Checking a couple other threads around that time and found some banter about the tournament. Ah the memories....

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stpboy:
I waited (impatiently), I was pumped (totally), had an affair with the pizza, and I won...some money (came in 2nd).

Congrats Sirwatts on a great battle and all that made the final table. I'm off to the mall to spend my $300, ohhh yeahhhh (ala Quagmire). Zithal, great tourny as usual!

I was happy with the final result as I had been layed a few tough beats early and late in the tourny. First, Zithal down to about 3K in chips, goes all in UTG. I have about 8k and call with KK. He hits a runner runner two pair with his Ad 6d. I didn't really let it bother me.

Later in the tournament...3 handed, I'm the big stack. I limp in from the button with A2 trying to set a trap....thinking any ace is good. Small calls (sirwatts) and BB raises all in for another 30K (1/4 of my stack). I listen to him count it down and call. He has 47 offsuit and hits a 7. I eventually eliminated this guy when he raised with K6 off and I raised him all in with tens. He called and finished in 3rd. Sirwatts and I split $600 and played for the remaining $45. My Q10 was no match for his JJ when heads up, well played Sir.

Hork42:
Congrats stpboy, on your high finish in such a prestigous event. :smilie:

SirWatts:
Thanks Shannon and well-played. Sadly this ranks as my biggest win in my young poker career but hopefully it's just the beginning. The part I found interesting was that you started the tournament 2 seats to my right and then got moved to one seat to my right early on. After that you pretty much spent the rest of the tournament there. When Rob put that beat on you I remember thinking 'Yes! Maybe we'll be able to get rid of this guy soon.' but unfortunately I had to put up with you the rest of the day :D I'll describe the one hand I thought was key for me.

At the final table I'm one of the short stacks with about 14k, blinds 800/1600 (I think). We're still one or two players short of the money for top 5. Folded to me on the button I find A3 and bet 4k to pick up the blinds. Towering stack, the other Mike, calls in SB, and BB folds. The flop comes 8-5-2, and big stack (SB) fires out 4k. He has been bullying the table and defending with a lot of hands, and I know he probably thinks I was on a steal and that the flop likely missed me. I don't want to bubble, but everything screams he's trying to push me off the pot. After a very long think I decide I have at least 7 outs and there is a good chance I'm ahead, so I push in for 6k more. He calls instantly so I think I'm dead but he shows just J9 and I double up. This was the first time I've been able to make such a strong play against a big stack who I think is bullying me, as opposed to my usual "go broke while waiting for a monster hand to trap him with."

Thanks again to Rob for running/organizing a great tournament as usual, too bad there were so many no shows, but still a great day.

stpboy:
I distinctly remember that hand and remember thinking what a great call it was. You went into the tank for a bit and eventually called. I had A3 off that hand also and folded it in EP. Congrats on your first big win, i'm sure you'll have more, you're a very good player.
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....And just four years later we get this chart....

Biggest win ever (Nov '04) : $344.00
Biggest win ever (Jul '08) : $1,673,770.00