Big Easy XXI

June 19, 2021

2021? Why, an observant reader from the future may ask, was there no tournament in 2020? 2020 was the year of the authoritative politicians across the world going beyond fetishizing their control on 'the little people.' As such, even the Big Easy Tournament fell victim to the COVID Police State!

However, the skipping of 2020 did allow the alignment of the tournament with the last 2 digits of the year... this being an issue that has plagued the OCD Tournament Chairman for years!

Twenty-One! Twenty-one years of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And this year, the tournament is now older than some of the new players! And let's dissect this year's tournament where everyone is a Winner! This year everyone that played had purchased a beautiful keychain celebrating the 21^st^ year. As in all items available for purchase, it is not only functional but also classy and a BET exclusive. There will surely be many a smug player sporting their keys around following this year's token.

Habitually described as the most unforgettable day of the year for most, the day starts out strong. 33 people fighting it out for the coveted title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. And it was not chance that got them here, only the ones able to tempt fate with skill, dedicated to resolute poker playing, serious food eating and drinking get to make it into the BET. With these handpicked players, considered the best of the best, competitiveness must ensue. And with 33 vying for the championship, 32 will ultimately end with their dreams shattered.

It was happily noted that the World-Famous Lance's Homemade Chili was back on the menu this year, and of course Red's renowned store-bought boudin. We also had some fried fish, sausage, and other random goodies from Chef DJ.

The day begins as always, seeing old friends and catching up with new ones. Mr Frank P was not able to make this year, but we were able to enjoy a call from the crafty fox! The author does question Mike C and Kevin D's decision to kiss each other instead of relinquishing the kiss with Frank P. After the initial player shots, we read the rules and then had a surprise treat; Mike C, using vintage footage, was able to craft a pseudo-Emmy winning piece documenting the venerable John M's "I'm out" performance of 2019. After that tearjerker, we used the almost-patented seat randomizer and Let the Games Begin!

Although the game is geared to produce only one champion, it also boasts of having a moral victory... the winner of the "First Out" award! A whopping $1.00 was awarded to Mike G. for being 1^st^ out! Words cannot express the almost-jealousy of seeing that envelope go to another player.

Vocalman Mike C once again ran this year's side pots:

4 of a kind or greater: Winner went to Johnny R with a 4 4 4 4 2...

2-4: Guess who swept 4 of a kind and 2-4? The one and the same... Johnny R with 4 4 4 4 2!

During the game, service was performed by just one Nick, who was running ragged trying to keep everybody fed and hydrated! The evening meal by Five Happiness was also a hit.

After the dinner break, we started back with 28 people. We had 23 rebuys this year. As usual, after dinner the antes soar, but not everyone has the skills to keep up!

- In the money & The Final Table-

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

At 11:21 PM, the final table is formed, consisting of John M, Mike C, David W, John K, Kevin D, and David S, and first timer Paul C.

Paul C goes down at 11:35 for 7th place!

David W goes down at 11:35 for 6th Place.

John K goes down at 11:41 for 5th Place.

David S goes down at 11:58 for 4th Place.

Vocalman Mike C goes down at 12:13 AM for 3rd Place.

And 3 minutes after Mike C goes out, Kevin D and John M play Texas Hold'em, with Kevin holding a 7,4. Board flops 6,7,A. Turn card is a 4, giving Kevin 2 pair, and he goes all in, John M calls and is holding 7-6. River card is a K, no help to Kevin D, the perennial loser!

John M wins another notch for the belt! A big BET XXI congrats to John M for the additional championship!

**Special PSA from the Big Easy Tournament:

In this uncertain world that we live in, it's always nice to be able to count on the Big Easy Tournament to provide an activity for father and son bonding. However, this is not limited to just fathers and sons.

We are proud to highlight the bonding that has occurred with our own committeeman, Kevin D and his daughter, Ashley. Ashley has grown up with her father playing in the tournament. The following text shows the importance this event has played in shaping their relationship, and the admiration she has for her father:

"another poker tournament down and you still can't win?! embarrassing 🙄😂"