The second event at the Five-Star World Poker Classic at the Bellagio was all ‘Flying Dutchman.’ Marcel Luske of Amsterdam, Holland never looked back after gaining the chip lead. He outchipped and outclassed the two remaining players after Joe Awada, of Las Vegas, was eliminated in the fourth spot. Third place finisher, Daniel Alaei from Santa Fe Springs, California, was soon eliminated after the three handed play began. Less than twenty minutes into heads-up, second place finisher, Nick Marsico of Bridgewater, New Jersey found himself chip and chairless under the relentless onslaught of the Singing Dutchman; while, Marcel was once again singing a song of victory. The final hand showed Nick Marsico with a K,6 going all-in and Marcel quickly calling, then turning over two black Queens. The flop was 6,8,9 giving Nick a pair of sixes to Marcel’s Hilton Sisters. The turn was a 7 giving Nick a shot at a split pot if a straight card showed or a win with a river six. It was not to be when the river was another Queen giving Marcel game, set, match. Marcel received $212,070 and a $25,000 seat in the WPT championship. Second place money enriched Nick Marsico by $115,235 and Daniel Alaei had to settle for $57,620 for his third place finish. The complete results of this Five-Star World Poker Classic tournament can be found on Poker Player.
The final table this evening was lively and with the always entertaining likes of Marcel the fans had a fun watching the play. The Dutchman showed off the note he had made prior to the final table stating that he was going to win the event. He showed it to Joe Awada, who took the note and propped it against his drink glass so Marcel could easily see it. During the play Marcel would often show his hole cards to the spectators standing around the elevated podium where the final table is located. Immediately following Marcel’s win, he was greeted by the many fans gathered around and the professional players from the in-progress event #3. I briefly chatted with him while shooting the photos and he told me,”From now on, only bracelets, no more bubbles. I have a closet full of bubbles, little ones, big ones…every kind of bubble. No more bubbles.”
Event #3, a $2,500 + $100 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament got under way at noon today with 246 players vying for a piece of the $596,550 prize pool. First place will receive a respectable $236,790 and a $25,000 seat in the WPT Championship event. Mike Matusow made his first public appearance today when he entered the field. Of note, Mike was eliminated this afternoon by the winner of the First WPT Battle of Champions, Ron Rose. The final table for this event will be Friday in the Fontana Room.
Friday’s event #4 is a $3,000 + $100 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament starting at noon.