Big Easy XIX

June 16, 2018

Year nineteen of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. Of course, when anyone thinks of a tournament, images of winners and losers come to mind. But no similarities of that with the BET! Everyone Wins! This year all participants were able to purchase a beautiful 2 oz. shot glass. Imagine the envy of their friends and family when they shoot their favorite beverage using the BET XIX Shot Glass. As in all items available for purchase, it is not only functional but ebbs sophistication.

Typically described as the most memorable day of the year for 32 people, the day starts out strong. 32 people vying for the coveted title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. These magnificent 32, did not get here by luck, only the ones with the most unnerving skill, dedicated to serious poker playing, serious food eating, and serious drinking get to make it to the BET. With this sense of competitiveness, it is almost a tragedy to see 31 dreams shattered. But for one skillful player, a champion emerges.

The pre-game started, one again, with some World-Famous Lance's Homemade Chili, and although not always mentioned in these annals of BET history, we also enjoyed Frank's Fantastic Homemade Tamales, and Red's Renowned store-bought boudin.

After seeing old friends and catching up with new ones, and a quick bout of 'Frank Shots,' we arranged seats with the almost-patented seat randomizer. And the Game Began!

Although the game is geared to produce only one champion, it also boasts of having a true winner... and that is the winner of the "First Out" award! A whopping $1.00 was awarded to Lance A. for being 1^st^ out! The envy in the tournament room was almost overbearing.

This year's side pots remained increased under the guidance of Kevin D last year, who found it difficult to add or subtract anything other than multiples of 5. Fortunately, Loudmouth Mike C was able to manage the side pots.

4 of a kind or greater: Kevin C gets it!

2-4: John M wins it big with a sweet bluff (or was it?)!

Another not-so-treat for the Tourney, Michael "Loudmouth MF" C. was extremely gaseous this year.

During the game, service by "none other than" Nick was superb. Dinner this year was an extravagant Italian buffet, courtesy of Tony Mandina's.

Except for 7 people out, the game started back with 25 people following the dinner break, which included 22 re-buys and add-ons. As usual, after dinner the antes escalate, but not nearly as much as the adrenaline!

The field narrowed to 3 tables at 8:15 PM, and with more money in play, it was 9:43 before 2 tables were left. Those 14 people played until the tables were at 4 people each at 11:30. With anticipation building on who would be the one out to form the Final Table. And at 11:30PM, first-timer Kevin C, goes out to form the Final Table.

- In the money & The Final Table-

The BET committee payed all Final Table spots this year, and still funded the coveted first-out award!

The onset of the Final Table comprises John K, Al G, David S, Mike C, John M, Tommy B, and Gene.

John K goes out to win 7^th^ place at 11:50.

Al G goes all in for 6^th^ place at 12:01.

David S. Gets 5^th^ Place at 12:25

Mike C out for 4^th^ Place at 12:32.

The Trio Showdown like no other!... At 12:52, Omaha being played:

John M, short stacked (That's what she said!), goes all-in, with hole cards of:

Action on Tommy B, who calls John M's ~ $1,850 , and also goes all-in with his additional remaining $1,500 while holding:

In a BET first, chip lead Gene calls John M and Tommy B with hole cards of:

If Gene H wins, he will be this year's BET Champ! The table gets surrounded by the ousted BET players, like vultures ready to pounce on the carnage. A subdues hush ensues as the deal continues.

Board flops:

Gene looking good with 3 of a kind Aces, and the turn gives a:

Not helping anyone, river card next:

And at 12:52, Gene "New Guy" H wins with Aces full of 8's and gets the coveted title of BET Champion!