Prizewinners

12:26am: Mike Watson wins 2016 PCA Main Event

CLICK HERE TO READ A WHOLE WRAP UP

We have a winner and his name is Mike Watson. Tony Gregg was denied a PCA title despite his third final table on this event over the years.

We'll have an entire wrap up of the day very shortly, but first here was the general hand.

Tony Gregg limped with the A♠8♣ and Mike Watson checked his option with the 7♥4♠.

The flop was a captivating one; 2♥8♥6♥. All hearts meant Watson had a flush draw, plus a straight draw. Gregg, meanwhile, had top pair.

Watson checked and Gregg quickly bet 400,000. But now Watson raised it as much as 1.2 million, leaving Gregg with a large decision to make. He decided to shove for 4.1 million and Watson was priced in; he made the decision and it was all right down to these final two cards. Tony Gregg was ahead, but Watson had 12 outs.

The 7♠ landed at the rurn, giving Watson a couple or even more outs - 16 to be precise.

The 5♥ sealed the deal for Watson. It is all over.

--JS

12:11am: Big chip swingLevel 34 Blinds 125,000-250,000 (25,000)

Tony Gregg opened to 500,000 with the A♦Q♥ only to look Watson put out a 3-bet to 1,350,000. Ace queen is much too good a hand heads as much as fold to that sort of pressure though, and Gregg counted out a 4-bet of 2,875,000 and put it out within the middle. Watson called and we went to a flop.

The dealer unfolded the J♥8♣5♠ at the flop and now Watson checked. Gregg opted to bet 1,650,000 but he'd been outflopped, so naturally Watson wasn't done. Watson check-raised all-in and Gregg was forced to present it up.

There's a large difference between the 2 now: Mike Watson has 22 million and Gregg is right down to just 5 million. --JS

11:25pm: Watson hits his King and gets paidLevel 33 - Blinds 125,000 - 250,000 (50,000 ante)

Tony Gregg just can't catch a break at the present time. He lost another one now when Watson's K♠7♥ hit the K♥J♦4♦ flop significantly better than Gregg's pocket Sevens. Watson check-called a 350k bet at the flop and both players checked the 9♠ activate. the 6♥ river it was Watson's opportunity to take a look at and get some value along with his pair of Kings. He bet a fab million and Gregg called, only to get the bad news. Mission accomplished for Watson. - RJ

11:21pm: AN EXTRAORDINARY pre-flop 3-betLevel 33, Blinds 125,000-250,000 (50,000)

Here's something we've not seen much of on this heads up match - a pre-flop 3-bet.

Watson opened to his standard 500,000 with K♣9♣ but Tony Gregg will need to have seen something and 3-bet to 1,350,000 with the J♠T♦. Watson called.

The 7♥6♦5♠ flop missed both players, and when Gregg checked Watson won it with a 1 million bet. Watson has 15.3 million to Gregg's 11.7 million. --JS

11:09pm: Watson bluffs, but Gregg's got itLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (50,000)

Watson opened to 500,000 with the Q♥3♥ and Gregg made the decision with the Dolly Parton, 9♦5♦. The flop was the 2♦8♣7♥ and Gregg checked it to the raiser. Watson bet 500,000 again with complete air and Gregg called along with his gutshot.

BOOM! The 6♣ at the turn gave Gregg the straight but he chose to test it, as did Watson. The J♣ at the river can have completed a couple of potential hands similar to flush draws and straight draws, and Gregg opted to test his straight again. He was clearly hoping Watson would bet.

Gregg got his wish. Watson counted out a raffle of 1.2 million and slid it around the felt. Gregg took his time before creating a re-raise to three million exactly, and Watson snap folded.

The two are almost even in chips now, with Gregg having 13 million to Watson's 14 million. --JS

11:00pm: Watson's lead gets biggerLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)

We've just seen an enormous hand which has sent Mike Watson's stack over the 20 million mark.

Gregg opened to 450,000 with the J♥9♥ and Watson made the decision with 8♣7♠. The flop came 9♠K♥T♥ - something for everybody - and Watson checked to the pre-flop raiser. Gregg made it 450,000 again along with his pair of nines, flush draw and straight draw but Watson check raised as much as 1,350,000 along with his open ender. Gregg didn't take too long to call.

The J♠ came at the turn and now Watson checked, allowing Gregg to position out a gamble of 1,450,000 having hit two pair. Watson had made his straight though - albeit the low end - and he made the call, perhaps worried a few queen.

The 5♠ at the river wasn't much of an action card and both players checked. Watson raked within the pot along with his straight.

Mike Watson 20,630,000Anthony Gregg 6,950,000 --JS

10:15pm: DealLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)

Players came back from dinner break and struck a deal. It was quick and straightforward. Tournament staff showed players the numbers and so they instantly agreed. There has been no debate, no negotiating, only a quick nod, a couple of signatures and a handshake.

Mike Watson: $695,175Tony Gregg: $612,175

This leaves the players battling for $33,000 and the title of 2016 PCA Champion. It is a title that will tick numerous boxes off for Gregg.

Gregg's made three PCA final tables and gotten heads-up and lost before. A win here would also give him the EPT title he needs for the Triple Crown. --AV

8:50pm: Heads-up chip counts

Everyone is on a dinner break. They'll be back at 10pm.

Name Country Chips

Mike Watson	Canada	17,700,000
Tony Gregg	USA	9,875,000

8:50pm: Phillip McAllister eliminated in 3rdLevel 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)

Phillip McAllister looked down at J♥J♦ and just called from the small blind.

Mike Watson then moved all-in from the small blind with 8♣7♣ and McAllister snap-called.

The flop came T♣5♣7♠ to pair Watson's seven and provides him a flush draw. Then the 3♣ came at the turn to provide Watson the flush and leave McAllister drawing dead. The river was an inconsequential 5♠ and the tournament went heads-up.

McAllister won $356,020 for finishing 3rd and Tony Gregg and Mike Watson took their 75-minute dinner break.

Mike Watson -- 17,700,000Tony Gregg -- 9,875,000

8:12pm: Tales from the rail part 3: The wastelandLevel 31 - Blinds 60,000 - 120,000 (20,000 ante)

The departure of Toby Lewis from the primary Event has also caused ruptions at the rail. With Chris Moorman, Ludovic Geilich, Maria Ho and their respective entourages all primarily supporting Lewis, there's now an enormous hole at the rail where they used to be.

Even though their bodies are not any longer present there are definitely clear signs that the Lewis Rail was in operation. Strewn some of the floor are empty beer cans, half-full champagne flutes, a bucket of ice (that when housed Grey Goose) and, curiously, a ton of uneaten chocolate. Lewis and his friends are currently celebrating/commiserating in a single of the Atlantis Resort's fine establishments - so far as the rail is concerned, they are going to be greatly missed.

In other rail news, the huge crews for Tony Gregg and Mike Watson - whose fans have taken to barking like a dog whenever he wins a pot - are still intact. Spare a thought for the opposite Brit, Phil McAllister, as he seems to either be flying solo or have very, very quiet supporters. I'm sure he won't mind however, as he's crushing this final table. - RJ

7:55pm: Toby Lewis out in 4th for $267,340Level 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000 ante)

We've just lost British superstar Toby Lewis in brutal fashion.

Phillip McAllister limped at the button with 9♥6♥ and Lewis shoved all in from the small blind for 3,375,000 with K♠9♠. Mike Watson aroused from sleep with A♣J♦ within the big blind and moved all in over the top, and McAllister quickly got out of the way.

Lewis was behind, and remained so when the T♣6♠3♥ flop was dealt. However, the turn card was the K♥, pairing Lewis and putting him well in front.

Only an ace or queen for a straight at the river would eliminate Lewis otherwise it'd be a pleasant double as much as 7 million. However the river was indeed a queen and Lewis went to hug his rail.

He takes home $267,340 for 4th. Mike Watson now has 12,880,000. --JS

Excited

Nervous

Gutted

7:31pm: Chip counts at break

Players might be coming back to Level 33, Blinds 100,000-200,000 (25,000)

Name Country Chips

Mike Watson	Canada	8,805,000
Tony Gregg	USA	8,540,000
Phillip McAllister	UK	7,735,000
Toby Lewis	UK	2,855,000

7:25: Aces for LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 from under the gun, and with good reason; he had pocket aces. He got exactly what he desired to when Tony Gregg 3-bet from the small blind with K♦Q♥ to 890,000. A 4-bet from Lewis to 1,900,000 would take it down though. --JS

7:20: Watson's one betterLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Tony Gregg opened to 320,000 with the T♥8♣ and Phillip McAllister opted to simply call with pocket queens. Mike Watson was within the big blind and he called too.

The K♣2♣T♣ flop brought an overcard to McAllister's hand, and middle pair plus flush draws for Gregg and Watson. However, all players checked. The 3♣ turn made it four clubs on board and gave Gregg and Watsat the flush. Again, though, everyone checked.

And so we saw the A♥ on the river. Watson now correctly figured his flush was the most efficient hand so bet 600,000 for value, Gregg called and McAllister threw his ladies away. Watson's hand was one better than Gregg's and he took it down.

Mike Watson 8,805,000Tony Gregg 8,540,000Phillip McAllister 7,375,000 --JS

7:15pm: Gregg doubles through Lewis, takes leadLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)

Toby Lewis raised to 320,000 from under-the-gun and Tony Gregg three-bet to 875,000 from the small blind.

Lewis re-raised all-in and Gregg called.

Gregg was at-risk and showed 9♠9♦ to Lewis's A♥K♦.

Tony Gregg

The board ran T♦4♠8♣Q♣9♠ and Gregg doubled as much as 8.8 million while Lewis dropped to 3.8 million. --AV

Well, isn't that special

6:55: Amazing fold from LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Toby Lewis just made an international class fold and has shown the skill level that has carried him this far within the tournament.

Tony Gregg limped the button with T♣9♣ and Lewis checked his big blind with A♥8♣. The flop was kind to Gregg because the 5♥9♦4♥ gave him top pair. Lewis checked and Gregg bet 215,000 which was called.

The turn was the A♦ giving Lewis top pair and the lead within the hand. He checked it though and Gregg continued for 485,000. Lewis thought for a short time and decided to stay around.

The river flipped things once again, because the 9♥ gave Gregg trips. Lewis checked over again and Gregg put out a price bet of 790,000 right into a pot of just below 2 million. Lewis looked confused and disappointed, but appeared to know he was behind. "This limping the button stuff is killing me," he said, the tip Boss Tony Gregg.

Somehow he managed to fold the ace - an implausible lay down. Lewis now have 6.32 million and Gregg has 2.98 million. --JS

Aces for LewisLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 from under the gun, and with good reason; he had pocket aces. He got exactly what he desired to when Tony Gregg 3-bet from the small blind with K♦Q♥ to 890,000. A 4-bet from Lewis to 1,900,000 would take it down though. --JS

6:38pm: Gregg 3-betting lightLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Toby Lewis opened to 320,000 under the gun with A♠J♦ and Anthony Gregg, the shortest stack on the table, 3-bet to 865,000 from the large blind with just K♦3♠. It was enough to make Lewis fold and convey Gregg's stack to 4.4 million. --JS

Ha!

6:33pm: Vladimir Troyanovskiy eliminated in 5thLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)

Tony Gregg raised to 350,000 from under-the-gun and Vladimir Troyanovskiy called from the large blind.

The flop came A♣4♥8♥ and Troyanovskiy moved all-in for 700,000. Gregg snap-called and showed top pair with A♠Q♣ while Troyanovskiy showed a flush draw with 7♥3♥.

The turn brought a T♦ and a 9♣ came at the river to eliminate Troyanovskiy.

Gregg chipped as much as 4.06 million while Troyanovskiy won $207,940 for his 5th place finish. --AV

6:20: Watson playing cageyLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000 ante)

Most players who've turned a flush would bet their hand for value, but Mike Watson opted for a cagier route.

Phillip McAllister opened to 380,000 with K♣5♣ and Watson called from the massive blind with T♦8♦. The flop gave Watson a flush draw and it was middle pair for McAllister - 4♦9♥5♦. Watson checked his draw and McAllister continued for 365,000, and Watson was going nowhere.

On the turn we saw the J♦ hit the felt, giving Watson the flush. He checked it, clearly hoping McAllister would continue his aggression, but now he decided to test back. The Q♠ at the river didn't change anything, and Watson checked again, again hoping to look McAllister put some more chips within the middle. Unfortunately for him McAllister checked. Watson won the pot, but could it has been bigger? --JS

6:10pm: Toby Lewis doubles through WatsonLevel 32, Blinds 80,000-160,000 (25,000)

Toby Lewis doubled at the first hand back from break.

And he did it by limping from the small blind with 9♠9♦. Mike Watson looked down at 9♦7♥ and checked his option.

The flop came 4♥7♣2♥ and Lewis check-raised to 750,000 after Watson bet 200,000. A 3♠ came at the turn after Watson called and Lewis moved all-in for 2.02 million.

Watson thought for approximately three minutes after which threw in chips for a call.

Lewis showed the overpair and had to dodge a seven at the river.

River: K♦

Lewis doubled as much as 5.975 million while Watson dropped to 5.35 million.

Toby Lewis...did I hold?

5:43pm: Chip counts on the break

Players may be coming back to Level 32 - Blinds 80,000 - 160,000 (25,000 ante)

Name Country Chips

Phillip McAllister	UK	11,415,000
Mike Watson	Canada	8,200,000
Tony Gregg	USA	2,885,000
Toby Lewis	UK	2,960,000
Vladimir Troyanovskiy	Russia	2,110,000

5:40pm: Troyanovsky right down to 13 big blindsLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (10,000)

A dangerous flop just cost Vladimir Troyanovskiy a large chunk of chips, and he's well and actually within the danger zone now with just 13 big blinds remaining.

Mike Watson had opened to 250,000 with the Q♥Q♦ and Vlad 3-bet to 575,000 with the A♠J♦. Watson called and we went to a flop, which was the J♣4♦8♣. Watson checked to Vlad who continued for 425,000 having hit top pair, but he was still trailing the women of Watson.

The T♣ at the turn bogged down the Russian as both players checked, taking us to the 6♦ at the river. The pot was 2,280,000 and Watson put out a gamble of 1,125,000. Vlad didn't take an excessive amount of time to make the call, and was dissapointed to peer that prime pair was no good.

Mike Watson now has 8.2 million, while Troyanovskiy is all the way down to just 2 million. --JS

Vladimir Troyanovskiy

5:30pm: Tales from the rail part 2: Greg on GreggLevel 31 - Blinds 60,000 - 120,000 (20,000 ante)

2012 WSOP Main Event winner Greg Merson is at the rail supporting buddy Tony Gregg. He's sat with any other poker players and so they were overheard discussing Gregg's solution to tournament poker - it made for some fascinating listening.

One said that Gregg is, "absolutely the worst at ICM*. He just desires to win." Merson then concurred and told a narrative about Gregg being deep within the WSOP Main Event and five-bet jamming with air when he easily will have bogged down and moved up the payout ladder without taking any risks. In Merson's language, "it was ICM suicide."With Gregg currently the fast stack on the table it will likely be interesting to peer which approach he is taking for the rest of the day. Do not be surprised if it's an aggressive one.

Meanwhile, Liv Boeree, Maria Ho and Jonathan Little have now showed up at the rail too. Boeree is extolling the virtues of the Burning Man festival. The others are watching the poker.

*ICM is a poker term that stands for Independent Chip Model. It is a system that works out your best play, allowing for not just your cards but additionally the chip stacks of yourself and the opposite players on the table. But you knew that already, of course.

- RJ

5:15pm: Lewis takes one from WatsonLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)

Toby Lewis min-raised at the button to 240,000 with K♥4♥ and Mike Watson called out of the small blind with K♣T♦. Vladimir Troyanovskiy left the party and his big blind and we went to a flop of 4♣9♣Q♦, giving Lewis the lead along with his pair of fours.

It was all quiet at the flop and the A♣ turn with both players checking, however the K♦ at the river was an enchanting card. It paired Watson but gave Lewis two pair, and he decided to take a look at and get some value. His 400,000 bet into the 700,000 pot was too tempting for Watson who made the call, giving Lewis the win on this one.

Toby Lewis 4,100,000Mike Watson 4,960,000 --JS

5:08pm: Four-way potLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)

It was almost a family pot but Phillip McAllister folded from under-the-gun.

Toby Lewis raised to 240,000 from the cutoff and everybody else called. The flop came 9♣T♥T♠ and Lewis bet 350,000 when checked to. Watson called with A♥T♦ for trip tens.

Vladimir Troyanovskiy had a straight draw with Q♦J♣ but folded. Gregg missed the flop with A♦7♦ and folded as well.

Lewis, who had K♠J♠, checked when the 4♦ came at the turn and folded when Watson bet 700,000.

The hand put Watson as much as about 7 million. --AV

Mike Watson

4:55pm: Lewis' lady wins itLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (10,000)

It just hasn't been Anthony Gregg's day thus far. He's getting no action when he has big hands, and has had the second one best hand most of the time when he's in pots that visit showdown.Gregg opened to 255,000 with the 9♦7♦ at the button and Toby Lewis called from the massive blind with K♦Q♠. The flop was T♠Q♦8♦ and Lewis chose to test his top pair. Gregg checked his open-ended straight draw and flush draw too.

The turn was the 9♣, pairing Gregg. Both players checked again and we saw the 8♠ at the river. Now Lewis put out of venture of 300,000 and Gregg would call together with his beaten pair.

Toby Lewis 4,220,000Anthony Gregg 2,890,000 --JS

4:30pm: McAllister still risingLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-120,000 (20,000)

Phillip McAllister is as much as 9.8 million.

He didn't win a large pot to stand up there either. McAllister was raising and taking down preflops fairly frequently.

He took a rather bigger pot off Tony Gregg too.

In that hand, Gregg called from the small blind and McAllister raised to 240,000 from the large blind. Gregg called and the flop came 8♥7♥7♦ and Gregg checked. McAllister bet 190,000 and Gregg folded.

The hand put McAllister as much as 9.8 million while Gregg dropped to 2.9 million. --AV

4:11pm: Tales from the railLevel 31, Blinds 60,000-100,000 (20,000 ante)

At any EPT final table there are always a number of star poker players watching the action or cheering on their friends who're up there at the stage. That's magnified much more if you find yourself on the PCA, and when the general table contains one of the most dear names within the game. The rail for today is packed - listed here are probably the most highlights of what is going on.

Chris Moorman, his friends and their WAGs are in the home to support Toby Lewis. They're being very reserved presently but a huge, enormous bottle of Grey Goose is on ice at their feet. Once a few of that sweet, sweet vodka starts taking effect I PONDER if we can begin to see the makings of another infamous British rail.

Meanwhile, the Greenwood family - the poker playing trio of Sam, Luc and Max and their parents - are making reservations for a dinner (we're guessing Nobu) tonight that still includes Justin Bonomo and "Scott" (we're guessing Seiver). With the online worth at that table, they may also be capable of afford the astronomical sushi and black cod entrees - just.

Finally, Tony Gregg has brought his parents along as he attempts so as to add one more title to his already magnificent resume. They're seated within the front row and, after he folds a hand, Gregg goes over to sit and chat together with his family. Tenth place finisher Matt Waxman could also be at the Gregg rail - nice to grasp that he has no hard feelings over just missing out on an appearance himself.

Rest assured that the PokerStars Blog will bring you to any extent further developments, at the table or at the rail, as they happen. - RJ

3:55pm: Chip counts on the break

Players can be coming back to 60,000/120,000 (20,000 ante).

Name Country Chips

Phillip McAllister	UK	8,775,000
Mike Watson	Canada	7,615,000
Vladimir Troyanovskiy	Russia	4,000,000
Tony Gregg	USA	3,840,000
Toby Lewis	UK	3,480,000

McAllister extends lead, first break of the dayLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

In the last hand of the level, Vladimir Troyanovskiy raised to 225,000 from the button and Phillip McAllister called from the large blind. The flop came T♦4♥2♥ and both players checked.

The turn brought a 9♠ and McAllister bet 325,000.

McAllister had just hit two pair with T♣9♣ while Troyanovskiy just paired his nine with K♥9♦.

So Troyanovskiy raised, to 860,000.

McAllister called and an 8♦ completed the board. Both players checked and McAllister's tens and nines took the pot.

The hand put McAllister as much as 8.77 million while Troyanovskiy dropped to 4 million. --AV

3:44pm: Bluffing with six-highLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

There aren't any easy pots on the final table. With five professionals left, every pot won is hard-earned.

Toby Lewis raised to 200,000 from the button and Vladimir Troyanovskiy looked down at 6♦5♣.

It was ok for a call.

The flop came Q♣3♦2♥ and Troyanovskiy checked. Lewis bet 250,000 together with his pair of twos and Troyanovskiy thought. Then he raised to 580,000 and got Lewis to fold.

The hand put Troyanovskiy as much as 4.2 million while Lewis was left with 4.1 million. --AV

3:35pm: Fives are good for GreggLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

Anthony Gregg didn't get out-flopped - that's big news in this final table, because the tournament beast hasn't had the luckiest begin to the day.

Gregg opened to 225,000 at the button with 5♠5♣ and Toby Lewis defended his big blind with A♥T♣. The flop was the 9♥2♥2♣ and Lewis checked, leaving Gregg to make a 150,000 bet. Lewis called.

To the turn we went and it was another safe card for Gregg - the 4♠, however he opted to test as did Lewis before him.

The 3♥ came at the river and after Lewis checked Gregg made it 400,000. Lewis gave it up and Gregg raked within the pot.

Anthony Gregg 3,480,000Toby Lewis 5,040,000 --JS

Toby Lewis

3:20pm: Another loss for GreggLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

Things haven't been going well for Tony Gregg so far.

Things looked good at first, he found pocket jacks from under-the-gun and raised to 225,000. Vladimir Troyanovskiy called from the large blind with A♣T♠ and coupled his ace at the A♥9♥9♦ flop.

Both players checked and an 8♦ fell at the turn. Troyanovskiy bet 225,000 and Gregg called.

River: A♠

Another ace for Troyanovskiy and another bet, this time for 415,000.

Gregg folded and was all the way down to 3.19 million while Troyanovskiy chipped as much as 4.1 million. --AV

Troyanovskiy

3:06pm: ONE MILLION for kingsLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

Tony Gregg raised to 225,000 from under-the-gun with Q♣T♣ and Mike Watson re-raised to 625,000 from the small blind with pocket kings.

Gregg called and the flop came A♠J♠9♣. Watson checked and Gregg bet out 465,000. Watson called and a 9♦ came at the turn.

Both players checked and checked again when a 3rd 9 came at the river.

Watson's kings took the pot and he chipped as much as 6.8 million while Gregg dipped to 3.4 million. --AV

Tony Gregg

3:02: Watson plays it safeLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000 ante)

Vladimir Troyanovskiy opened under the gun to 210,000 with suited connectors, the T♥9♥. It was folded around to Mike Watson within the big blind who 3-bet to 575,000 with A♣Q♣.

The board was all diamonds - Q♦3♦9♦ - and with neither playing holding a diamond both players checked. Watson was ahead with top pair to Vlad's second pair.

The 2♦ landed at the river and also you began to get the sensation that whoever bets would take the pot down. However, both players checked once again.

The river was the 8♣ and both players continued the safe play by checking. Watson took down the pot along with his pair of queens.

Mike Watson 5,570,000Vladimir Troyanovski 4,370,000 --JS

2:45pm: (Hiccup)

For anyone wondering what happened last night, you are not alone. Take a look at a snappy speculative reflection on last night's PCA party.

2:45pm: Pairs versus pairs, McAllister takes the leadLevel 30, Blinds 50,000-100,000 (10,000)

Phillip McAllister took the lead after two pair bested Mike Watson's.

McAllister raised from the button and Watson defended his big blind. Both players connected with the J♠8♥4♦ flop, but McAllister's J♦8♣ connected a little bit greater than Watson's J♣5♠.

Watson check-called a 380,000 bet and did the similar when the 7♣ came at the turn. A 5♥ completed the board and matched Watson's five.

Watson checked again and McAllister bet 730,000. Watson quickly called and showed the inferior two pair.

Watson dropped to five million while McAllister took the lead with 7.4 million. --AV

Mike Watson

2:30pm: A crestfallen Kritzer talksLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)

The only recreational player on the final table was understandably deflated on the end of his remarkable run. "I'm so let down at the moment but I'll recover from it in a bit of bit, it has been an important experience," he said. "I'll probably go cry for a bit."

A crestfallen Randy Kritzer

Kritzer acknowledged that this was by far the most efficient result he had ever had and expressed how sorry he was that it was over. "I TRULY just need to play more, man, out in 20 minutes."

Although he held his own in some esteemed company, Kritzer said it remains anyone's game. "They're all good, I COULD NOT say [who will win]."

He added: "I TRULY liked this tournament as it fits my style more. I'm a comparatively conservative guy and these long levels worked well for me."

Kritzer's performance gives hope to all recreational players. "I'VE a house game back home with like 25 to 30 guys," Kritzer said. "That was sandlot baseball and this was like they threw me into the arena Series."

That was the tip for Kritzer, and now he returns to his other somewhat pressurised other occupation of neurosurgery. "When surgery goes bad, things can go really bad, but if things are going well, that is definitely more stressful," he said.

2:30pm: Kritzer eliminated in sixth; wins $153,920Level 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000 ante)

Randy Kritzer was eliminated in sixth place for a payday of $153,920. All we will say is, he got it in good.

Kritzer opened to 225,000 from the button and Phillip McAllister defended his big blind. The flop was the 9♥6♦Q♥ and McAllister checked over to the neurosurgeon who made it 325,000 to go.

McAllister check-raised all in and Kritzer quickly called, and the cards were at their backs:

Randy Kirtzer Q♠T♣Phillip McAllister 8♠7♥

Kritzer was ahead with top pair, but McAllister had up and down straight draw outs. He'd pick up flush draw outs too on the 4♥ turn.

The river was a heart. The 8♥ to be precise. And the doctor was gone. McAllister is as much as 5,800,000 - good for second place. --JS

Randy Kritzer heads home on the end of a spectacular run

Taking turns to 3-betLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)

We're only some hands into this final table however the 3-bets have come thick and fast. Firstly was Mike Watson who 3-bet to 500,000 and compelled Anthony Gregg to fold and abandon his 175,000 open.

Next up it was Toby Lewis, who 3-bet Phillip McAllister's 175,000 to 475,000 and took it down. --JS

2:10pm: McAllister cracks Gregg's acesLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)

In the primary few hands of play, Tony Gregg lost a pot with pocket aces.

Gregg called from the small blind and Phillip McAllister checked his option with Q♠4♠. Both players checked the 8♣Q♥2♠ flop and a J♠ came at the turn. Gregg bet 125,000 and McAllister called.

The river brought a 4♦ and another pair for McAllister.

Gregg bet 285,000 and McAllister raised to 615,000. Gregg called along with his cracked aces and dropped to 3.9 million while McAllister chipped as much as 4.8 million. --AV

A bright start for Phillip McAllister

2.05pm: Players, start pleaseLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)And they're off.

2pm: Pretty much readyLevel 29, Blinds 40,000-80,000 (10,000)

There were 11 minutes left at the clock in Level 29 when yesterday's action concluded. In order that they will play out that point before we go into Level 30, where blinds can be 50,000-100,000. The players are actually being introduced. Play will start very soon.

1:00pm: Standby for a champion

It's final table time within the 2016 PCA Main Event. Action is simply now starting, but as a way to avoid spoilers, we will be able to be engaged on the similar schedule because the live stream. For now, you'll be able to read all in regards to the players here on our PCA Main Event final table player profiles.

Seat 1: Mike Watson (Canada) 6,585,000Seat 2: Vladimir Troyanovskiy (Russia) 5,025,000Seat 3: Randy Kritzer (USA) 2,565,000Seat 4: Tony Gregg (USA) 5,690,000Seat 5: Phillip McAllister (UK) 3,040,000Seat 6: Toby Lewis (UK) 4,665,000

Next year, it usually is you! Click here to get a PokerStars account so that you can qualify.

Take a glance on the official website of the PCA, with tournament schedule, videos, news, blogs and accommodation details for the Atlantis Resort within the Bahamas.

Also the entire schedule information is at the EPT App, that is available on both Android or IOS.

PokerStars Blog reporting team at the $5,000 Main Event: Jack Stanton, Howard Swains, Alex Villegas and Brad Willis. Photos by Joe Giron and Neil Stoddart. For more photos from this event by Joe Giron visit Poker Photo Archive.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: PokerStars Caribbean Adventure]

A new website permits US students online gambling in accordance with future grade performance.

US residents bored with being denied access to traditional casino gambling on the net now have a fresh alternative while awaiting the advancement of H.R. 2267. A BRAND NEW service is allowing students to make use of their academic records for online gambling.

Ultrinsic is a web site which uses an algorithm to calculate betting odds in keeping with course difficulty, personal history and current workload. Site operators say taking bets and placing lines on a student's future success acts as a motivating tool.

Further, the location hopes to flee the nefarious clutches of the UIGEA ban while it still exists, as site designers say the system tests skill, not luck, and is therefore not gambling.

"Other people's things you bet by yourself; belongings you invest in," CEO Steven Wolf told the Boston Globe.

Participants set their goals, and the web gaming site determines odds of the achievement coming to miss. 30 universities are already accepted by the database, including Stanford, Ny University, and five Ivy League institutions, and more are being added each term.

Online gambling foes might object to the targeting of young people, but site operators claim most participants are expected to make use of the wagers as motivation to check and excel. Internet and technology website Switched.com mentioned the corporate should expect to lose money, unless "the goal is to prey upon the under-performing students of America. Through which case, Facebook's beat you to it."

Published on August 10, 2010 by JoshuaMcCarthy

Read More... [Source: Casino News]

Can we do that better?” is the easy question that drives massive change within the permanent technology revolution. The hunt for improvement works its way into every solutions-driven process on earth, and system-driven in-game marketing isn't any different.

What the leading systems providers are finding is that it’s not just possible to do more on the machine, but operators are starting to reply to the prospective. Kiosk-style functionality continues to realize real estate on the gaming machines. The standard of in-game interactions is improving as well, as operators work with system providers to more fully leverage player data. Mobile is playing a larger role, as system providers extend in-game and kiosk-type messaging to mobile devices. 

These were some of the findings of Slot Management & Marketing’s interviews of the leading system providers at this year’s National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) show. Here’s a summary of what they'd to say:

ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES

“We know that the sport isn't the only thing the client desires to consume,” said Angelo Palmisano, vice chairman of system product for Aristocrat Technologies. “There are a large number of things that distract them; like kiosks, or promotional items which are tied to a wheel or a cafe where you might visit get a discount or something like that. What we’ve done is create an ecosystem of most of these gaming and non-gaming events and taken them right down to the sport itself. So our nCompass that we're showing here provides increasingly more features that weren’t typically on the game level.”

That means drink or F&B coupons take place on the machine and that mobile capabilities are heavily leveraged since whatever is on the machine level can also be re-shown on the mobile level. “We attempt to push up to possible to where the buyer is comfortable, in place of push them to where they're uncomfortable, which might be standing in line at a kiosk or a restaurant,” said Palmisano. “At one in every of our sites, mobile opt-in was within the 54 percent range of carded players, which I BELIEVED was pretty good.”

Aristocrat’s spectrum of operators ranges from very small to very large, however the frequency of in-game messaging tends to change inversely with size. “The big operators use a softer approach, slightly at a time, because they’ve always been burned previously once they throw an excessive amount of on the customer too fast,” said Palmisano. “But we now have smaller operations who say, ‘our customers love this.’ It’s in line with customer demographics. They may roll out 10 or 15 marketing programs jointly on the machine, including at the mobile platform. That’s why we created a large ecosystem of applications because we wish to cover the entire range of operators, be they locals, mid-size, regional, heavy traffic or low traffic.”

Mass marketing to uncarded players is increasingly popular. Operators can throw out bonuses to uncarded patrons and, after they get hit with them, they’re allowed to go into a virtual session. “They earn points during that virtual session and someone is dispatched who says, ‘look, you’ve already earned this much, I’ll come up with that during dollars should you just sign up,’” said Palmisano. “It’s basically player tracking for uncarded people. It’s a customer acquisition and satisfaction tool and it’s getting a large number of usage right now.”

Restraint is a recurring theme in Aristocrat’s current interested by system-based marketing. “Everything that we offer through nCompass, we only have the desire to make it available to the client when it's meaningful to them,” said Palmisano. “Not in-your-face marketing, just a bit at a time and it’s measured. We have now a behavior management tool that asks what number of times a customer pushes that site; don’t go in there on every occasion with the similar campaign; change it. A LARGE NUMBER OF what we learn comes from mobile applications. They give the impression of being at how often and the way you interact with the applying and, according to that, it keeps changing as it doesn’t want you to get annoyed and close it off or turn off push notifications. The similar thing goes with the machine.”

In terms of broader marketing goals, Aristocrat specializes in connecting the operator’s brand to the consumer. “Little bits and pieces like bonusing include that brand connection; we glance at everything a customer is doing,” said Palmisano. “If they spend money at an F&B outlet, we tie that right down to the applications and the shopper experience, whether it’s on the machine, mobile or wherever. We wish that customer to be engaged with the brand, not just, ‘I gotta play X to get X.’ Sometimes it's a must to disrupt that a little bit and don’t make it so automatic.”

That includes new wrinkles like social rewards that recognize status. “We’ve seen a few of our customers use that very effectively,” said Palmisano. “It’s not monetary; it’s achievement, badges, such things as that you simply. might think nobody cares, however the social dynamic of these kind of applications during the last 10 years has changed patron behavior such that they consume social badges and social interaction. It’s for those that love to say, ‘hey, by the way, I’m within the Top 5 on this VIP room.’ Personalization is important and the slot machine and the cell phone are the 2 places where we will reach people.”

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Scientific Games continues to bulk up its Elite Bonusing Suite (EBS) product so as to add relationship-building value to iView DM. “When we had the iView DM at the system with just player account information, you actually couldn’t put a ROI on it,” said Martha Langer, director of systems product management for Scientific Games. “The personal suite now has 12-plus promotions, including a couple of new ones which can be moving into a special direction. They're really enhancing game play and keeping people on the machine itself.”

EBS comes with four promotional theme choices and operators can change it out each quarter. “It really helps the marketers build out the calendar,” said Langer. “We think and the shoppers feel that it keeps things fresh. If you happen to keep running the usual thing over and over again again, it gets a little bit stale. That was in place slightly over a year now, so individuals are making the most of the chance to plot for which promotions and which styles, be it floor-wide or personalized, they'll run each quarter.”

EBS sits on top of Scientific Games’ casino management system, so any promotion will also be set to another card level or different value lengths by card level and extracted to the shopper for special events. “If you would like to do a penny promotion at a definite time around certain events, you'll be able to have the promotions there,” said Langer. “You can define the promotion and make it eligible to a selected slot machine or slot machine characteristic, corresponding to denom, or a undeniable player using three different games: The 3D Wheel, USpin Wheel and Ski Ball.”

When the system opened at Belterra Gaming Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, people put their card in and saw five different wheel levels to correspond with the property’s five card levels. A progression bar gives players something to shoot for during DM’s virtual racing events equivalent to NASCAR and Horse Race. “Every race, if it’s qualifying, must have a qualifying bar,” said Langer. “When you spot the golf green bar moving up it makes you would like to stay somewhat longer. Also, with the cardboard levels, when you can see people next to you with higher amounts, it really entices you to play to get to that next level.”

Another update, BetView, comes with three options, Casino Lotto, Monopoly and Clue. “It’s basically DM Wagering; you’re going in an effort to wage money off a credit meter to play a facet game,” said Langer. “I think this leans toward the newer social gamer because they prefer to do two things concurrently. they’re playing the principle game, they may be able to now wager from the credit meter and play these side games. All applications may also be made available to a undeniable group of players; many are for re-start players; players who haven’t played for 6 months to a year.”

KONAMI GAMING

Konami Gaming has bulked up its Synkros system with new marketing capabilities in recent years, including the power to insert a driver’s license right into a card slot and churn out a player’s club card. Konami estimates that as much as 80 percent of all cards issued at a players club are reprints.

 “Operators like that we've an entire eco-system,” said Michael Ratner, director of product management-systems for Konami. “There’s the EGM, CMS and a kiosk product integrated into the CMS, both on a mobile platform or a physical kiosk, and that i may have players either reprint cards or do enrollment on the kiosk. So far as in-game marketing is concerned, casinos are going to incentivize you for doing something. Or they are going to incentivize you with offers only for being a brand new member. Systems too can stream video comparable to live sporting activities or in-house video. You can even turn your game screen right into a kiosk.”

Konami’s SynKiosk product pulls the similar content that may be in a kiosk onto the sport screen. “Operators are still wrestling with the speculation of turning a slot machine into something rather than a slot machine, however it does give people the chance to not leave their seats and go and discover a kiosk,” said Ratner. “The casino can use this kiosk product to send you offers in addition. For example, you may have a promotion and it’s not what the machine is giving you, it’s coming from the casino management system. Rewards between the sport and the system are synched with the player’s club/player tracking. The power to send new marketing messages to the EGM may also be done either throughout the system sending you new membership enrollment ideas or throughout the kiosk product sending it on to the sport screen.”

A ribbon at the bottom of the screen has icons which might be system-driven. “When we send you an advantage you'll keep playing while the bonus goes on,” said Ratner. “We’ve sent you, say $10 in free play, which might be the programmed business rule for the day for brand spanking new members. In the event you stay at the machine, a green button lights up and tells you in regards to the $10 in free play. For a brand new player, it'd be an issue of what do I do now? But you’ve got players to the left and right who're seasoned gamblers. Plus, it’s incumbent at the casino’s players club to coach their players on the best way to use the system. There’s little need putting in place a $5 million casino management system if you’re unlikely to show your players easy methods to use it. It usually is employees at the floor or on the time of enrollment.”

Offers can also be delivered on the screen to boot. A “You have offers available” message scrolls on the bottom of the screen, players touch an icon, enter a PIN and five offers come up—room nights, F&B credits, free play, tournaments, etc.  “Players wish to take note of the in-game messages or they’ll fail to spot benefits like free play and tournaments,” said Ratner. “Once mature players know how the CMS works, they'll get probably the most benefit out of it. Your regular customer goes to get it. The tourist who visits thrice a year…this is a little over their heads.” 

IGT

“Being capable of have a dynamic offer in real time in keeping with an overly deep set of qualification criteria is the evolution of where we’ve gone,” said Matt Hiu, senior manager, systems for International Game Technology PLC (IGT). “That’s difficult and it’s not cheap.”

Hiu said IGT has learned that the qualification engine must be more robust. “In the past, operators would say, ‘I need to do a marketing extraction. Give me all of the females over a definite age from this zip code so I WILL give them a discount for the buffet.’ That was typical. Now it has become much more sophisticated—I want all of the females over a undeniable age from this zip code who've visited five times within the last number days or months with an ADT of X. So it’s getting much more detailed.”

Casinos also want the ideas in real time, “so once I run the list it’s outdated,” Hiu said. “If that female of a undeniable age and ADT from a undeniable zip code shows up and cards in, she’s not in my list and he or she didn’t get the offer. So we’re saying, ‘let’s get that very same robust intelligence but do it in real time.’ So when the player cards in, we ask the qualifications engine if the player meets specific criteria. In the event that they do, give them this offer. If they’re new, give them a welcome offer. If they’ve been around for an extended time, give them a distinct offer.

“When you're thinking that of all those permutations and all those factors, every operator has a unique approach,” Hiu added. “Some operators are religious about ADT. Other operators are about average trip worth or they may have a distinct approach. Seeking to accommodate all of the different mindsets of selling in real time is hard. But that’s where we've spent a large number of our time and effort, expanding the qualification engine and having the ability to deliver things in real time.”

IGT’s Point Pursuit now rewards loyalty with higher levels of personalization. In case your points profile is 47 per day, a player might get a goal of 47 points plus 10 percent, or 51 points. While you hit your mark, a game will show up, and this game can be customized. You choose a prize (that's pre-determined) and the system tells you automatically what you’ve won.

“By using tailored themes and a decision of prize icons, there are elements of personalization and participation,” said Hiu. “The same player profile within the system will yield different game themes in response to player preferences [i.e. Paris or NASCAR]. The choices are unlimited because it’s all web-based. That is in Valley View and Cosmopolitan currently. Operators just like the ability to personalize and provides an excessively special, niche-type experience. If you’re a top-tier player, you are expecting certain things and also you don’t wish to be treated like everybody else. Top-tier players know what everybody else is getting. Once they see a different game only for them because it’s their birthday, they love the truth that the casino took time to create a different experience for them; that implies something to them.”

Services can also be personalized as well.  A NORMAL tourist player will see a basic drink menu. If you’re a high-end player, IGT can customize content for high-premium alcohol. “So we will tier drinks the similar way we do bonuses,” said Hiu. “Google does click tracking so, let’s say you visit a web site and also you wish to buy a camera and also you click during but you don’t order the camera. The following time you visit Google, the camera is at the display. We've got the similar click tracking, so when you go right through but don’t order the Bud Lite, we’ll say to you, ‘here’s a unique on Bud Lite.’ Should you always order a Bud Lite, the following time you card-in, that’s what is going to pop up. That sort of stuff, that we take without any consideration at the web, is getting into the sport experience.” 

Read More... [Source: Gaming Industry News]

Mike Watson: PCA 2016 Main Event champion

The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) Main Event is firmly established as one of the coveted titles in poker. It doesn't come easily; it attracts one of the crucial toughest fields within the game.

This week on the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island within the Bahamas, Mike Watson, a 31-year-old professional poker player from St John's in Newfoundland, Canada, outlasted 926 players within the 2016 field, that is greater than 99 percent of it.

But then Watson, known by the moniker "SirWatts", faced down Anthony Gregg, a person who's nicknamed "End Boss".

Gregg, 29, from Columbia, Maryland, earned the nickname from poker peers who decided he was the hardest player in any field. He was on the PCA final table for the third time. Nobody else was there greater than once. It was therefore perfectly fitting that Watson would have to defeat Gregg in poker's version of the myths of yore: SirWatts versus the tip Boss for the primary major title of the year.

At around about 11.25pm within the Imperial Ballroom of this sprawling resort within the Caribbean, Watson struck the general blow. SirWatts left the tip Boss slain. It earned Watson $728,325, taking his lifetime live tournament earnings beyond $9 million. It also happened a decade after Steve Paul-Ambrose won here, the person Watson considers his mentor.

"To be exactly ten years after Steve Paul-Ambrose won is a large coincidence," Watson said. "THERE HAS BEEN a time when four of us, including Mike McDonald, used to play online poker in his basement."

He added: "EVEN IF I've had success previously it feels great to win. It has been some time I final tabled any big tournament with nearly 1,000 players... The PCA is a smart event, it's usually had a large field and it's definitely up there with some of the prestigious events."

Mike Watson slays the dragon, gets the girl

For Gregg, it was another near miss within the tournament he continues to dominate. He was runner up before--to Poorya Nazari in 2009--and was sixth in 2012. But don't weep for him. He won $612,175 for second today and is now beyond $10 million in his career.

"It's just a little of a bummer to not win for sure," Gregg said. "But I DO KNOW I needed to needed to run specialized simply to get here. I DO NOT know [what makes him such a success on the PCA.] I BELIEVE it's only one of these things - maybe there is something within the water. But it's usually any such great begin to the year, and that i think I bring a large number of great energy over here, and that actually motivates me to play my best."

The formidable Tony Gregg

After playing late last night, the tournament resumed at 1pm today with six players--pretty much they all superstars. Then after completing the photographic formalities, they settled on the table behind the next stacks:

Seat 1: Mike Watson (Canada) 6,585,000Seat 2: Vladimir Troyanovskiy (Russia) 5,025,000Seat 3: Randy Kritzer (USA) 2,565,000Seat 4: Tony Gregg (USA) 5,690,000Seat 5: Phillip McAllister (UK) 3,040,000Seat 6: Toby Lewis (UK) 4,665,000

Final table players (l-r): Tony Gregg, Phillip McAllister, Mike Watson, Toby Lewis, Randy Kritzer, Vladimir Troyanovskiy

Randy Kritzer was the one recreational player a number of the established poker sharks, but he had made an excellent job of having throughout the heads of even probably the most top tournament pros this week. It was hardly surprising. Back in Greensboro, N.C., Krtizer is a neurosurgeon, a natural within the high-pressure environment of the operating theatre, with much more than millions of greenbacks at stake.

The vacationing doctor was an admitted amateur, more conversant in kitchen table games with buddies--"That was sandlot baseball and this was like they threw me into the arena Series," Kritzer said. It didn't mean he wasn't bitterly disappointed when his latest thrill ride came to a halt in sixth. "I'm sorry it's over," he said. "I ACTUALLY just need to play more."

A crestfallen Randy Kritzer

Kritzer was the primary man out today, getting the last of his chips in with top pair--he held Q♠T♣ on a flop of 9♥6♦Q♥--but lost when Phillip McAllister's 8♠7♥ improved to a flush way to the 4♥ turn and 8♥ river. Kritzer earned $153,920 for sixth, and did his best to console himself with the money. "I'm so let down presently but I'll recover from it in a bit of bit, it has been an important experince," he said.

Randy Kritzer heads home on the end of a spectacular run

Kritzer's departure left Vladimir Troyanovskiy because the only player over 40 remaining on the final table, however the poker world has long been aware that this Russian can match any of the young guns for endurance, tricks and abilities. Firstly of yesterday, Troyanovskiy was a number of the short stacks, but doubled up twice to stick alive.

It gave him enough to cruise to the general six, or even to take over the chip lead at one point in yesterday's late stages. "I wasn't petrified of anyone on the final table," Troyanovskiy said, but one suspects others wouldn't say the similar about him.

Troyanovskiy is a veteran of umpteen Super High Roller finals, but said that he considered his first appearance at a primary Event final bettered that you simply". need more skill frequently Event," Troyanovskiy said. "It's six days of poker. Within the High Roller you wish to have less skill."

It was all of the more disappointing for the person from St Petersburg that he couldn't get much going at his first Main Event final. He lost an important pot to Mike Watson and dwindled to about 2 million, only about six big blinds, after which defended his big ignorant of Tony Gregg's raise with 7♥3♥.

The disappointment hits Vladimir Troyanovskiy

When he picked up a flush draw at the A♣4♥8♥ flop, it looked like a great time to risk everything. Gregg's A♠Q♣ faded all of Troyanovskiy's outs, and that sent the general Russian to the money cage in fifth. He won $207,940 this time around, but still seeks an immense title. He said he'll go searching for it on the Aussie Millions later this month.

Next stop Australia for Troyanovskiy

Toby Lewis doesn't yet have the similar string of live results as Troyanovskiy, but he does have an EPT title. He picked up his trophy in Vilamoura in Season 10 and therefore came to the general seeking the second one of his career, a feat achieved only by another player.

Lewis had already had a superlative tournament this week. He was the chip leader on the end of the outlet day and then, like Troyanovskiy, recovered from a brief stack yesterday to visit battle today well stacked. But there'll always be a variety of flips to be able to need winning to move the entire method to the highest spot in a tournament comparable to this, and Lewis came out at the wrong side of a huge one against Gregg.

Lewis's A♥K♦ couldn't out-race Gregg's 9♣9♦ when the latter was facing elimination. It left Lewis short and shoving from the small blind with K♠9♠. Watson was lurking within the big blind with A♣J♦ and picked him off.

The run-out was cruel. Lewis hit a king at the turn to offer him hope, but Watson paired his queen at the river. It meant Lewis was out in fourth for $267,340 and the hunt for the second one title continues.

A king at the river ends Lewis's run

"I'm absolutely pleased with the best way things went," Lewis said. "I played my best and tried to do in addition to possible...[The final table] was very strong. There has been just one amateur on the table and he knew what was occurring and was tough as well."

Lewis offered his way to the supporters who had railed him throughout and promised them a slice of his winnings after they hit the bars and restaurants tonight. "I WILL go have a couple of drinks tonight now and revel in the win," he said.

Chris Moorman et al at the Lewis rail

The absence of Lewis meant that McAllister was the lone representative of the uk within the final three. Although relatively new to the live arena, McAllister, who plays online as "Grindation" from his home in Mexico, became an instant superstar this week when he played the hand of the tournament on Day 4.

McAllister already had an enormous stack when he managed to runner-runner right into a royal flush at the television table, after which find his opponent, Fabian Chauriye, betting into him. "IT IS SO rare to even get it and get it in one of these deep run for a large pot, it was great," McAllister said.

McAllister enjoyed every minute of his progress during the tournament, most of which he viewed from behind a monstrous stack. Or even when his run led to third--earning him $356,020, that is the largest score of his career to date--he remained upbeat. "IT HAS BEEN a super day, I mean I got $350K," he said. "IT IS A little bittersweet as it would've been nice to take the trophy home but I'm still happy."

Phillip McAllister: Vanquished in third

He actually got slightly unlucky to not get the danger to play heads up for the title. Sitting with a stack of comparable size to Gregg's three-handed, he was bullied out of a pot by Watson's five-bet jam and lost a 3rd of his stack. (Watson played it beautifully; he had only king-queen.)

But then, after following contemporary trends to limp from the small blind, McAllister was delighted to peer Watson moving all in from the massive blind. McAllister was massive together with his J♥J♦ compared with Watson's 8♣7♣. If the flop was cruel--T♣5♣7♠--the turn was crueller. It came 3♣ and Watson's flush signalled the top for McAllister.

"The table so was tough," he said. "I've never done anything like this. I'm lost for words."

On balance: Brilliant again for McAllister

With that, there have been two. And for all of the sensational talent of the wonderful four who had just left, few would argue that a match between Gregg and Watson represented two of the very fiercest competitors in world poker.

When they went heads up, Watson held a lead of 17.7 million to 9.875 million. But never has it been more clear that two players respect one another's game completely than once they asked to have a look at the numbers and agreed on an equity deal immediately. It meant that Watson banked $695,325 and Gregg $612,175, with $33,000 still to play for.

Discussions begin...

...and quickly conclude with a handshake

There was no argument and no attempts to squeeze out a couple of extra dollars. Only a handshake after which a heads-up battle to figure out who would hoist the trophy.

Both players had both the chips and the sport to make for one more epic heads up battle within the Bahamas. After the titanic struggle between Dominik Panka and Mike McDonald two years ago, there has been every chance things could go on forever. But because it turned out, Watson's momentum never deserted him, even through a few hard-fought hours.

Heads up between Gregg and Watson

Eventually, Gregg committed all his chips on a flop of 2♥8♥6♥ holding A♠8♣, which was top pair. But Watson had a huge draw together with his 7♥4♠ and collected much more outs at the 7♠ turn. The 5♥ at the river filled both his straight and his flush--and, more significantly, the title.

Mike Watson: Champion

That completes the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure for an additional year, through which Bryn Kenney won the Super High Roller, Steve O'Dwyer added another massive title, Nick Maimone won the $25K and another 100-odd players posed with winner's trophies (considered one of them with dolphins too).

The European Poker Tour now heads to Dublin. Watson, meanwhile, heads back to Camelot, the beast slain.

PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $5,300 Main EventEntries: 928Prize pool: $4,500,800Places paid: 135

1 - Mike Watson, Canada, $728,3252 - Tony Gregg, United States, $612,1753 - Phillip McAllister, United Kingdom, $356,0204 - Toby Lewis, United Kingdom, $267,3405 - Vladimir Troyanovskiy, Russia, $207,9406 - Randy Kritzer, United States, $153,920*reflects a heads-up deal

Click for full payouts.

Read More... [Source: PokerStarsBlog.com :: PokerStars Caribbean Adventure]

Natan Chauskin - the winner

A total of 947 players turned up a couple of days ago to play the IPT Main Event, and here on a Sunday evening, only one man was left standing. Natan Chauskin defeated Govert Metaal in a comparatively short heads up battle to say the trophy and €149,560.

Chauskin entered the day as clear chip leader and, taking that stat (alone) into account, was expected to win. Metaal came in to the general table because the short stack so was never expected to get so far as he did, so can also be very pleased with his achievement.

Asked if he was happy and expected to win, he responded with, "Yes, very, and that i came to win, and that i was sure I'D. When back in Belorussia, we were in a bar with our team and my coach, Jenya Gavrilovich, winner of EPT12 Barcelona €2k, asked me, when shooting a video, "What about this IPT Malta?" and that i said: "I WILL win it! Go there and win it needless to say"! That is what happened, so I WILL BE ABLE TO say I USED TO BE just waiting for it."

Trophy Presentation

He went directly to say, "IT ISN'T the amount of cash that changes my life, and plus, I DO NOT play only for the money, I play to become a sportstar, because poker is a sport, where the contest is a very powerful thing. I CAN play the EPT Main Event tomorrow and win it too!"

The final hand saw Metaal three-bet all in with pocket fives and Chauskin call after he had raised with king-queen. The Belorussian took the lead when he turned top pair and victory was confirmed when he improved to a flush at the river.

Fortune favoured this brave man today

Meetal won the €10,000 High Roller event at EPT Campione back is Season 8 and was so just about claiming a second major trophy on tour. The €124,080 he won today tops the €110,000 he won back in 2008 and, after the tournament had ended, he had this to mention on both achievements, "THE SPHERE was harder here so this result's more valuable to me."

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Timofeev was downed first

Day 3 started with two quick eliminations and a bustout (on average) every 12 minutes inside the day, whereas today it took around two hours for the primary player to bust. Denis Timofeev, short stacked on the time, made his move with pocket fours but did not stay sooner than Chauskins ace-jack. The Belorussian only took five more minutes to say another scalp and this time he didn't event need coin-flip odds to get the job done. After raising with ace-seven, he called James Grogan's shove with big slick and rivered a seven.

Grogan got his chips in good

Garp after his last hand

They say bad things are available in threes and Tobias Garp will consider that sentiment. He three-bet all in with pocket sevens after Metaal -who was midway through his rush up the leader board - had raised with pocket aces. A very easy call and an ace high board later saw Garp leave stage-central. A period of consolidation followed before the second one Dutch representative on the final table, Joep Raemaekers, was given his marching orders. He moved all in with jack-eight suited from the button but Chris Brammer, and his pocket queens, lay in wait within the small blind.

Gomez couldn't gain traction today

David Gomez helped start Metaal's resurgence at first of the day and, ten minutes after Raemaekers bust, his nemesis came back to complete off the job. Metaal opened with ace-king and called the Spaniard's shove with pocket nines. The board ran ace high and just three remained.

Chris Brammer headed off to start out his Sunday session after busting third

The second period of consolidation kicked in and chips were passed across the table before Metaal, who was left short after an end of level confrontation with Chauskin, returned from break and made his second recovery of the day to without equal cost for Brammer. First he doubled his very short stack through Chauskin and then, when armed with more chips, took most of Brammer's when his pocket jacks stayed sooner than his king-queen.

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The final hand

Before heads up play began, the 2 player struck a deal that meant they were effectively playing a €20,000 heads up sit and go. Chauskin held a 13.8 million to 9.8 million lead and only extended it until he had the entire chips. He proved over the past two days that he is an exquisite front runner and has made an excessively impressive begin to his live poker career.

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Updates provided by Marc Convey, with photos coming from René Velli and Tomáš Stacha.

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Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant known for its fresh, smashed to reserve burgers, has announced plans so as to add additional casino locations around the country.

The following restaurants are scheduled to open in spring and fall of 2016, bringing the brand’s Casino‐based location count to four restaurants.

• Harrah’s Laughlin – Located on the north end of Harrah’s Laughlin, Smashburger is slated to open in Spring of 2016. The restaurant will offer seating for 112 casino guests. Smashburger would be the first fast‐casual restaurant within the Harrah’s Laughlin casino.
• Rio All‐Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas –Located within the Masquerade Village inside Rio All‐Suite Hotel & Casino, this will likely be Smashburger’s third location at a Caesar’s Entertainment resort.  The restaurant will offer seating for 68 casino guests. This location could have upgraded restaurant design features corresponding to a brand new façade cladding system with wood planks to liven up the restaurant. Smashburger plans to open in Fall of 2016.

“As we continue our rapid expansion into markets around the country, non‐traditional locations like casinos are a very powerful addition to the pipeline,” commented president and CEO, Scott Crane. “Providing casino visitors with great made‐to‐order burgers in a quick and efficient manner is strictly what we’re built for. After seeing the success we’ve had at our other casino locations, we knew these two new locations were a perfect fit and we’re fascinated by the chance they'll bring to our brand.”

From fine dining to fast casual, the casino dining environment is hyper‐competitive as guests expect an array of selections and experiences they can’t get at home. Smashburger’s operation delivers an outstanding customer experience while meeting one of the vital unique opportunities in these non‐traditional venues.

Smashburger has achieved operational efficiencies because of its one‐of‐a‐kind smashing process which seems fresh, juicy burgers and chicken sandwiches in exactly minutes – ensuring a top quality product in even the top volume environments. The cooking technique enables Smashburger’s compact kitchen design, which maximizes every last square inch of space, allowing Smashburger to suit into virtually any size or space.  

Smashburger has adapted the menu at its casino locations to provide variety, quality and convenience to casino diners, including adding breakfast options to its lunch and dinner menus for guests in search of an early bite before hitting the gaming floor. Except 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers, the menus will offer grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, entrée salads, and an expansion of premium sides. Both casino locations may also offer quite a few beer.

“We are very excited to have Smashburger as part of our food lineup here at Harrah’s Laughlin that allows you to offer our guests and the local market a brand new experience with an upscale burger option” said Brad Belhouse, Sr. vp and general manager of the valuablesa superioromers crave a high‐quality experience at a quick pace. There’s more demand for fast, outstanding service and food, and we feel Smashburger is the easiest partner to suit this demand.”

Smashburger currently operates in two casino locations; Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Smashburger casino locations typically garner higher check averages and are key to building broad‐based brand awareness. “The sheer volume of first‐time‐users we will generate at casino locations is a large opportunity for a growing brand,” said Crane. “We look ahead to delivering the Smashburger experience and adding to our legion of Smashburger fans.”

Smashburger is actively seeking partnerships with experienced and seasoned franchisees at casino locations around the country and worldwide.

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