WPT Bellagio Cup Final Table

I made the Final Table of the WPT Bellagio Cup $15k Event last night. It was an awesome experience to say the least. I had a few friends and some family in town to root for me hardcore which was really great(thanks guys). I was very tired in the middle of the day, and to counteract that, I decided it’d be smart to counteract that by taking 5 hour energy drink for the first time ever. I was going back and forth between being completely lethargic and tired to bouncing off the walls and I couldn’t see straight for a little while, it was pretty weird. I eventually leveled out and became in the zone, and then got tired again. I played a very big pot early on where I tried to make a play but ended up being a little unfortunate even though the best flop came to proceed with the hand. I basically never had a hand the entire tournament, as you will see in the television coverage. I got dealt AQs vs AK and QQ once where they all folded to me, and that was it. I had to improvise and find better ways to win chips and I think I did a good job of that and keeping patience. I moved all-in about 10-15 times when I became the shortstack and never got called which was nice. Eventually I busted Erik Seidel with 99 against his K9 for a flush draw and then I dipped low in chips again. I made two great folds vs. Alec Torelli where I could’ve easily not folded. Alec busted and then I doubled up twice with sweet river cards and I did some excessive celebrations on the rail which included Matusow and I took a wrong step somehow and ended up re-injuring my left knee which had been hurt in my accident 4 1/2 years ago. I definitely tore a few ligaments and it was all caught on camera for TV! It’s the single most embarrassing yet at the same time hilarious thing that has ever happened to me. I really can’t wait for the episode to air as it’s really going to be a pretty awesome laugh with friends in my opinion. Unfortunately, I kinda got coolered which crippled me with AQs vs AK 3 handed and then A4 with 13xbbs to KK opening on the button. 3′rd for $460,000 was an okay score and I’m really happy with the way I played. I’m sure that will not be my last chance at a major final table.

Tonight, I took my parents and Anita out to my new joint Lotus of Siam which was cool. Anita just went to pick up some Naked Fish and should be home pretty soon which will also be great. I plan on seeing a doctor on Wednesday to get an MRI and see exactly what the damage is. I’m going to move into a new place in L.A. within the next two weeks and I’ll have surgery in L.A. as the doctors and general healthcare is better there.

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