie Prescott – 306,000
10. Mark Gregorich – 265,000

Average Chip Count: 242,500

Notable Eliminations:

24th: Max Pescatori – $16,649
23rd: Brian Mizok – $16,649
22nd: Harris Pavlou – $16,649
21st: Vitaly Lunkin – $16,649

Big Hands:

Stud 8

Let The Chopping Begin!

Michael Binger: X-X-4AK
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-427

The sequence of the action is not clear, but the two players ended up capping the betting before sixth street came.

Michael Binger: X-X-4AK3
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-4275

Binger put his remaining chips in the pot, which were only 8,000 and Wahlbeck called. Binger tabled his hole cards, A6 for a pair of aces and a good low draw while Wahlbeck showed 47 for two pair and a seven low draw and a chance to scoop the pot. The river came and Binger got a 2 to cement a six low while Wahlbeck received a meaningless 5 for a seven low. He did win the high pot with two pair and he was at 260,000 while Binger had much less with 60,000.

Pescatori Survives This All In With A Chop, But Knocked Out Later

Adam Friedman: X-X-65
Max Pescatori: X-X-25

Pescatori was all in on fourth street and Friedman made the call. This is how their boards looked after all the cards were dealt.

Adam Friedman: 65A48A
Max Pescatori: 256A7K2

Friedman secured the high pot with a pair of aces but Pescatori took the low end with a seven low, one notch better than Friedman’s eight low. Pescatori was at 86,000 while Friedman had 526,000.

Pescatori would later be knocked out by Matt Hawrilenko during a no limit hold em hand and he was the first person to cash in this event, taking home $16,649.

One More Chop, Brunson And Gregorich Share The Wealth

Todd Brunson: X-X-98A
Mark Gregorich: X-X-Q42

Brunson bet 24,000 and Gregorich made the call.

Todd Brunson: X-X-98A10
Mark Gregorich: X-X-Q42J

Brunson fired another bet of 24,000 and Gregorich called. On the river, Brunson fired again with 24,000 and Gregorich raised to 48,000. Brunson called and showed AA10 for a full house while Gregorich showed 376 for a seven low. The players chopped and Brunson was at 320,000 while Gregorich had 242,000

Player Tags: Max Pescatori,   Todd Brunson,   Mark Gregorich,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Adam Friedman,   Michael Binger

Final Table Update: Mark Gregorich Eliminated in 4th Place

Jun 06, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 30,000-60,000 blinds and 60,000-120,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 15,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, with a 60,000 completion and 60,000-120,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 15,000-30,000 blinds with a 7,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. David Chiu – 2,200,000
2. Scott Dorin – 2,000,000
3. Ville Wahlbeck – 1,100,000

Average Chip Count: 1,766,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Mark Gregorich — $139,159

Big Hands:

2-7 Triple Draw

Mark Gregorich Eliminated In 4th Place($139,159)

Prior to the first draw, Scott Dorin raised to 120,000 and Mark Gregorich three-bet to 180,000. Dorin then capped the betting to 240,000 and Gregorich called the remainder of his stack. It was then time to draw.

First Draw: Dorin draws 2 cards, Gregorich draws 2 cards

Second Draw: Dorin draws 2 cards, Gregorich draws 1 card

Third Draw: Dorin stands pat, Gregorich draws 1 card

After the final draw, Gregorich revealed his hand and had a 10 low. It was not good enough, however, as Dorin revealed an eight low and knocked Gregorich out of the tournament in 4th place. Gregorich earned $139,159 for his finish.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Scott Dorin

Level 18 Update: Chop It Up!

Jun 06, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 6,000-12,000 blinds and 12,000-24,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 3,000 ante, 3,000 bring-in, with a 12,000 completion and 12,000-24,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 3,000-6,000 blinds with a 3,000 ante

NOTES: Games change every eight hands. Two players will be forced to sit out during 2-7 triple draw each hand.

Players Remaining: 20 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. Huck Seed – 690,000
2. Joe Serock – 640,000
3. Adam Friedman – 526,000
4. John Cernuto – 387,000
5. Soheil Shamseddin – 362,000
6. Doyle Brunson – 355,000
7. Ville Wahlbeck – 340,000
8. Todd Brunson – 320,000
9. Allie Prescott – 306,000
10. Mark Gregorich – 265,000

Average Chip Count: 242,500

Notable Eliminations:

24th: Max Pescatori – $16,649
23rd: Brian Mizok – $16,649
22nd: Harris Pavlou – $16,649
21st: Vitaly Lunkin – $16,649

Big Hands:

Stud 8

Let The Chopping Begin!

Michael Binger: X-X-4AK
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-427

The sequence of the action is not clear, but the two players ended up capping the betting before sixth street came.

Michael Binger: X-X-4AK3
Ville Wahlbeck: X-X-4275

Binger put his remaining chips in the pot, which were only 8,000 and Wahlbeck called. Binger tabled his hole cards, A6 for a pair of aces and a good low draw while Wahlbeck showed 47 for two pair and a seven low draw and a chance to scoop the pot. The river came and Binger got a 2 to cement a six low while Wahlbeck received a meaningless 5 for a seven low. He did win the high pot with two pair and he was at 260,000 while Binger had much less with 60,000.

Pescatori Survives This All In With A Chop, But Knocked Out Later

Adam Friedman: X-X-65
Max Pescatori: X-X-25

Pescatori was all in on fourth street and Friedman made the call. This is how their boards looked after all the cards were dealt.

Adam Friedman: 65A48A
Max Pescatori: 256A7K2

Friedman secured the high pot with a pair of aces but Pescatori took the low end with a seven low, one notch better than Friedman’s eight low. Pescatori was at 86,000 while Friedman had 526,000.

Pescatori would later be knocked out by Matt Hawrilenko during a no limit hold em hand and he was the first person to cash in this event, taking home $16,649.

One More Chop, Brunson And Gregorich Share The Wealth

Todd Brunson: X-X-98A
Mark Gregorich: X-X-Q42

Brunson bet 24,000 and Gregorich made the call.

Todd Brunson: X-X-98A10
Mark Gregorich: X-X-Q42J

Brunson fired another bet of 24,000 and Gregorich called. On the river, Brunson fired again with 24,000 and Gregorich raised to 48,000. Brunson called and showed AA10 for a full house while Gregorich showed 376 for a seven low. The players chopped and Brunson was at 320,000 while Gregorich had 242,000

Player Tags: Max Pescatori,   Todd Brunson,   Mark Gregorich,   Ville Wahlbeck,   Adam Friedman,   Michael Binger

Final Table Update: Mark Gregorich Eliminated in 4th Place

Jun 06, '09

Level Structure:

2-7 triple draw, limit hold’em, and Omaha 8OB: 30,000-60,000 blinds and 60,000-120,000 limits

7-card stud, razz, and 7-card stud 8OB: 15,000 ante, 20,000 bring-in, with a 60,000 completion and 60,000-120,000 limits

no-limit hold’em and pot-limit Omaha: 15,000-30,000 blinds with a 7,000 ante

Players Remaining: 3 out of 194

Chip Counts:

1. David Chiu – 2,200,000
2. Scott Dorin – 2,000,000
3. Ville Wahlbeck – 1,100,000

Average Chip Count: 1,766,666

Notable Eliminations:

4. Mark Gregorich — $139,159

Big Hands:

2-7 Triple Draw

Mark Gregorich Eliminated In 4th Place($139,159)

Prior to the first draw, Scott Dorin raised to 120,000 and Mark Gregorich three-bet to 180,000. Dorin then capped the betting to 240,000 and Gregorich called the remainder of his stack. It was then time to draw.

First Draw: Dorin draws 2 cards, Gregorich draws 2 cards

Second Draw: Dorin draws 2 cards, Gregorich draws 1 card

Third Draw: Dorin stands pat, Gregorich draws 1 card

After the final draw, Gregorich revealed his hand and had a 10 low. It was not good enough, however, as Dorin revealed an eight low and knocked Gregorich out of the tournament in 4th place. Gregorich earned $139,159 for his finish.

Player Tags: Mark Gregorich,   Scott Dorin

$50,000 H.O.R.S.E - Level 2

Jun 25, '08

 

Following the level, play halted for a 60-minute dinner break.

Blinds:
Hold'em: 400-800
Omaha 8: 400-800
Razz: 200 ante, 200 bring-in, 800 completion
Stud: 200 ante, 200 bring-in, 800 completion
Eight or Better: 200 ante, 200 bring-in, 800 completion

Chip Counts:

Gus Hansen: 158,000
Bill Chen: 141,000
Ray Dehkharghani: 140,000
Michael DeMichele: 140,000
John Monnette: 136,000
Patrick Bueno: 130,000
Bill Gazes: 125,000
Max Pescatori: 125,000
Greg Mascio: 125,000
Pat Pezzin: 124,000

Hold'em

Kings For Gregorich

Joe Cassidy put in a raise and Mark Gregorich 3-bet right behind him. Action folded to Cassidy, who made the call. The flop came AJ2and both players checked. On the 5 turn Cassidy bet 1,600 and was called by Gregorich. Both players checked the 4 river and Cassidy showed K-J for a pair of jacks, but Gregorich rolled over pocket kings to take the pot.

Omaha 8

Nguyen Hits Full House to Take Pot From Defending Champ Deeb

Scotty Nguyen bet out on a board of Q1088and was raised by defending H.O.R.S.E champion Freddy Deeb. Nguyen called then bet out when the 10 fell on the river. Deeb made the call and Nguyen showed Q-J-10-3 for a rivered full house. Deeb looked at the board for a while then tossed in his cards, A-J-J-9 for the flopped straight. Nguyen scooped the pot.

Razz

Chen Takes Big Pot

A large pot had been built between Andrew Black and Bill Chen. But when Black called Chen's final bet he quickly mucked as Chen turned over 7-6-5-3-2-8-Q for a 7-low.

Grey Gets Better Cards... Or Worse?

David Grey and Thater both showed a deuce, and Thater bet out when she his an ace for her next card and Grey called with a 5. But when Thater hit a king and Grey hit a 6, Grey bet and Thater mucked. Their hands:
Grey: 2-5-6
Thather: 2-A-K

Stud

Alex Kravchenko Wins Multi-Way Pot

Jan Von Halle completed the bet on third street with the 2 and both Alex Kravechenko (5) and Michael Binger (7) called the raise.

Kravchenko: 5345 -AQ5
Binger: 76K8 - fold
Von Halle: 2463 - X-X-X

Jan Von Halle took the betting lead from the start, Kravchenko acting first and betting out with a pair of fives of sixth street. Both Binger and Von Halle made the call. Kravchenko also bet the river where Binger folded and Von Halle called. Kravchenko turned over trip fives and raked the pot.

Stud 8

Tran Takes Pot From Benyamine

Kenny Tran bet 800 after fourth street and was called by David Benyamine. Tran bet 16,000 and Benyamine raised on fifth street 3,200. Tran made the call and led out for 16,000 on sixth street. Benyamine called and both players checked the final card. Their hands were:

Tran: QJ210 (Q-9-6)
Benyamine: 85Q10 (AKx - 5)

Tran's pair of queens was good enough for the high and Benyamine missed his flush draw and didn't make a low draw, so Tran scooped the entire pot and said he had put Benyamine on a draw.

Ivey and Galfond Chop It

In what looks like something you'd see on Full Tilt Poker, Phil Ivey and recent bracelet winner Phil Galfond (known as OMGClayAiken online) went head to head in a stud 8 hand. Ivey bet and was called by Galfond on every street.
Ivey: 7KKQ (A-A-Q)
Galfond: 65410 (3-6-8)
Ivey took the high with a full house and Galfond took the low with an 8-low, splitting the pot early in level 2.

Player Tags: Scotty Nguyen,   David Benyamine,   Mark Gregorich,   Joe Cassidy,   David Grey,   Phil Ivey,   Kenny Tran,   Alexander Kravchenko,   Michael Binger,   Phil Galfond,   Katja Thater,   Freddy Deeb,   Jan Von Halle,   European Report