Big Easy XXIII

June 17, 2023

Twenty-Three! Let's repeat that!... Twenty-three years of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. Let us get into the details of the 23^rd^ Big Easy Tournament... The most important aspect, and understand that we don't believe in the nonsense of participation trophies, is that we live the phrase that "everyone is a Winner!" And this years win came in the form of a beautiful rock glass, which was given out as the token. And as in all-years, the items available for purchase are functional, classy, and a BET exclusive. I wouldn't be surprised if you see these glasses in corner offices, as BET players are always going places.

And the most amazing day of the year commenced. This year saw 29 people step up to the challenge and fighting it out for the coveted title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. And this is not a game of chance... only the players able to tempt fate with skill, poker playing dedication, consume amazing food, and imbibe to their liver's limit get to make it into the BET. With these handpicked, exclusive, invite-only players, considered by some to be the very best in the field, the challenge proceeds. Yet the poker tournament has a dark side... for only one of these 29 men will win the championship. 28 people will ultimately end with shattered dreams.

Our menu once again included culinary delights of Lance's World Famous, Award Winning Homemade Chili, and Red's renowned store-bought boudin. Throughout the day we also snacked on green onion sausage, chips, candy, and some hot fries from Andy Capp! For the main course, a healthy sampling of some Blue Oak BBQ.

After the pleasantries of catching up with old friends, attention turns to the animalistic instincts of Kevin D and Mike C. National Geographic would be jealous of the views we see when these two approach each other and give their pre-game kiss. Of course, with that moment, it signales the time is ready to begin. The players are readied, the initial shots get poured and a toast is made to the past BET players. After reading the rules, we used the almost-patented seat randomizer and Let the Games Begin!

An unseen rule of the BET is that the "real" winner is the person with the "First Out" award! A brand new, crisp $1.00 bill was awarded to Kevin P. for being 1^st^ out! And kudos to Geoff, for the look of excitement on his face was imperceptible.

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

4 of a kind or greater: Adrian C!

J-K: John M gets the worm!

2-4: Glen L with the Big Win!

And it ain't the BET unless Nick is catering to the group of champions. Nick stepped up to the challenge once again, keeping everybody fed and hydrated. That, along with the required janitorial services that crops up, it was a very successful year for Nick.

25 rebuys this year made it clear that the competition wasn't going to be over anytime soon, and that participants were in it for the long haul. After the dinner break, 24 people start back. As the antes quickly rise after dinner, the ability of the remaining players become visible... with only a few remaining. By the 9:00 PM seat re-draw, the Tourney was down to 15 people.

- In the money & The Final Table-

The BET committee paid all Final Table spots this year, and that is even with paying the popular first-out award!

At 11:43 PM, the final table is formed, consisting of Mike C, Randy, John B, Kevin D, Dylan L, David W, and Carlos M. Much like the coliseum, the players face off in a challenge to the end.

The gladiators start to fall:

Dylan L goes down for 7^th^ place.

Mike C goes down for 6^th^ Place.

Randy C gets 5^th^ Place.

Carlos M makes it to 4^th^ Place.

John B makes it to 3^rd^ Place.

And at 1:37 AM -- The final game between the last 2 contenders finishes with a game of Omaha.

Last Game:

Kevin D holds:

David W holds:

Board ends up with:

Flop:

Turn:

River:

A big congratulations to David W, for taking first place!

And this historian, for one, believes that we should all take a moment to reflect on the feat that Kevin D has yet again managed. Winning is pretty easy... but to have the sheer willpower, the grit, the steeled nerves to come in second for the fourth time? I think it goes without saying that Kevin D is someone we should aspire to emulate in our own daily lives when winning is not an option.