Online Poker

Monte Carlo seemed the perfect setting for this prestigious event, the
10,000 Euro EPT Grand Final. Monte Carlo near Nice in the south of France is

the playground of the rich and famous. Outside of any of its many casinos
one can find some of the most expensive cars money can buy. Porsche's
Ferrari's Bentleys, and of course Rolls Royce's. The marina also boasts many
luxurious yachts belonging to the millionaires of Monaco.

The 5 Star Monte Carlo Bay Hotel was the host of the four day event. On 'day one' 298 runners showed up. although some players were lucky enough to qualify online many, including myself had to stump up the 10,000 Euro's. As the prize pool was estimated to be the largest in Europe in history it attracted a quality field. A few Americans even made the long trip across the pond including Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem. With so many top players it was going to be a tough job to become champion and scoop the 900,000 Euro's first prize.

Atfer two days play the field was reduced to 132 players and a few of the big names were out. So for their entertainment they decided to run a Single Table Tournament, similar to a Sit n Go online. Except entry to this was $10,000!!! Hachem was first to sign up soon followed by many of Europe's top online cash game players, wanting to take the World Champions scalp. After a few hours Hachem emerged the winner, in some style as well hitting quad aces in the final hand. Greg Raymer, not to be outdone by Hachem, won the follow up tournament the night after. Only they up the ante to $20,000 buy in, a little out of my range.

Early on day three the tournament was down to 27 players. Now that everyone
was into the money, minimum of 16,800 Euro's, the play loosened up. The field was soon reduced to eight and the final table loomed.

EPT Monte Carlo Final Table

Seat 1: Marc Karam (Canada) 231,900
Seat 2: Marcel Luske (Holland) 486,000
Seat 3: Jeff Williams (USA) 495, 700
Seat 4: Ross Boatman (UK) 119,700
Seat 5: Tierry Cazals (France) 766,650
Seat 6: Arshad Hussain (UK) 131,600
Seat 7: Fraser Dunphy (UK) 125,600
Seat 8: Aleksander Strandli (Norway) 633,500

Marcel Luske looked favourite for the title before the final started, due to
his prior record and ever increasing chip stack. After seven hours of
thrilling play it soon emerged that the 19 year old Jeff Williams from USA
was going to take the top prize. His extremely aggressive style and good
timing seemed the perfect formula to crown himself champion and scoop the
900,000 Euro's. His young man qualified for the EPT online in a small
satellite. So give these WSOP satellites a go on Poker.com and who knows I
might be writing about you this summer!!

Bullitpete