New York "Vegas or Bust" State Championship Preview
The Club House Racebook in Albany will host the "Vegas or Bust" state final this weekend. League administrator Pete Bushey (pictured right) will be on hand as tournament director and to emcee all the action! Who are the best players in the state? The top 8 players will earn a seat in the exclusive national final in Las Vegas where twelve (12) seats to bracelet WSOP events will be awarded, including a giant trophy and $10,000 main event seat for the national champ. During the past few months, the New York region has blossomed since the State Liquor Authority's ruling that FREE poker does NOT constitute gambling.
During the Vegas or Bust promotion, a total of 128 players from around the state have qualified for the final at The Club House Racebook. That's quite difference from the very first state final which had only 10 players! The winners this weekend will join two other New Yorkers who have already qualified for nationals, Don Whitley from Highland (previous national qualifier and winner of the "First Chance" bonus tournament in Vegas during the FPN Poker Pro final) and Harry Hull IV from Troy (Scratch Poker winner). Of the 128 qualifiers, 13 players have earned a double stack starting bonus for qualifying for state in both the Fall and Winter quarters...
Almost half the field (58 players) is made up of League Champs who directly qualified, and an additional 75 players earned their seat by placing in regional playoff tournaments. The NY state final players will enjoy some perks for appearing, such as bonus game cards for Golden Ticket and a bonus Scratch Poker card. There will also be a FREEROLL tournament for busted players and fans/spectators at 6:00pm which will award over $200 in cash and prizes.
Tid Bits and Players to watch
- Nancy Tumielewicz from Bold O'Donoghue's in East Rockaway tore up her league towards accumulating 1,348 points in the fall quarter.
- Pat Hoosier crushed the 1854 Pub & Eatery in Broadalbin, racking up 1,296 total points in the Winter quarter.
- Don Whitley played in the previous national championship (FPN Poker Pro) at the Mirage in Las Vegas last December and took down the "First Chance" bonus tournament and already has earned a seat in the Vegas or Bust national final and can earn a DOUBLE STACK at the national tournament (as well as air/hotel package) by placing in the top 8.
- Fritz Tap Room in Schenectady has the most representation with 10 players qualified.
- 20% of the NY final are female players.
A big THANKS goes out to Dan and the rest of the staff at the Clubhouse Race Book for hosting this championship! Thanks to all participants and supporters and bar owners who make the league possible!
The Vegas or Bust national qualifier list will grow after this weekend. The Vegas or Bust national final is slated to be held Wed, July 4th at the MGM Grand poker room in Las Vegas and a pre-party the night before will be held at the Presidential Suites at nearby Hooters Casino. We can't wait to meet the New York winners!