2005 World Series of Poker -- Mid Tournament ReportWritten by Tom Howze
The 2005 World Series of Poker started its 36th year bigger and better than ever at RIO! Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. At mid point of tournament series, Events #1 through #22 have been completed. If you were not fortunate enough to be in Las Vegas for this mega event, here are some of updates, results and highlights for you.Records were being made from start as 662 casino employees entered Event #1 which was "Casino Employee No-limit Hold'Em" tournament. The number broke record set last year, which was 279 entrants. Andy Nguyen, a poker dealer from Binion’s in Las Vegas, won this event earning a payday of $83,390. Things really picked up as Event #2 "No-Limit Texas Hold'Em" began with an astounding 2,305 players signing up to play. For comparison, 2004 WSOP Main Event had 2,576 players in it. Allen Cunningham was recipient of a WSOP gold bracelet and $725,405 for winning this one. Event #3 "Pot-Limit Hold'Em" had Thom Werthmann pocketing $369,535 by overcoming tough play from Layne Flack in heads up match at final table. Another WSOP record was set when 21 year old Eric Froehlich became youngest person to earn a WSOP championship bracelet by winning Event #4 "Limit Hold'Em" and an additional $361,910 for his efforts. Pat Poels who quit his full time job to become a professional poker player won event #5 "Omaha Hi-Low Split". His paycheck that day was $270,100. Isaac Galazan won Event #6 "No-limit Hold'Em" a shootout tournament by defeating a determined Harry Demetriou and took home $315,125 for becoming champion. Event #7 "No-Limit Hold'Em with Rebuys" was won by 24 year old poker tournament millionaire Michael Gracz, picking up an additional $594,460 for win. But Michael said he would give up all winnings just to have WSOP bracelet, that's how much it meant to him. Event #8 "Seven Card Stud" had online qualifier Cliff Josephy claim victory and $192,100. Erik Seidel picked up his 6th WSOP bracelet and $611,795 after winning Event #9 "No-Limit Hold'Em" tournament. Reza Payvar who saw a marathon 13 hour heads up match to end, won Event #10 "Limit Hold'Em". Reza, who received $303,610 and a WSOP bracelet, stated he dedicated win to his father who passed away last year. Reza missed 2004 WSOP to be with his father who had cancer. Online qualifier Edward Moncada won Event #11 "Pot-Limit Hold'Em" receiving his first WSOP bracelet and $298,070. The winner of Event #12 "Pot Limit Omaha" was Josh Arieh who earned his 2nd gold WSOP bracelet along with a $381,600 payday.
| | Legend Vega to Release Next CDWritten by Scott Richards
If you want to download free MP3s go to http://www.legendvega.comLegend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this summer, Personal Space. Fans characterize Legend's style as a cross between Mariah Carey and a female version of Ricky Martin. She was born under lights of Broadway in New York City but raised to beat of Salsa and Merengue on hot sands of Puerto Rico. Legend Vega is an experienced singer, songwriter, and model. She has just finished recording her newest CD with all of her own material. Her mainstream pop style and her Latin background make her an excellent crossover artist for U.S. market. Her album features a broad mix of pop and R&B music recorded in English but with many Latin influences. Legend has sung in a variety of venues from Caribbean resorts to outdoor festivals, and even on Broadway. She has performed with famous artists such as Elton John as an opening act at Conquistador. On Broadway she performed as lead vocalist in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” where she sang 32 songs nightly under director Larry Pellegrini. She has also exhibited her vocal skills as a duet partner and backup singer on various CDs for other artists. In addition to her talents on stage, she also enjoys writing songs. She identifies themes, composes lyrics, and develops melody for all of her works. She has also been very involved in arrangements of each of songs on her new album. She has completed a multitude of songs in a wide variety of styles (Pop, Rock, Romantic Ballads, Salsa, etc.) “What I really love about singing is being able to reach into someone’s soul and touch their life in a special way. By writing my own music, I feel that I can do this even better – it’s as if I am having a very personal and intimate conversation with each of my listeners.” -- Legend
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