In less than a month, the grandest event in poker will commence at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This year holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the World Series of Poker, scheduled to run from May 28 to July 16.
The series of events for this year consists of 89 gold bracelet tournaments, with the highly esteemed Main Event commencing on July 4 and carrying a buy-in of $10,000.
In addition to hosting several high-stakes events, organizers have introduced 10 bracelet events with a price tag below $1,000.
Jack Effel, the Vice President of WSOP, stated in a press release:
We invite all poker enthusiasts to join us in celebrating our momentous 50th anniversary. We believe there will be an event or two that will capture your interest, and with any luck, you may even triumphantly raise the coveted gold bracelet above your head when it concludes.
Poker rooms are available at all five casinos in West Virginia.
- The Charles Town Races Hollywood Casino
- The establishment is called Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort.
- The Greenbrier’s Casino Club
- The Mardi Gras Casino & Resort has been transformed and upgraded.
- Wheeling Island Hotel
In West Virginia, there is a considerable number of poker players who are likely to embark on a journey to Sin City. The gold bracelet continues to hold its position as the most coveted prize in the world of poker, and here are a few players from the Mountain State who deserve attention.
1 – Jason Koon
Jason Koon, the all-time money leader from West Virginia, reigns supreme among players hailing from the Mountain State, amassing an impressive $28 million in live tournament winnings.
The player in first place has an impressive lead of approximately $26.5 million over the player in second. Furthermore, this achievement secures their position as the eighth highest earner in the all-time money list.
Originally from Weston, this high roller had a remarkable summer in 2018, securing a total of $810,000 through five cashes. Prior to this success, they also achieved a third-place finish in the $300,000 Super High Roller Bowl, earning an impressive $2.1 million.
Although he has not yet added a bracelet to his trophy case, Koon came close last summer with two final table appearances.
- The seventh-place finisher in the $100,000 High Roller event earned a prize of $372,894.
- In the $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed High Roller tournament, the player secured the fifth position and earned a substantial prize of $295,606.
Koon’s exceptional skills at the tables have earned him countless victories and notable finishes throughout his extensive career, which began in 2008. In the present year alone, he accomplished an outstanding feat by claiming a staggering $4.5 million in earnings from triumphs in four events at the prestigious Triton Poker Series.
It’s not a matter of if he will win a bracelet, but rather when he will win one.
#2 – Lee Childs
Lee Childs, a resident of Charles Town, boasts an impressive track record with $1.5 million in earnings from live tournaments, with over $1 million obtained specifically from the WSOP. While he may not possess a coveted bracelet, he has successfully accumulated an impressive tally of 33 series cashes.
Childs, a previous software developer, had a remarkable performance in the 2007 Main Event, securing the seventh position and earning an impressive $705,229.
In 2009, he achieved another significant accomplishment by securing a WSOP-Circuit ring in the $1,600 Main Event held at Harrah’s Atlantic City. This victory earned him a substantial prize of $63,733.
Childs has been less active in recent years, and it is uncertain how much he intends to play. Nevertheless, this individual from West Virginia has achieved notable accomplishments and would be worth keeping an eye on.
#3 – Taylor Wilson
Apart from the initial two, West Virginia lacks a significant number of renowned poker players. Although a risky choice, Taylor Wilson has achieved respectable results in recent times.
Last summer in Las Vegas, Wilson scored three cashes, contributing to his total live tournament winnings of $487,543. Since then, he has continued to expand upon his success.
He secured the third position in a $2,120 No Limit Hold’em event during the L.A. Poker Classic in February, earning $22,480. In January, Wilson participated in the $3,500 WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open, finishing 29th and winning $21,369.
Last summer, he achieved his best performance in the WSOP by securing third place in the $3,000 Shootout. With his skill and potential, he remains a strong contender to increase his winnings in the future.
Online poker’s in the works for West Virginia
In the next few years, poker players in West Virginia could witness a significant transformation in their poker landscape. Recently, the state passed a law legalizing online gaming, which encompasses the exciting realm of poker.
The states of Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania (soon to join) currently provide regulated online poker services. However, the recent shift in the Justice Department’s perspective on the Wire Act has caused significant disruption to these interstate agreements.
Nevertheless, numerous individuals within the industry maintain the belief that courts will overturn the aforementioned ruling, contending that the Wire Act is specifically intended for sports betting.
In the upcoming months, the courts appear to be inclined towards the direction highlighted by the New Hampshire lottery’s legal action against the Justice Department. The matter is expected to unfold and be resolved during this time.
West Virginia’s involvement in interstate compacts, if legally upheld, could potentially lead to its active participation in the near future. The introduction of prominent online players into the market would greatly benefit the poker industry in West Virginia.
In due time, online qualifiers for WSOP events may become a possibility. Once online poker becomes operational, numerous West Virginians will eagerly join in to participate at the tables.
Related Articles
