Tournament XXV — 2025
Big Easy XXV
June 14, 2025
Twenty-fiiiiive years... That's a Silver Jubilee y'all!
For twenty‑five glorious years, the Big Easy Tournament has brought together fun, mayhem, hazing, and the kind of camaraderie forged only through shared poor decisions. Participation trophies? Absolutely not. Around here, we simply declare everyone a winner! And the win was due to this year's commemorative token; a custom‑designed, nearly pure‑silver card marker, featuring the Big Easy Tournament insignia and a bespoke duck emblem on the reverse.
The selection once again reflects the blend of practicality and elegance that has become the hallmark of BET tokens. Don't be surprised if this marker appears at your next high‑end gathering.
As the sun rose on one of the most monumental days in recent history, forty‑one warriors boldly entered the arena, each dreaming of being crowned the Big Easy Tournament Champion. Armed with skill, grit, and a suspiciously high tolerance for food and drink, they prepared for glory. Naturally, all of these elite, invite‑only competitors are, according to some obscure and possibly imaginary rulebook, recognized as the finest players ever assembled.
Our menu once again featured the full spectrum of culinary excellence ranging from Lance's World‑Famous, Award‑Winning, Probably‑Should‑Be‑Patented Homemade Chili to Red's equally legendary, expertly purchased store bought boudin. Snacking, of course, was a nonstop sport: mixed sausage, chips, candy, and the sacred Zapp's Crawtators all made their rounds. And for the main event, we proudly presented a generous spread of Blue Oak BBQ, because nothing says "elite athletic performance" like a plate full of smoked meat.
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 Mike H! He was able to surprise everyone with a no-fail method towards a losing tactic. But by doing so, he flips the tables and wins 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: Robert "Venerable Chairman" C, pulls it off!
J-K: Frankie with the win!
2-4: Apparently the historian did not capture the winner of last year -- but will try to solve this for the next revision of this esteemed publication!
This year, Nick took on the heroic task of providing service and absolutely crushed it. Of course, who wouldn't be inspired when surrounded by the overwhelming greatness of this hand‑selected group of champions. Nick kept the food flowing, the drinks coming, and bravely handled the random cleanup duties that tend to appear when this crew assembles. Nick: We salute you!
34 rebuys this year made it clear that winners want to win and competitors want to compete! After the dinner break, 33 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 24 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 12:01, 1 minute past midnight, the final table is formed, consisting of Stephen F, Adrian C, John B, Davis M, Ritchie R, Layton G, and Josh W.
The astute reader will notice that one of the cornerstones of the game, co-chair when it's convenient, is once again absent from the final table. Interviewed later, Mr. Kevin D stated that he realized that although this was year 25 of the tournament, this was his 23^rd^ year. As such, he really wanted to make his debut in 2026... which would coincide with his 24^th^ year. We're all cheering for you, Kevin D!
The field narrows:
Stephen F takes 7^th^ place, and a leftover Christmas gift basket full of expired chocolate.
Adrian C, last year's champion, takes 6^th^ Place.
John B gets 5^th^ Place.
Davis M makes it to 4^th^ Place.
Ritchie R makes it to 3^rd^ Place.
And at 1:52 AM -- The final game for all the marbles is played.
Texas Hold'em is played between the last 2 contenders.
Layton L holds:
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Josh W holds:
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And the flop gives Josh W 2 pair.
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The turn gives Layton L a flush
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They go all-in and the river hits hard...
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Josh W for the win!!
A big congratulations to Josh W for taking first place!