By
Dan
On Thursday, August 10, 2006, Jamie Gold flopped top pair and coaxed his opponent into calling to win the 2006 World Series of Poker. His victory marked the end of a grueling series of poker tournaments, which began all the way back on June 25. Competing in everything from No Limit Texas Hold’em to Omaha High-Low Split to H.O.R.S.E., the greatest poker players on Earth battled from the gambling capital of the world in pursuit of millions of dollars and a coveted World Series of Poker bracelet.
In the heart of this affair was the online poker player. Used to playing behind a computer screen, with many tables active at once, he must now concentrate on one game with eight “live” players under the scrutinizing eyes of fans, media, and staff. Members of PocketFives.com took home an unbelievable $7.8 million in winnings throughout the 45 events that made up the World Series of Poker. Their victories symbolize the unyielding growth of online poker and the unparalleled skill level of its players.
PocketFives members cashed in 38 of the 45 events throughout the six week spectacle. This included 50 cashes for over $3 million in the No Limit Texas Hold’em World Championship, or Main Event. Over 8,700 players competed in this year’s $10,000 buy-in Main Event, nearly half having won their way in from an online poker site. Regulars on PocketFives.com made 23 final tables during the World Series of Poker, an incredible feat given the groundbreaking fields. “I’m very proud of our members,” said PocketFives President Cal Spears. “To go into this marquee event and walk away with $7.8 million is amazing. Before the World Series of Poker, I predicted we would cash for about $5 million. Next year, I’ll aim a bit higher.”
Poker players are not only aiming to cash at the World Series of Poker, but rather capture first place and take home a bracelet. One is given to the winner of each event; each victor takes his or her place in poker lore. Three PocketFivers were successful in this undertaking and walked away with a bracelet. Ian Johns cashed for $291,755 and a bracelet in the $3,000 Limit Hold’em event. On the same day (and only a few hours later), Scott Clements claimed his place in poker history by winning the $3,000 Omaha High-Low Split event for $301,175. Johns is a 21 year old online poker player who specializes in high stakes cash games. He placed fourth in the PokerStars $1 Million Guaranteed tournament back in April. Clements had a 10:1 chip lead entering heads up play after dominating wire to wire. He defeated 10-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, Jr. in heads up play. Finally, Jon Friedberg captured a bracelet in the $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event, taking home $526,185. The 32 year-old has played recreationally for the past 12 years. This was his largest cash in the World Series of Poker since a $20,000 score for 12th place in the $3,000 No Limit Hold’em event in 2004. “I would have been satisfied with one bracelet,” says Spears. “I am thrilled that we came home with three of them. This shows that we have some of the most talented online poker players, both amateur and professional, as active members of our site.”
Other PocketFivers shined as well. Eric “Rizen” Lynch captured 24th in the Main Event for $494,797 and finished 3rd in the $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em event for $104,544. Other PocketFives members who cashed in the Main Event included Rob Roseman, who placed 23rd for $494,797, Brian Hansen (42nd for nearly $250,000) and Sean Johnson (46th for just over $160,000). Justin Pechie, a.k.a. Looshle, came in 3rd in the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event for just over $200,000. “All of these six-figures cashes added up to an exciting few weeks for our site,” claims Spears. “We are looking forward to live tournaments, including the Legends of Poker event in two weeks.”
PocketFives.com launched PocketFivesLive.com to cover online poker players, both amateur and professional, playing in the biggest live tournaments. The staff of PocketFivesLive will travel to World Poker Tour events over the next eight months, along with several large independent events throughout North America. “All a player has to do is register on PocketFivesLive.com and we will cover you,” boasts Spears. “Whether you’re an avid poster on our message boards or just like to read our daily content, we will follow and post your progress at major live events. This is very exciting for our players and their families. Our next event is the Legends of Poker tournament on August 26th from the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles.” In the meantime, the online poker player will continue to shine in the online world and then put their skills to the test in front of the world stage at major live events.