Big Easy XV

June 14, 2014

The fifteenth in a continuing series of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And it didn't matter if it ended in defeat or victory, since everyone was able to walk home, in safety, with the assistance of a Big Easy Tournament Logo'd Pocket Knife. Not only can it protect you, it can also light the way in the dark with the built-in flashlight.

The day started with 22 people vying for the title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. 22 people dedicated to the cause of serious poker playing, along with serious food eating, and serious drinking, and a day. 21 dreams, all shattered, and full of friendly abuse, barbs, and personal affronts, and for one skillful player, a champion made.

Mr. James sported his yard sign, "You don't need no teeth to eat our meat!" The BBQ man smoked some excellent 'fall off the bone' ribs, brisket, chicken, and more sides than you could shake a cleaver at. And with snacks from the butcher block, World Famous Lance's Chili, and snacks galore; it makes for a very enjoyable day... and mix that with beer, liquor, and 'Frank Shots' and you have an exceptional evening.

And on top of that, we played poker. The same 5 games of the past were allowed. Mitch was the first person to win money, trailblazing the pack by winning the prestigious first out award.

With the exception of 2 people out, the game started back with 20 people following the dinner break. After dinner, the game started to heat up... The final table formed around 11:00.

The final Table: We had some new and some familiar faces at the Final Table this year. Glen, Mike C, John B, Al G, Thomas B, Robert, and Al S as the 'chosen 7' at the final table.

Robert is the first of the final table to go out after an all-in with $130 on a $35 Ante. He had a pair of Tens, but John B's Flush hits on 5^th^ street. In a post-game self-conducted interview, Robert said "No Comment." (It's the author's observation that he was not too upset, and enjoyed a great day, as do all participants of the Tourney.)

6 Left as the game continues to rumble. Al G goes all in, losing by attrition as the ante's were too much for his little stack. In a post game interview, Al G says, "Although I have a little stack, I am usually able to finesse it."

5 left, Glen goes all-in against John B with 8's and 2's in Omaha, John B wins with 3 A's. In a post-game interview, Glen says that he had trouble catching cards at the final table. But, although defeated, Glen walks away with a 5^th^ place prize.

4 people left. 3 are past winners. If John B wins, he will be the first to win 3 titles. If Mike C wins, he will be the first to win back-to-back. Antes are up to $75.

John B goes all in in Omaha with a pair of Q's, or A's and a flush draw. Al S makes 2 pair. John B gets the #4 money spot. Asked on what he thought of the remaining players, John B says, "I think 2 out of 3 are great players." He then had a faux coughing fit with what sounded suspiciously like "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy."

And now a poker trio is happily playing, Al S is clearly the chip lead at this point.

Thomas B goes all-in, and is beat by a flush in Omaha. He takes down the 3^rd^ place prize. When asked about what he liked about the game Today, he didn't give a clear answer, but pontificated that due to his Son-in-law's involvement in the game, "He may not be as bad as I originally thought."

Mike and Al S go all-in. Mike catches a straight and wins the Big Easy Tourney, being the first back-to-back winner!

Mike stated, "I am ready for a three-peat next year!"

All in all, another successful year, as evident by the ceremonious kiss by Frank and Kevin to mark the end of the Big Easy Tournament XV Championship.