Showdown Press Releases

Showdown Press Releases

Daniel Weinman Wins $381,500 and 2018 Audi S5 in Monster WPT Tournament of Champions at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

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25-day Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, including Monster WPT Tournament of Champions, concludes with over 8,700 total entries generating more than $19 million in prize pools at Seminole Hard Rock

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (April 10, 2017) – The Monster WPT Tournament of Champions (WPT TOC) concluded Sunday, April 9 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood with Daniel Weinman of Oxon Hill, Maryland earning the event’s top prize of $381,500 and marking the close of the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. Weinman, a 29-year-old professional poker player, earned his entry in the event by winning a WPT title at the Borgata Winter Poker Open in January and parlayed the victory into a South Florida championship. On top of the riches, he was presented with a 2018 Audi S5.

The WPT TOC is a season-ending event open only to past WPT Champions. The $15,000 buy-in tournament drew 66 players, creating a total prize pool of $990,000. In addition, Monster added $100,000 to the purse, bringing the final money awarded to $1,090,000. Weinman also earned nearly $150,000 in added prizes which included the aforementioned Audi, Monster Element headphones, a Hublot watch and a custom poker table from BBO Poker Tables.

Finishing as the second-place winner was South Florida professional poker player, Michael Mizrachi. Mizrachi improved on his third-place finish in this same event last year, but came up one spot shy of another WPT title. The $218,000 score grew his total career earnings to over $15.5 million.

Final WPT TOC winners:

  • 1st: Daniel Weinman (Oxon Hill, MD) – $381,500* + 2018 Audi S5 Coupe
  • 2nd: Michael Mizrachi (Hollywood, FL) – $218,000
  • 3rd: Daniel Santoro (North Bellmore, NY) – $133,525
  • 4th: David Ormsby (Kanata, Ontario) – $95,375
  • 5th: Erik Seidel (Laughlin, NV) – $73,575
  • 6th: Dylan Wilkerson (Seattle, WA) – $57,225
  • 7th: Stefan Schillhabel (Brighton, Germany) – $49,050
  • 8th: Jesse Sylvia (West Tisbury, MA) – $43,600
  • 9th: Jonathan Jaffe (Longmeadow, MA) – $38,150

*Includes $15,000 seat in 2018 WPT Tournament of Champions

The WPT TOC final table took place at Hard Rock Live and was live streamed online at WPT.com and filmed for television. The coverage will encompass a three-part series expecting to air late August through September 2017.

The 2017 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown began Thursday, March 16 and concluded Sunday night on April 9. The series was made up of 31 primary events and numerous other secondary events and satellites. In total, the 25-day poker festival saw more than 8,700 participants generate more than $19 million in prize pools.

Along with Weinman, the series’ other headliners were:

  • Ryan Riess (East Lansing, MI), winner of the $10,000 WPT Finale for $716,088
  • Tony Sinishtaj (Bronx, NY), winner of the $3,500 Championship for $661,283
  • Jason Mercier (Davie, FL), winner of the $25,500 High Roller for $794,600

The next major poker event at the Seminole Hard Rock is the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open beginning Thursday, August 3 and concluding Tuesday, August 15. Additional information is available at SHRPO.com.

Media Contact:

Yaffa Mizrachi, Director of Public Relations
E: Yaffa.Mizrachi@SeminoleHardRock.com
O: 954-327-7504

About Seminole Hard Rock Poker

Seminole Hard Rock Poker encompasses four major poker series held annually at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In August 2013, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) was introduced to poker players around the world and featured a $10 million guarantee championship, the largest guarantee in history. In addition to the SHRPO, Seminole Hard Rock Poker series’ includes the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open (January), Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (April) and Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Poker Open (November). All four series fall under the SHRPO umbrella with tournament news, live updates and championship live streaming. Visit www.SHRPO.com. Join the conversation at #SHRPO, and tag us @SHRPO.

About Seminole Hard Rock

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and a 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. The casino offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room.

Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 175 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and WPT Foundation™ to Host Charity Poker Tournament Benefiting the Jason Taylor Foundation

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Jason Taylor pictured during the 2016 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown

Tournament To Take Place During the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown on Wednesday, March 29, 2017

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (March 7, 2017) – A charity poker tournament presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the WPT Foundation™ benefiting the Jason Taylor Foundation will take place on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, as part of the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown series. An exclusive player party will be held in the ballrooms from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., and the No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) tournament will immediately follow. A portion of each $300 buy-in will be donated to help the pro-football legend’s non-profit organization support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

To increase excitement and participation, over $10,000 in prizes will be added to the event, including a $3,500 entry into the $2 Million Guaranteed, WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship event, and a 4-Day/3-Night Hard Rock Resort Package in Cancun, Mexico, plus $1,000 cash for travel. A silent auction with a variety of specialty items, including a Jason Taylor Golf outing at executive golf clubs, will be held throughout the night.

“We’re excited that the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and WPT Foundation invited us back again. This event was first class last year, and raised a great deal of money to help the young people we serve, and I expect this year’s tournament to be even bigger and better. Not only did our Foundation benefit, but there was some great poker played as well…and I’m not just saying that because I finished in third place!” said Jason Taylor.

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown will take place from Thursday, March 16 – Sunday, April 9, and will feature two Season XIV World Poker Tour® Main Tour events – the $3,500 WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship and the $10,000 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale. The series will finish up with the historic WPT Tournament of Champions.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown satellites will be held at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood throughout the series. Visit https://www.hardrockpoker.com/Win to enter to win a seat in the Championship. To participate, players must obtain a Wild Card at the Player’s Club or in the poker room free of charge. More information, schedule and contest rules can be found at www.SHRPO.com

# # #

Media Contact
Yaffa Mizrachi, Director of Public Relations
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
O: 954-327-7504 | C: 954-895-6480
E: yaffa.mizrachi@seminolehardrock.com

About Seminole Hard Rock Poker
Seminole Hard Rock Poker (SHRP) is a year-long traveling tournament circuit that is inclusive of four major poker series held annually at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In August 2013, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) was introduced to poker players around the world and featured a $10 million guaranteed championship, the largest guarantee in history. In addition to SHRPO, the Hollywood SHRP series’ include the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open (January), Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (April) and Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Poker Open (November). All four series fall under the SHRP umbrella with their championships awarding points toward the SHRP Player of the Year race. The SHRP brand also runs events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. For Hollywood updates, visit www.SHRPO.com. Join the conversation at #SHRPO, and tag us @SHRPO.

About Seminole Hard Rock
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and a 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. The casino offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room.

Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 167 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

About Jason Taylor Foundation
In July 2004, Miami Dolphins legendary Defensive End and recent Pro Football Hall of Fame class member, Jason Taylor, established the Jason Taylor Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization. The Foundation’s mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

Since opening its doors, the Jason Taylor Foundation has impacted tens of thousands of children through innovative programming including The Jason Taylor Reading Room, The Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, Louder Than A Bomb Florida, Cool Gear for the School Year, the Jason Taylor Children’s Learning Center and Jason Taylor Scholars, among others.  For more information on the Jason Taylor Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.JasonTaylorFoundation.org or follow on social media sites including Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation or Twitter and Instagram: @jtfoundation99

About WPT Foundation
WPT Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing World Poker Tour’s exceptional international platform to influence positive change on a global scale. The core of WPT Foundation’s fundraising efforts is the ongoing series of philanthropic poker events titled WPT Playing for a Better World. WPT Foundation and its associated charity events help bring awareness and raise critical funds for non-profit programs of excellence. This unprecedented philanthropic effort is dedicated to improving our planet by supporting key charities in regards to human rights, education, world hunger and the environment.

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood Fla. Announces the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Series Held March 16 to April 9, 2017 Featuring Two World Poker Tour Season XV Events

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$3,500 buy-in WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship and $10,000 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale Each Feature $2 Million Guarantees and Award Seats into the Season-Ending WPT Tournament of Champions.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2017) – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. has announced the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (SHRP Showdown) is slated Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, April 9, 2017. For the second consecutive year, the series runs in partnership with the World Poker Tour, featuring two Season XV events – the $3,500 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Championship and $10,000 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale. Each tournament features a $2 million guarantee and awards-entry into the season-ending Tournament of Champions which runs Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9.

“We’re excited to continue to run some of the highest profile events in the world here in South Florida,” said Jason Newman, director of poker marketing for Seminole Gaming. “The success of last year’s $10,000 buy-in WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale and $25,500 High Roller allowed us to up the ante for this year’s event with the addition of a $50,000 Super High Roller.”

Highlight events on this year’s schedule include:

  • $3,500 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship $2 million guaranteed; live streamed on WPT.com (March 31 – April 5)
  • $10,000 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Finale $2 million guaranteed; live streamed on www.WPT.com (April 2- 6)
  • $25,500 High Roller $1 million guaranteed (April 4-5)
  • $50,000 Super High Roller $1 million guaranteed (March 29-30)
  • $15,000 WPT Tournament of Championship; live streamed on WPT.com and filmed for television (April 7-9)

The $50,000 buy-in Super High Roller is a new addition to the 2017 schedule. The tournament comes on the heels of a $50,000 buy-in High Roller during the 2016 Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open” which drew more than 20 participants. Joining as a headliner on the 2017 SHRP Showdown schedule are the return of the $25,500 buy-in High Roller as well as the $350 buy-in, $500,000 guaranteed opener and a $570 buy-in, $1 million guaranteed event. Beginning Wednesday, March 29, is a $300 charity tournament benefitting the Jason Taylor Foundation. Half of each buy-in will be donated to the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s non-profit which creates and supports programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

SHRP Showdown series satellites are running now at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Players are able to earn their way into the $25,500 High Roller for as little as $80 while $10,000 Finale tickets can be won for $125 and $3,500 Championship seats for $95. The property is also giving away one free Championship seat via an online promotion at www.HardRockPoker.com/Win.

To participate in a tournament, players must obtain a Wild Card at the Player’s Club or in the poker room free of charge. More information, schedule and contest rules can be found at www.SHRPO.com

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Boiler

Seminole Hard Rock Poker (SHRP) is a year-long traveling tournament circuit that is inclusive of four major poker series held annually at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In August 2013, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) was introduced to poker players around the world and featured a $10 million guaranteed championship, the largest guarantee in history. In addition to SHRPO, the Hollywood SHRP series’ include the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open (January), Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (April) and Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Poker Open (November). All four series fall under the SHRP umbrella with their championships awarding points toward the SHRP Player of the Year race. The SHRP brand also runs events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. For Hollywood updates, visit www.SHRPO.com. Join the conversation at #SHRPO, and tag us @SHRPO.

About Seminole Hard Rock

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and a 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. The casino offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room.

Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 167 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

2016 Showdown Live Updates, Showdown Press Releases

Farid Yachou Wins World Poker Tour Tournament of Champions and $381,600 at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

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2016 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood
WPT Tournament of Champions (Event #30)
$15,000 No Limit Hold’em
Total Entries: 64
Prize Pool: $1,060,000
April 22-24, 2016

Farid Yachou

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown concludes with the crowning of the game’s Champion of Champions in first-time event.

Hollywood, Fla. (April 24, 2016) – The World Poker Tour along with the Seminole Hard Rock Casino crowned a champion in the first-ever WPT Tournament of Champions Sunday night in Hollywood, Fla. The unique event, open only to members of the WPT Champions Club, saw 64 players put up the $15,000 entry fee creating a total prize pool of $1,060,000. Over the course of three days, the field narrowed to just one remaining – 36-year-old Farid Yachou of Holland.

Yachou earned the top prize of $381,600 as well as a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition to the car, the WPT added a slew of prizes to first place that included:

  • Hublot King Power Unico Titanium watch
  • Aurae® Solid Gold MasterCard
  • Gold Monster® 24K Headphones
  • Custom poker table from BBO Poker Tables
  • A seat in Tiger Woods’ Poker Night Presented by the WPT
  • Golf with WPT Executive Tournament Director Matt Savage

“The car is something amazing,” Yachou said. “I’ve never seen a tournament give a car away.”

Inexperienced given the context of his competition, Yachou earned his eligibility into the event this past May in the WPT Amsterdam at the Holland Casino. That victory marked his first time ever playing a live tournament and allowed him the option to buy into the TOC for $15,000. He ran hot on Day 1 to bag the chip lead, but relinquished it during Day 2. He eventually began the Day 3 televised final table fifth of six in the counts, but six hours later he was the champion of champions in the WPT’s inaugural event.

“It’s something I cannot believe,” Yachou told the WPT’s Richard Ryan. “I am sitting with only champions. I said to myself, ‘I will be glad finishing 30th or 35th.’ Then, slowly, day by day, hand by hand, it all came together. Everything came to me.”

Yachou’s path to the winner’s circle went through Florida’s own Michael Mizrachi (third), Jonathan Jaffe (fourth), Noah Schwartz (fifth) and others. The TOC was the last of 30 events on the 2016 SHRP Showdown schedule. The 25-day series was headlined by the $3,500 Championship. The tournament drew a 1,222-entry field creating a $3,910,400 prize pool that bested the $2,000,000 guarantee comfortably. Justin Young claimed the title, $654,161 and a $15,000 TOC seat.

Other notable events on the Showdown schedule included a $25,500 High Roller that drew 94 entries as well as the $10,000 Finale, a WPT Main Tour freeze-out that drew 342 players good for a $3,249,000 prize pool. The TOC marked the finale of finales and didn’t disappoint. The event began Friday and narrowed to 31 remaining players following 10 levels of action. Yachou lead the way with Mizrachi second, Young third, Ravi Raghavan fourth and Keven Stammen fifth. Day 2 kicked off Saturday at the Seminole Hard Rock’s Paradise Live and numerous notables hit the rail over the next 11 hours. Joe Hachem, Ryan Van Sanford, Anthony Zinno, Griffin Paul and Matt Salsberg were among those to bust shy of the money. Raghavan went on to be the tournament’s bubble boy busting ninth late in the day. From there, Yevgeniy Timoshenko busted eighth for $38,160 and Andy Frankenberger narrowly missed the televised final table being eliminated seventh earning $47,400.

The third and final session began Sunday evening in Hard Rock Live under the bright lights of the WPT set and in front of dozens of television production cameras. Jaffe lead the final six but action was slow to start. The tournament stretched deep into the structure shallowing the stacks and leveling the playing field. It wasn’t until nearly three hours into the day Darren Elias busted sixth. He was followed by Schwartz fifth, and start-of-day leader Jaffe fourth. The crowd favorite, Mizrachi was next to go in third leaving Yachou and Vlad Davie to battle it out for the tournament’s $381,600 top prize. Yachou held a slight edge to start and needed just 11 hands to best Davie. Davie earned $224,190 for his runner-up finish.

Final results:

1st: Farid Yachou – $381,600* + 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
2nd: Vlad Davie – $224,190
3rd: Michael Mizrachi – $140,450
4th: Jonathan Jaffe – $95,400
5th: Noah Schwartz – $74,200
6th: Darren Elias – $58,300
7th: Andy Frankenberger – $47,400
8th: Yevgeniy Timoshenko – $38,160

*Includes $15,000 seat in 2017 TOC

With the SHRP Showdown in the books, next up at the Seminole Hard Rock is the SHRPO which kicks off July 28. That full tournament schedule is available at SHRPO.com.

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida Announces Winners of Two Season XIV World Poker Tour Events® at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Series

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 Championship Finalist Justin Young from Henderson, Nevada Wins $654,161 and Finale Finalist David “Chino” Rheem from Los Angeles, California Wins $690,885. New WPT Campions Win a Seat In To the $15,000 Buy-In, WPT Tournament of Champions Held April 22 – 24

Justin-Young       David-Rheem

Editor’s Note: Photo L to R: Click here to download photos of Seminole Hard Rock poker Showdown WPT Championship winner Justin Young and Finale winner David “Chino” Rheem.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (April 22, 2016) – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino announces winners of two Season XIV World Poker Tour events, part of the 2016 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown. Justin Young of Henderson, Nevada walked away with $654,161 after winning first place in the $3,500 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed Championship held April 15-20. David “Chino” Rheem from Los Angeles, California won first place in the $10,000 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed WPT Finale held April 17-21, taking home the top payout of $654,885.  In addition to the cash prize, both Young and Rheem won a seat in to the $15,000 buy-in, WPT Tournament of Champions held April 22 – 24, reserved for Season XIV Champions and WPT Champions Club™ members only bringing their total scores to $669,161 and $705,885.

Final tables for the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship and WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Finale took place in Paradise Live and were live streamed on www.WPT.com. Hard Rock Live will be home to the WPT Tournament of Champions final table. The WPT Tournament of Champions will be televised on Fox Sports Network, as well as live streamed on www.WPT.com.

The $3,500 buy-in Championship drew a total of 1,222 entries and a playing field that easily surpassed the $2,000,000 guarantee for a total prize pool at $3,910,400.

While Young was the most accomplished at the final table, Hyoung Chae of Lynnwood, Washington, led the action 10-handed. Over the course of an 11-hour session, Young flipped the script and busted Chae for a third place win of $297,336. In the heads-up round with Garrett Greer of Hemet, California, Young had a slight chip disadvantage that turned around after scoring an early double sending Greer in to the runner up position, for a win of $458,722.

“The tournament was great,” said Young. “Every player was really cordial and nice, and the floor was amazing. Everything was run very well the whole way through, and the Seminole Hard Rock staff listened to what the players were saying. I really appreciated that.”

1st – Justin Young – $654,161 + $15,000 TOC Seat (Henderson, NV)
2nd – Garrett Greer – $458,722 (Newport, CA)
3rd – Hyoung Chae – $297,336 (Bellevue, WA)
4th – Matthew Haugen – $220,207 (Ann Arbor, MI)
5th – Tim Reilly – $164,113 (Boston, MA)
6th – Ben Tarzia – $132,560 (Maple, ON)
7th – Sam Soverel – $110,357 (N. Palm Beach, FL)
8th – Andrey Plotnikov – $87,880 (Sacramento, CA)
9th – Cate Hall – $65,404 (Washington, DC)

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown WPT Finale was held April 17 – 21. Attracting 342 players, the $10,000 buy-in quickly surpassed the $2,000,000 guarantee for a total prize pool of $3,249,000. A first place prize of $690,885 was set aside for the WPT Finale Champion. The tournament drew players from around the world including three-time NFL Super Bowl winner Richard Seymour, Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Tilly, Cricket Hall of Famer Shane Warne, and screenwriter/producer Matt Salsberg.

Six players survived to the WPT live-streamed final table with South Florida’s Richard Leger in the lead. Unable to beat third place, two-time WPT Champion David “Chino” Rheem eliminated Leger and went on to claim his third WPT title after defeating Aditya Prasetyo. Rheem is also coined the fourth player ever to record three World Poker Tour titles after Anthony Zinno, Gus Hansen and Carlos Mortensen.

“Every time I win, I say ‘that one feels good’, but this one feels real good.” Rheem said of his victory.  “It’s been a couple years since seeing something as substantial in any type of tournament.”

1st – David “Chino” Rheem (Los Angeles, CA) $690,885+ $15,000 TOC Seat

2nd – Aditya Prasetyo (Cambridge, MA) $484,130

3rd – Richard Leger (Lighthouse Point, FL) $311,305

4th – Adrian Mateos (London, UK) $200,510

5th – William Benson (Mobile, AL) $154,585

6th – Bryan Piccioli (Allegany, NY) $127,905

The SHRP Showdown kicked off on March 31 with a $350 buy-in, $500,000 Guaranteed and $570 buy-in $1 Million Guaranteed events. On April 13, a $300 charity poker tournament presented by Seminole Hard Rock and the WPT Foundation, benefited the Jason Taylor Foundation. The total prize pool was $17,360. Half of each buy-in was donated to help the pro football legend’s non-profit organization support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

A $25,500 buy-in, $1 Million Guaranteed Seminole Hard Rock Poker High Roller event took place on April 19 – 21. A total of 94 entrants played in the big game to create a prize pool worth $2,350,000. The event drew some of the top players in the world including WSOP Main Event Champions Joe McKeehen, Ryan Riess, and Greg Merson.  David Malka outlasted French professional Sylain Loosli to win the High Roller title for $658,000. Runner up Loosli of Les Plages, FR walked away with 481,750.

Media Contact:

Yaffa Mizrachi, Public Relations Manager

E: Yaffa.Mizrachi@SeminoleHardRock.com

C: 954-895-6480, O: 954-327-7504

About Seminole Hard Rock Poker

Seminole Hard Rock Poker encompasses four major poker series held annually at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, South Florida’s premier destination for fun and entertainment. In August 2013, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) was introduced to poker players around the world and featured a $10 million guarantee championship, the largest guarantee in history. In addition to the SHRPO, Seminole Hard Rock Poker series’ includes the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open (January), Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (April) and Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Poker Open (November). All four series fall under the SHRPO umbrella with tournament news, live updates and championship live streaming.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, features a AAA Four Diamond resort with 469 luxury rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, and premium meeting and convention space. As South Florida’s premier entertainment destination, Seminole Hard Rock hosts top-name acts at its 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena and offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. The resort also features contemporary and casual eateries, including Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 155 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 954-327-ROCK or 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Showdown, Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and WPT Foundation™ to Host Charity Poker Tournament Benefiting the Jason Taylor Foundation

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Tournament To Take Place During the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown on Wednesday, April 13, 2016

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (March 29, 2016) – A charity poker tournament presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and the WPT Foundation™ benefiting the Jason Taylor Foundation will take place on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, as part of the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown series. An exclusive player party will be held at the resort’s L Bar cocktail lounge from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., and the No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) tournament will immediately follow. Half of each $300 buy-in will be donated to help the pro-football legend’s non-profit organization support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

To increase excitement and participation, over $10,000 in prizes will be added to the event, including a $3,500 entry into the $2 Million Guaranteed, WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship event, and a 4-Day/3-Night Hard Rock Resort Package in Cancun, Mexico, plus $1,000 cash for travel. A silent auction with a variety of specialty items, including a Jason Taylor Golf outing at executive golf clubs, will be held throughout the night.

“The Seminole Hard Rock has been an incredible friend to our foundation since we opened our doors, and this event is another great opportunity to join forces with them to help support the young people we serve,” said Jason Taylor. “I’m also looking forward to partnering with the WPT Foundation, whose commitment to influencing positive change is inspiring. It’s going to be a fantastic evening of poker, prizes and philanthropy, and I have no doubt that our guests will have a blast!”

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown will take place from Thursday, March 31 – Sunday, April 24, and will feature two Season XIV World Poker Tour® Main Tour events – the $3,500 WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship and the $10,000 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale. The series will finish up with the historic WPT Tournament of Champions.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown satellites will be held at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood throughout the series. Visit http://shrpo.com/WinASeatShowdown to enter to win a seat in the Championship. To participate, players must obtain a Wild Card at the Player’s Club or in the poker room free of charge. More information, schedule and contest rules can be found at www.SHRPO.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Yaffa Mizrachi, PR Manager, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

O: 954-327-7504 | C: 954-895-6480

E: yaffa.mizrachi@seminolehardrock.com

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Boiler

Seminole Hard Rock Poker encompasses four major poker series held annually at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. In August 2013, the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) was introduced to poker players around the world and featured a $10 million guarantee championship, the largest guarantee in history. In addition to the SHRPO, Seminole Hard Rock Poker series’ includes the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Open (January), Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (April) and Seminole Hard Rock “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Poker Open (November). All four series fall under the SHRPO umbrella with tournament news, live updates and championship live streaming. Visit www.SHRPO.com. Join the conversation at #SHRPO, and tag us @SHRPO.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, features a AAA Four Diamond resort with 469 luxury rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, and premium meeting and convention space. As South Florida’s premier entertainment destination, Seminole Hard Rock hosts top-name acts at its 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena and offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. The resort also features contemporary and casual eateries, including Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 155 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

About Jason Taylor Foundation

In July 2004, Miami Dolphins legendary Defensive End, Jason Taylor, established the Jason Taylor Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization. The Foundation’s mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

Since opening its doors, the Jason Taylor Foundation has impacted tens of thousands of children through innovative programming including The Jason Taylor Reading Room, Cool Gear for the School Year, the Jason Taylor Children’s Learning Center, Jason Taylor Scholars and the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, among others. For more information on the Jason Taylor Foundation, please visit the organization’s website at www.JasonTaylorFoundation.org or follow on social media sites including Facebook: www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation or Twitter and Instagram: @jtfoundation99

About WPT Foundation

WPT Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing World Poker Tour’s exceptional international platform to influence positive change on a global scale. The core of WPT Foundation’s fundraising efforts is the ongoing series of philanthropic poker events titled WPT Playing for a Better World. WPT Foundation and its associated charity events help bring awareness and raise critical funds for non-profit programs of excellence. This unprecedented philanthropic effort is dedicated to improving our planet by supporting key charities in regards to human rights, education, world hunger and the environment.

For more information, call 954-327-ROCK or 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

WPT, World Poker Tour and Spade Card Design are registered trademarks of WPT Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Features Two Season XIV World Poker Tour Events

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So very pretty

The $3,500 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Championship and $10,000 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale headline along with the Seminole Hard Rock Poker High Roller and the WPT Tournament of Champions.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2016) – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, has announced the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown (SHRP Showdown) slated for Thursday, March 31 – Sunday, April 24, 2016 that will feature two Season XIV World Poker Tour® events. The $3,500 WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship and the $10,000 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale will end the year-long tour along with the WPT Tournament of Champions.

“We’re excited to run some of the highest profile events in the world here in South Florida,” said Jason Newman, director of poker marketing for Seminole Gaming. “The addition of the $10,000 buy-in WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale allowed us to take the series one step further and offer a $25,500 High Roller with a $1 Million Guarantee catering to some of the game’s best pros and wealthiest amateurs.”

Highlight events include:

  • $3,500 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship, April 15 – 20 with 25,000 starting stack and one starting flight with unlimited re-entry
  • $10,000 buy-in, $2 Million Guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale, April 17 – 21
  • $25,500 buy-in, $1 Million Guaranteed Seminole hard Rock Poker High Roller, April 19 – 21
  • $15,000 buy-in WPT Tournament of Champions, reserved for Season XIV Champions and WPT Champions Club™ members only, April 22 – 24

The SHRP Showdown is headlined by $350 buy-in, $500,000 Guaranteed and $570 buy-in $1 Million Guaranteed preliminary events. On Wednesday, April 13, a $300 charity poker tournament presented by Seminole Hard Rock and the WPT Foundation, will benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation. Half of each buy-in will be donated to help the pro football legend’s non-profit organization support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life.

Final tables for the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Championship and WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Finale will take place in Paradise Live and be live streamed on www.WPT.com, while Hard Rock Live will be home to the WPT Tournament of Champions final table. The WPT Tournament Champions will be televised on Fox Sports Network, as well as live streamed on www.WPT.com.

SHRP Showdown series satellites will be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood starting Feb. 21, 2016. Visit http://shrpo.com/WinASeatShowdown to enter to win a seat in the Championship.

Registration will open in February. To participate, players must obtain a Wild Card at the Player’s Club or in the poker room free of charge. More information, schedule and contest rules can be found at www.SHRPO.com

Media contact:

Yaffa Mizrachi, PR Manager, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
O: 954-327-7504 | C: 954-895-6480
E: yaffa.mizrachi@seminolehardrock.com

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, features a AAA Four Diamond resort with 469 luxury rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, and premium meeting and convention space. As South Florida’s premier entertainment destination, Seminole Hard Rock hosts top-name acts at its 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena and offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. The resort also features contemporary and casual eateries, including Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 155 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 954-327-ROCK or 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Showdown Press Releases

Televised WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship Runs April 16-22 with Massive $5 Million Guarantee

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Hundreds of Seats Up for Grabs in Live Satellites at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel

Hot on the heels of the Season XIII California Swing, the World Poker Tour® returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL for the televised WPT® Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship. Located in the ballrooms, this $3,500 buy-in event kicks off on April 16 with three starting flights, and carries a massive $5 million guarantee. In April alone, more than 100 seats will be up for grabs at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

In Season XII, the $5 million guaranteed WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship attracted 1,795 entries, making it the largest WPT Main Tour event in the history of the World Poker Tour. Eric Afriat defeated eventual Player of the Year Mukul Pahuja heads up to earn more than $1 million and a seat into the season-ending WPT World Championship at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

“Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is proud to present the 2015 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, and we look forward to another successful partnership with WPT for the series’ exciting televised $5 million guarantee Championship,” said General Manager of Gaming for Seminole Gaming, Larry Frank. “Showdown is one of four world-class tournaments offered in the Seminole Hard Rock Poker series, and has been designed to provide multiple opportunities for players to qualify for a seat in the Championship through satellites and promotions.”

WPT President Adam Pliska adds, “The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino produced yet another four-figure field earlier this season with the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open, and we are thrilled to return to this premier property for the televised WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship. With a $5 million guarantee, a Hublot Oceanographic 4000 watch up for grabs, valuable Hublot WPT Player of the Year points on the line, and a diverse 20-event festival, this is a must-attend event for all players.”

Qualify for the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship

Players can qualify for the $5 million guaranteed WPT Main Tour event in one of many live satellites at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Notable dates include:

 10-Seat Guarantees

  • March 20 at 6 p.m. ($385)
  • March 29 at 6 p.m. ($385)
  • April 14 at 5 p.m. ($385)
  • April 15 at 5 p.m. ($385)
  • April 16 at 3 p.m. ($385)
  • April 17 at 3 p.m. ($385)

 25-Seat Guarantees

  • April 14 at 11 a.m. ($385)
  • April 15 at 11 a.m. ($385)

Players can also win a seat into the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship by entering a contest on www.HardRockPoker.com. The entry period ends Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and one lucky winner will be selected at midnight to play in the event. For official rules, click here.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Festival

 The 2015 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown kicks off on April 6 with a $250 buy-in no-limit hold’em event featuring six starting flights and a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool. The action heats up on April 9 with the $570 buy-in Deep Stack $1 million guarantee, which also features six starting flights.

Other highlights include:

  • April 7 at 12 p.m.: $350 Six Max (single re-entry, $30,000 guarantee)
  • April 12 at 3 p.m.: $1,650 Purple Chip Bounty (freeze out, $100,000 guarantee)
  • April 13 at 3 p.m.: $2,200 Eight Game Mix (single re-entry)
  • April 14 at 3 p.m.: $2,200 Six Max (freeze out, $200,000 guarantee)
  • April 19 at 3 p.m.: $1,650 Eight-Handed (re-entry, $150,000 guarantee)

For a full schedule of events, head here.

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Commences Next Week $1 Million Guaranteed Kick-Off Set for March 27 – March 30

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Poker Showdown Scheduled for March 27 – April 16

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s fourth annual Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown tournament series will run March 27 – April 16, 2014. The 21-day tournament series kicks-off next week, on Thursday, March 27 at 11a.m. with a $1 million guaranteed Deep Stack No Limit Hold ’em tournament featuring a $560 buy-in.

The televised WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship will be held April 10 – 16. The series will take place in the resort ballrooms with the televised Championship Final Table held at Hard Rock Live.

The Championship featuring a $5 million guarantee, the largest ever for a $3,500 buy-in, will start Thursday, April 10 at noon through final table filming on Wednesday, April 16. Players may play any or all starting flights and choose their best stack. Re-entry will be allowed for six levels.

“Excitement is building for our Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown tournament series. Our satellite events have experienced large turnouts, providing over a hundred entries already to our Championship. We are looking forward to seeing many familiar faces over the next several weeks, and welcoming new players to Seminole Hard Rock poker,” said Ray Stefanelli, director of poker marketing, Seminole Gaming.

The $5 million guaranteed Championship satellite events are taking place at five Seminole Gaming properties – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Casino Brighton and Seminole Casino Immokalee.

On-site registration for all Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown is available 24/7 at the poker room. To participate in tournament events, players must obtain a free “Wild Card” at the Player’s Club or in The Poker Room at Seminole Hard Rock.

Showdown Press Releases

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Releases Seminole Hard Poker Showdown Schedule March 27 – April 16

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$1 Million Guaranteed Kick-Off Set for March 27 – March 30

 $5 Million Guarantee is the Largest Guarantee Ever for A $3,500 Buy-in Tournament

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has released its series schedule for the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown tournament series running March 27  – April 16, 2014 with the Championship held April 10 – 16. The series will take place in the resort ballrooms with the televised Championship Final Table held at Hard Rock Live.

The 21-day tournament series kicks-off on Thursday, March 27 at 11a.m. with a $1 million guaranteed Deep Stack No Limit Hold ’em tournament featuring a $560 buy-in.  The televised WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship event featuring a $5 million guarantee, the largest ever for a $3,500 buy-in, will start Thursday, April 10 at noon through final table filming on Wednesday, April 16. Players may play any or all starting flights and choose their best stack. Re-entry will be allowed for three levels.

“Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown’s $5 million guaranteed prize pool for the $3,500 buy-in Championship event is the first of its kind, providing the accessibility for players to come to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and compete in a high-profile televised tournament. First place for this event will win over $1 million,” said Ray Stefanelli, director of poker marketing for Seminole Gaming. “Our opening event – the $560 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em – carries a $1 million guaranteed prize pool and provides great value for our players. Seminole Hard Rock Poker remains committed to providing all our players with an outstanding tournament experience,” he added.

The $5 million guaranteed Championship will also have satellite events taking place at five Seminole Gaming properties – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Casino Brighton and Seminole Casino Immokalee.

On-site registration for all Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown events will begin in March. To participate in tournament events, players must obtain a free “Wild Card” at the Player’s Club or in The Poker Room at Seminole Hard Rock.

To review the entire schedule, please visit www.SeminoleHardRockPokerOpen.com; Like us on Facebook at www.fb.com/SHRThePokerRoom or Follow us on Twitter at @SHRPO, Hashtag #shrpo.