Big Easy XXIV

June 15, 2024

Twenty-Four years! That's a big 2-4! TWO and FOUR! Just saying it out loud tends to remind the reader of a world renown player, Kevin D who also serves on the committee, and whom, without, the game would not run as smoothly as it does... but please excuse the digression and allow the continuation of describing the day in all its glory.

Twenty-four years of fun, mayhem, hazing, and camaraderie. The 24^th^ Big Easy Tournament... no participation trophies here, instead, we go a step further and think "everyone's a Winner!" And this year's win came in the form of a token; a custom-made leather coaster replete with a built-in bottle opener given to all participating players. The impeccable selection of the token once again exudes function and class, the hallmark of all BET tokens. Don't be surprised if you see coasters proudly displayed under BET XXIII's rock glasses.

As one of the most important days in this era commenced, 39 people throw their hat into the ring for the coveted title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. The players, gearing up for a solid day of skill, dedication, eating, and imbibing are here for glory of being named the Big Easy Tournament Champion. But all of the handpicked, exclusive, invite-only players are, by obscure seldomly referenced material, considered to be the very best in the field.

Our menu once again included culinary delights such as Lance's World Famous, Award Winning Homemade Chili, and Red's renowned store-bought boudin. And snacking occurs throughout the day on mixed sausage, chips, candy, and some Andy Capp hot fries. For the main course, a healthy sampling of some fried seafood from Deanie's Seafood!

After the pleasantries of catching up with old friends, attention turns to the innate instincts of Kevin D and Mike C getting their first kiss of the day. The players are made ready, downing the initial shots as a toast is made to the pioneer BET players of yesteryear. Always diligent, the rules are read, and the seat randomizer is spooled up and it's time to Let the Games Begin!

The first win of the day, the "First Out" award goes to Al S! Out of nowhere he used a surprising strategy to win a brand new, crisp $1.00 bill!

Timid Mike C overcame his reticence to run this year's side pots:

4 of a kind or greater: Frankie P big winner!

J-K: Joshua W with the win!

2-4: Geoff P scores it big!

This years' service was provided by Nick. Exceptional service, due in no small part because it is certainly exhilarating to be in the vicinity of such greatness of the group of assembled champions. Nick superbly met the demands of keeping everybody fed and hydrated. ... and also the occasional janitorial services that crops up. Thanks Nick!

34 rebuys this year made it clear that winners want to win and competitors want to compete! After the dinner break, 36 people start back. The after-dinner play is a sight to behold. As the antes rise, so does the anticipation and talent of the game play. By the 9:00 PM seat re-draw, the Tourney was down to 26 people.

In the money & The Final Table-

The BET committee paid all Final Table spots this year, plus the ever-popular first-out award.

At 22minutes past midnight, the final table is formed, consisting of Frankie P, Kevin C, Carlos M, Al S, Davis M, Larry R and David W. At this point, the careful reader will notice that a very clever player at the final table, already snagged the price for first out. Shrewd, Al S, Shrewd!

Also, the reader will notice that Kevin C, known for being the only player to lose the tournament within the opening play, has made it to the Final Table. Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks!

But most notable is the absence of this years "24" namesake. Interviewed later, Mr. Kevin D stated that he did not want to hog up all the game play this year, and would instead focus on making the 25^th^ year his champion debut.

The field narrows:

Al S takes 7^th^ place, and a leftover Christmas gift basket full of expired chocolate.

David W, last year's champion, takes 6^th^ Place.

Carlos M gets 5^th^ Place.

Kevin C makes it to 4^th^ Place.

Larry R makes it to 3^rd^ Place.

And at 1:03 AM -- A final game of seven card stud is played between the last 2 contenders.

Last Game:

Davis M holds:

Frankie P holds:

Frankie P Wins!!

A big congratulations to Frankie P for taking first place!