2009 Horseshoe Hammond
Event 12 - $500 Buy-in No Limit Holdem. Final Results. 2009 Horseshoe Hammond WSOP Circuit Events.
| 2009 Horseshoe Hammond World Series of Poker Circuit Events Official Results |
2009 Horseshoe Hammond Event #12 Results
2009-2010 World Series of Poker Circuit
Horseshoe Hammond
Oct. 24-25
Event #12
No-Limit Hold’em
Buy-In: $500 + $55
Number of Entries: 328
Total Prize Money: $159,080
Horseshoe Hammond
Oct. 24-25
Event #12
No-Limit Hold’em
Buy-In: $500 + $55
Number of Entries: 328
Total Prize Money: $159,080
| Fred Winter |
Final Results:
Place
Name
Hometown
Prize
To view the complete schedule and results for the 2009 Horseshoe Hammond WSOP Circuit Events, click on the link below:
2009 WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Schedule and Results
2009 WSOP Circuit Horseshoe Hammond Schedule and Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Fred Winter
Eric Stolz
Tanya Murphy
John Schoeder
Robert Findysz
Melvin Schwust
Christopher Sweigert
Vito Brown
Keith Orland
Troy Dice
Richard Agrimonti
Douglas Barr
Ryan Rapaski
Eric Matulis
Gregory Chen
Gregory Peck
Peter Mikulas
Robert Coventry
Timothy Hochkins
Peter Wielocha
Daniel Schacher
Glenn Wiggins
John Hollyoal
Scott Kahoun
Christopher Clark
Nikolay Terziev
Jonathan Chovanec
Edmond Park
Shiva Dudani
Chris Yurwitz
William Wichmann
Bill Nemeh
Charles Hall
Dominic Zsigo
Kevin Klafeta
Ben Ponzio
Eric Stolz
Tanya Murphy
John Schoeder
Robert Findysz
Melvin Schwust
Christopher Sweigert
Vito Brown
Keith Orland
Troy Dice
Richard Agrimonti
Douglas Barr
Ryan Rapaski
Eric Matulis
Gregory Chen
Gregory Peck
Peter Mikulas
Robert Coventry
Timothy Hochkins
Peter Wielocha
Daniel Schacher
Glenn Wiggins
John Hollyoal
Scott Kahoun
Christopher Clark
Nikolay Terziev
Jonathan Chovanec
Edmond Park
Shiva Dudani
Chris Yurwitz
William Wichmann
Bill Nemeh
Charles Hall
Dominic Zsigo
Kevin Klafeta
Ben Ponzio
La Grange, IL
West Bloomfield, MI
Muskego, WI
Aurora, IL
Hoffman Estates, IL
Muskego, WI
Sterling, OH
S. Milwaukee, WI
St. Charles, IL
Hillman, MI
Aurora, IL
Nappanee, IN
Clinton Township, MI
Shorewood, IL
Chicago, IL
Okemos, MI
Milwaukee, WI
Chicago, IL
Wayne, IN
Homer Glen, IL
Lisle, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
LaGrange Park, IL
Chicago, IL
Skokie, IL
Valparaiso, IN
Chicago, IL
Ames, IA
Chicago, IL
Roling Brook, IL
Homer Glen, IL
Chesterton, IN
Owosso, MI
Downers Grove, IL
Elmwood Park, IL
West Bloomfield, MI
Muskego, WI
Aurora, IL
Hoffman Estates, IL
Muskego, WI
Sterling, OH
S. Milwaukee, WI
St. Charles, IL
Hillman, MI
Aurora, IL
Nappanee, IN
Clinton Township, MI
Shorewood, IL
Chicago, IL
Okemos, MI
Milwaukee, WI
Chicago, IL
Wayne, IN
Homer Glen, IL
Lisle, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
LaGrange Park, IL
Chicago, IL
Skokie, IL
Valparaiso, IN
Chicago, IL
Ames, IA
Chicago, IL
Roling Brook, IL
Homer Glen, IL
Chesterton, IN
Owosso, MI
Downers Grove, IL
Elmwood Park, IL
$38,173
$23,595
$15,550
$10,886
$8,067
$6,309
$5,192
$4,486
$4,060
$3,015
$3,015
$3,015
$2,280
$2,280
$2,280
$1,747
$1,747
$1,747
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$23,595
$15,550
$10,886
$8,067
$6,309
$5,192
$4,486
$4,060
$3,015
$3,015
$3,015
$2,280
$2,280
$2,280
$1,747
$1,747
$1,747
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,346
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
$1,058
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Official Report
Event #12 Headlines
1. Fred Winter Freezes the Competition in Chicago
2. Fred Winter Wins His Second WSOP Circuit Gold Ring – Takes Top Prize in Event #12
3. “My Kind of Town, Chicago” -- Attendance Up 12 Percent, Prize Money Up 20 Percent
Over Last Year
4. The Amazing Comeback! Tanya Murphy Returns After First Day with Fewer Chips than
One Big Blind; Manages to Survive Several Hours and Finishes in Third Place
5. Former NFL Detroit Lions Player Eric Stolz Finishes as Runner Up
Event #12 Champion (Fred Winter)
The 2009 World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event champion at the Horseshoe Casino
(Chicagoland) is Fred Winter, from La Grange, IL.
Winter is a 35-year-old controller who works in accounting and finance for a Fortune 500
company.
This marked Winter’s second WSOP Circuit career victory. He won last year’s $500 buy-in
No-Limit Hold’em tournament (Event #2) at the Horseshoe Casino (Chicago) where he
collected $55,159.
Winter officially collected $38,173 for first place in this tournament.
Winter also cashed in an event for the first time at last year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, which
was a $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament (98th place). He now has four WSOP
Circuit cashes (including two wins) and one WSOP cash, totaling $101,324 – all earned
within the past year.
Winter plays occasionally at the Horseshoe Casino poker room. He says he would like to
play more often. But his full-time job occupies much of his time during the week, allowing
him to play mostly on weekends.
Winner Quotes (Fred Winter)
On winning his second WSOP Circuit gold ring: “My first gold ring is in a trophy case (at
home). I plan to put this one up next to that.”
On his future goals and plans in poker: “I am definitely shooting for a gold bracelet. I
cashed the first time this year (in Las Vegas). That’s always nice. I will also definitely play
more Circuit events. But hopefully, sometime in the near future I will have a bracelet to add
to the collection.”
On his preference of online versus live poker: “I play online some. But me having a full-
time job, it is tough to dedicate the time to playing. With the Circuit coming here it is easier
for me because I can make plans to attend and pretty much play over the whole weekend.”
On how he got started in poker: “I came up during the Moneymaker era. I played in home
games and progressed from there.”
On his plans for the prize money won: “I’ll reinvest it as part of my poker bankroll.”
On whom he hopes will win the WSOP Main Event, which will be played in two weeks: “You
know, I like Darvin Moon. I think he is a nice guy. He is kind of like me, just a middle-aged
guy who plays when he can. I hope he takes it. It would be awesome if it were Darvin and
Ivey heads-up. Hopefully, he gets the money in good and holds up.”
On playing in the WSOP Main Event someday: It’s tough to take off that much time for the
Main Event. But maybe one of these years I will get a chance to play.”
The Final Table / In-the-Money Finishers
Players agreed to make a deal when play became four-handed. The terms of the deal were
not disclosed.
The fourth-place finisher was John Schroeder, from Aurora, IL. He is a 25-year-old auditor.
Schroeder officially collected $10,886.
The third-place finisher was Tanya Murphy, who was one of the real stars of this event.
Incredibly, Murphy ended the first day with only 4,500 in chips. When she returned to play
on Day Two, the required big blind was 6,000. With not enough chips to even post a full
blind, Murphy somehow managed to double up three times. Even more astounding, several
hours later – she had the chip lead! Murphy ended up accepting third place money totaling
$15,550. She works as an insurance sales consultant and lives in Muskego, WI. Murphy
ended up being the highest female finalist in any WSOP Circuit event played this year in
Chicago. Murphy previously cashed once at the WSOP in Las Vegas, as well.
The runner up was Eric Stolz, from West Bloomfield, MI. Stoltz, who now works as a
personal trainer, once played for the NFL’s Detroit Lions from 1996-1999. He previously has
three Heartland Poker Tour cashes. Stolz’s official payout amounted to $23,595.
The winner was Fred Winter, who officially collected $38,173 and his second WSOP Circuit
gold ring.
The Tournament
This was the twelfth tournament of the new WSOP Circuit season, and the 12th of 13
events held at this Circuit series in Chicago. The tournament attracted 328 entries.
The buy-in was $500 (+55). The total prize pool was $159,080.
Attendance for this event increased by 21 percent over last year. In the 2008 for the exact
same event, there were 270 entrants.
With all events at the 2009 WSOP Circuit series at the Horseshoe Casino now complete,
combined total attendance increased by 12 percent over last year:
2008 – 4,298 total entrants
2009 – 4,747 total entrants
With all events at the 2009 WSOP Circuit series at the Horseshoe Casino now complete,
total prize money awarded increased by 20 percent over last year:
2008 – $2,564,097 in total prize money
2009 – $3,080,056 in total prize money
The tournament began at noon on October 24th and was played over two days. Play
lasted 14 hours on Day One – with 39 survivors. The following day, play lasted just seven
hours, due largely to a deal that was made. The entire duration of the tournament lasted
about 21 hours.
World Series of Poker Circuits (History)
The first event held this year at the WSOP Circuit in Chicago (Event #1) set a record as the
largest WSOP Circuit of all time, with 1,412 entrants.
The World Series of Poker Circuits officially began in January 2005. WSOP Circuits were
designed to bring the excitement of the world’s largest and most prestigious poker series
to more players and fans in various regions throughout the United States. Over the past
five years, WSOP Circuits have taken place at Harrah’s Entertainment properties in the
following locations:
Las Vegas, NV (Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Bally’s/Paris)
Lake Tahoe, NV (Harvey’s Lake Tahoe)
San Diego, CA (Rincon)
New Orleans, LA (Harrah’s)
Tunica, MS (Tunica Grand)
Council Bluffs, IA (Harrah’s)
Elizabeth, IN/Louisville, KY (Horseshoe Southern Indiana)
Hammond, IN/Chicago, IL (Horseshoe Casino)
Atlantic City (Caesars, Harrah’s, Showboat)
This event kicks off WSOP Circuit season number six. This season officially began on
October 16, 2009 at the Horseshoe Casino (Chicago) and will conclude seven months later
on May 19, 2010 at Harrah’s New Orleans. This year, there are 11 WSOP Circuit stops held
at the following locations:
Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)
Horseshoe Southern Indiana
Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Tunica Grand
Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Caesars Atlantic City
Harrah’s Rincon
Harrah’s St. Louis (new location)
Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Harrah’s New Orleans
Only three locations have hosted WSOP Circuits during all six seasons. They are:
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Harrah’s New Orleans
Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
WSOP Circuit stops typically include 10-15 tournaments played over a two-week period
(some of the more popular events run longer and include as many as 23 events). Buy-ins
range from $200 for the lower tournaments up to $5,000 for championship events. During
the first two years of WSOP Circuits, all championship events had a $10,000 buy-in. This
has been reduced to a $5,000 buy-in since the 2006-2007 season began.
WSOP Circuits consistently attract large fields and payout impressive prize money. Here
are the ten largest poker events in WSOP Circuit history:
1,412 -- Horseshoe Casino (Chicago), Oct. 16-17, 2009 -- Event #1
1,345 -- Tunica Grand (Mississippi), Jan. 7-8, 2006 – Event #3
1,187 -- Horseshoe Casino (Chicago), Oct. 24-25, 2008 – Event #1
1,181 – Harrah’s Atlantic City, Dec. 5-6, 2008 – Event #1
1,106 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 5-6, 2007 – Event #1
1,056 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 5-6, 2008 – Event #1
1,050 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 7-8, 2008 – Event #3
983 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 6-7, 2009 – Event #3
954 – Caesars Indiana, Oct. 20, 2005 – Event #1
940 -- Tunica Grand (Mississippi) Jan. 5-6, 2006 – Event #1
Winners of WSOP Circuit tournaments receive a gold ring as the token of their
achievement. This prize is patterned after the coveted gold bracelet, which is awarded to
all winners of WSOP events in Las Vegas.
The player who has won the most WSOP Circuit gold rings is Men “the Master” Nguyen,
with four victories. Nguyen also has 12 WSOP Circuit career cashes.
The player who has won the most WSOP Circuit championship events is Chris “Jesus”
Ferguson, with three Main Event victories. Ferguson won Main Events at Harrah’s Rincon
(2005), Harrah’s Las Vegas (2005), and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe (2007).
The player with the most prize money winnings in WSOP Circuit history is Chris “Jesus”
Ferguson. His combined career earnings currently total $1,359,143. Ferguson has cashed
six times.
World Series of Poker Circuit at Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)
This is the 51st WSOP Circuit tournament series played since January 2005.
What is now the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) originally opened up as the Empress
Casino, back in 1993. The casino has since been sold twice and has undergone both
expansion and renovation. It is now the largest casino (measured by number of tables and
gaming devices) in the greater Chicago area. The current Horseshoe Casino configuration
has more than 100 live table games, 3,200 electronic gaming devices, and a 34-table poker
room, making it one of the largest casinos in the Midwest.
Poker pioneer Jack Binion bought and took over the Empress Casino in 2001. He renamed
the property as the “Horseshoe Casino.” It became officially known as “Horseshoe
Hammond,” since it is actually located in Hammond, IN. Harrah’s Entertainment purchased
the casino from Binion in 2004, and retained the name. However, in an effort to align itself
with the Chicago area, the casino is now known as the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland).
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) underwent a $500 million renovation, which was
completed last year. On August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) entertainment diva Bette Midler hosted
and performed at the grand re-opening.
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) is the closest gaming facility in proximity to downtown
Chicago, which is just 16 miles away. In fact, the downtown skyline can be seen from many
parts of the casino, which is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A large marina is adjacent to the casino, which holds many water craft. The casino is a
popular destination for boats which come to the resort from all over the region, especially
during summer months.
The casino is located less than a mile from the Indiana-Illinois border. The closest major
airport is Midway, on Chicago’s south side. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is about an hour
away. The casino offers shuttle service to many parts of Chicago and the region.
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) draws visitors predominately from the Chicago area.
However, the WSOP Circuit attracts many players from all over Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, and Ohio.
This marks the second year that the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has hosted a WSOP
Circuit stop. Last year’s field came close to setting attendance records. A big turnout is
also expected this year, and the first event of the new 2009-2010 season did not
disappoint. The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has now hosted two of the three largest
WSOP Circuit tournaments in history.
The Horseshoe Casino poker room regularly holds 34 tables. However, the WSOP Circuit
took over the special events center called “The Venue.” This additional floor space holds 78
more poker tables. This means the Horseshoe Casino holds up to 112 poker tables
combined, making it the largest capacity facility of any WSOP Circuit event.
“The Venue” is regularly used for shows and attracts many of the biggest names in music
and entertainment. The Venue holds up to 3,000 people. But most of the theatre seating
was moved aside for nearly two weeks in favor of poker tables, all packed with players.
This is one of two major poker tournaments held annually at the Horseshoe Casino. In
addition to the WSOP Circuit, the casino will be hosting the “Chicago Poker Classic,” to be
held February 26 through March 7, 2010. This tournament is expected to offer nine major
events, plus several second chance tournaments. Attractions include $350,000 in added
prize money, plus a brand new Porsche Cayman luxury car as the grand prize. A complete
schedule of the 2010 Chicago Poker Classic will be forwarded to media at the completion of
this year’s WSOP Circuit events.
__________________________________
HORSESHOE CASINO (CHICAGO)
Horseshoe Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager: Dan Nita
Director of Table Games: Jose Lebron
Poker Room Manager: Jason Newman
Special Events Manager: Amie Hill
Tournament Director: Charlie Ciresi
Co-Tournament Director: Steve Frezer
WORLD SERIES OF POKER
World Series of Poker President and Commissioner – Jeffrey Pollack
WSOP Vice President -- Ty Stewart
Director of Communications – Seth Palansky
Regional Vice President of Specialty Gaming -- Howard Greenbaum
WSOP Events Manager -- Angele Marshall
WSOP Marketing Manager – Elizabeth Anne Hill
WSOP Tournament Director – Jack Effel
WSOP Media Director – Nolan Dalla
Event #12 Headlines
1. Fred Winter Freezes the Competition in Chicago
2. Fred Winter Wins His Second WSOP Circuit Gold Ring – Takes Top Prize in Event #12
3. “My Kind of Town, Chicago” -- Attendance Up 12 Percent, Prize Money Up 20 Percent
Over Last Year
4. The Amazing Comeback! Tanya Murphy Returns After First Day with Fewer Chips than
One Big Blind; Manages to Survive Several Hours and Finishes in Third Place
5. Former NFL Detroit Lions Player Eric Stolz Finishes as Runner Up
Event #12 Champion (Fred Winter)
The 2009 World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event champion at the Horseshoe Casino
(Chicagoland) is Fred Winter, from La Grange, IL.
Winter is a 35-year-old controller who works in accounting and finance for a Fortune 500
company.
This marked Winter’s second WSOP Circuit career victory. He won last year’s $500 buy-in
No-Limit Hold’em tournament (Event #2) at the Horseshoe Casino (Chicago) where he
collected $55,159.
Winter officially collected $38,173 for first place in this tournament.
Winter also cashed in an event for the first time at last year’s WSOP in Las Vegas, which
was a $1,500 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament (98th place). He now has four WSOP
Circuit cashes (including two wins) and one WSOP cash, totaling $101,324 – all earned
within the past year.
Winter plays occasionally at the Horseshoe Casino poker room. He says he would like to
play more often. But his full-time job occupies much of his time during the week, allowing
him to play mostly on weekends.
Winner Quotes (Fred Winter)
On winning his second WSOP Circuit gold ring: “My first gold ring is in a trophy case (at
home). I plan to put this one up next to that.”
On his future goals and plans in poker: “I am definitely shooting for a gold bracelet. I
cashed the first time this year (in Las Vegas). That’s always nice. I will also definitely play
more Circuit events. But hopefully, sometime in the near future I will have a bracelet to add
to the collection.”
On his preference of online versus live poker: “I play online some. But me having a full-
time job, it is tough to dedicate the time to playing. With the Circuit coming here it is easier
for me because I can make plans to attend and pretty much play over the whole weekend.”
On how he got started in poker: “I came up during the Moneymaker era. I played in home
games and progressed from there.”
On his plans for the prize money won: “I’ll reinvest it as part of my poker bankroll.”
On whom he hopes will win the WSOP Main Event, which will be played in two weeks: “You
know, I like Darvin Moon. I think he is a nice guy. He is kind of like me, just a middle-aged
guy who plays when he can. I hope he takes it. It would be awesome if it were Darvin and
Ivey heads-up. Hopefully, he gets the money in good and holds up.”
On playing in the WSOP Main Event someday: It’s tough to take off that much time for the
Main Event. But maybe one of these years I will get a chance to play.”
The Final Table / In-the-Money Finishers
Players agreed to make a deal when play became four-handed. The terms of the deal were
not disclosed.
The fourth-place finisher was John Schroeder, from Aurora, IL. He is a 25-year-old auditor.
Schroeder officially collected $10,886.
The third-place finisher was Tanya Murphy, who was one of the real stars of this event.
Incredibly, Murphy ended the first day with only 4,500 in chips. When she returned to play
on Day Two, the required big blind was 6,000. With not enough chips to even post a full
blind, Murphy somehow managed to double up three times. Even more astounding, several
hours later – she had the chip lead! Murphy ended up accepting third place money totaling
$15,550. She works as an insurance sales consultant and lives in Muskego, WI. Murphy
ended up being the highest female finalist in any WSOP Circuit event played this year in
Chicago. Murphy previously cashed once at the WSOP in Las Vegas, as well.
The runner up was Eric Stolz, from West Bloomfield, MI. Stoltz, who now works as a
personal trainer, once played for the NFL’s Detroit Lions from 1996-1999. He previously has
three Heartland Poker Tour cashes. Stolz’s official payout amounted to $23,595.
The winner was Fred Winter, who officially collected $38,173 and his second WSOP Circuit
gold ring.
The Tournament
This was the twelfth tournament of the new WSOP Circuit season, and the 12th of 13
events held at this Circuit series in Chicago. The tournament attracted 328 entries.
The buy-in was $500 (+55). The total prize pool was $159,080.
Attendance for this event increased by 21 percent over last year. In the 2008 for the exact
same event, there were 270 entrants.
With all events at the 2009 WSOP Circuit series at the Horseshoe Casino now complete,
combined total attendance increased by 12 percent over last year:
2008 – 4,298 total entrants
2009 – 4,747 total entrants
With all events at the 2009 WSOP Circuit series at the Horseshoe Casino now complete,
total prize money awarded increased by 20 percent over last year:
2008 – $2,564,097 in total prize money
2009 – $3,080,056 in total prize money
The tournament began at noon on October 24th and was played over two days. Play
lasted 14 hours on Day One – with 39 survivors. The following day, play lasted just seven
hours, due largely to a deal that was made. The entire duration of the tournament lasted
about 21 hours.
World Series of Poker Circuits (History)
The first event held this year at the WSOP Circuit in Chicago (Event #1) set a record as the
largest WSOP Circuit of all time, with 1,412 entrants.
The World Series of Poker Circuits officially began in January 2005. WSOP Circuits were
designed to bring the excitement of the world’s largest and most prestigious poker series
to more players and fans in various regions throughout the United States. Over the past
five years, WSOP Circuits have taken place at Harrah’s Entertainment properties in the
following locations:
Las Vegas, NV (Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, and Bally’s/Paris)
Lake Tahoe, NV (Harvey’s Lake Tahoe)
San Diego, CA (Rincon)
New Orleans, LA (Harrah’s)
Tunica, MS (Tunica Grand)
Council Bluffs, IA (Harrah’s)
Elizabeth, IN/Louisville, KY (Horseshoe Southern Indiana)
Hammond, IN/Chicago, IL (Horseshoe Casino)
Atlantic City (Caesars, Harrah’s, Showboat)
This event kicks off WSOP Circuit season number six. This season officially began on
October 16, 2009 at the Horseshoe Casino (Chicago) and will conclude seven months later
on May 19, 2010 at Harrah’s New Orleans. This year, there are 11 WSOP Circuit stops held
at the following locations:
Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)
Horseshoe Southern Indiana
Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Tunica Grand
Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Caesars Atlantic City
Harrah’s Rincon
Harrah’s St. Louis (new location)
Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Harrah’s New Orleans
Only three locations have hosted WSOP Circuits during all six seasons. They are:
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Harrah’s New Orleans
Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
WSOP Circuit stops typically include 10-15 tournaments played over a two-week period
(some of the more popular events run longer and include as many as 23 events). Buy-ins
range from $200 for the lower tournaments up to $5,000 for championship events. During
the first two years of WSOP Circuits, all championship events had a $10,000 buy-in. This
has been reduced to a $5,000 buy-in since the 2006-2007 season began.
WSOP Circuits consistently attract large fields and payout impressive prize money. Here
are the ten largest poker events in WSOP Circuit history:
1,412 -- Horseshoe Casino (Chicago), Oct. 16-17, 2009 -- Event #1
1,345 -- Tunica Grand (Mississippi), Jan. 7-8, 2006 – Event #3
1,187 -- Horseshoe Casino (Chicago), Oct. 24-25, 2008 – Event #1
1,181 – Harrah’s Atlantic City, Dec. 5-6, 2008 – Event #1
1,106 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 5-6, 2007 – Event #1
1,056 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 5-6, 2008 – Event #1
1,050 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 7-8, 2008 – Event #3
983 -- Caesars Atlantic City, Mar. 6-7, 2009 – Event #3
954 – Caesars Indiana, Oct. 20, 2005 – Event #1
940 -- Tunica Grand (Mississippi) Jan. 5-6, 2006 – Event #1
Winners of WSOP Circuit tournaments receive a gold ring as the token of their
achievement. This prize is patterned after the coveted gold bracelet, which is awarded to
all winners of WSOP events in Las Vegas.
The player who has won the most WSOP Circuit gold rings is Men “the Master” Nguyen,
with four victories. Nguyen also has 12 WSOP Circuit career cashes.
The player who has won the most WSOP Circuit championship events is Chris “Jesus”
Ferguson, with three Main Event victories. Ferguson won Main Events at Harrah’s Rincon
(2005), Harrah’s Las Vegas (2005), and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe (2007).
The player with the most prize money winnings in WSOP Circuit history is Chris “Jesus”
Ferguson. His combined career earnings currently total $1,359,143. Ferguson has cashed
six times.
World Series of Poker Circuit at Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland)
This is the 51st WSOP Circuit tournament series played since January 2005.
What is now the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) originally opened up as the Empress
Casino, back in 1993. The casino has since been sold twice and has undergone both
expansion and renovation. It is now the largest casino (measured by number of tables and
gaming devices) in the greater Chicago area. The current Horseshoe Casino configuration
has more than 100 live table games, 3,200 electronic gaming devices, and a 34-table poker
room, making it one of the largest casinos in the Midwest.
Poker pioneer Jack Binion bought and took over the Empress Casino in 2001. He renamed
the property as the “Horseshoe Casino.” It became officially known as “Horseshoe
Hammond,” since it is actually located in Hammond, IN. Harrah’s Entertainment purchased
the casino from Binion in 2004, and retained the name. However, in an effort to align itself
with the Chicago area, the casino is now known as the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland).
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) underwent a $500 million renovation, which was
completed last year. On August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) entertainment diva Bette Midler hosted
and performed at the grand re-opening.
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) is the closest gaming facility in proximity to downtown
Chicago, which is just 16 miles away. In fact, the downtown skyline can be seen from many
parts of the casino, which is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A large marina is adjacent to the casino, which holds many water craft. The casino is a
popular destination for boats which come to the resort from all over the region, especially
during summer months.
The casino is located less than a mile from the Indiana-Illinois border. The closest major
airport is Midway, on Chicago’s south side. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is about an hour
away. The casino offers shuttle service to many parts of Chicago and the region.
The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) draws visitors predominately from the Chicago area.
However, the WSOP Circuit attracts many players from all over Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, and Ohio.
This marks the second year that the Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has hosted a WSOP
Circuit stop. Last year’s field came close to setting attendance records. A big turnout is
also expected this year, and the first event of the new 2009-2010 season did not
disappoint. The Horseshoe Casino (Chicagoland) has now hosted two of the three largest
WSOP Circuit tournaments in history.
The Horseshoe Casino poker room regularly holds 34 tables. However, the WSOP Circuit
took over the special events center called “The Venue.” This additional floor space holds 78
more poker tables. This means the Horseshoe Casino holds up to 112 poker tables
combined, making it the largest capacity facility of any WSOP Circuit event.
“The Venue” is regularly used for shows and attracts many of the biggest names in music
and entertainment. The Venue holds up to 3,000 people. But most of the theatre seating
was moved aside for nearly two weeks in favor of poker tables, all packed with players.
This is one of two major poker tournaments held annually at the Horseshoe Casino. In
addition to the WSOP Circuit, the casino will be hosting the “Chicago Poker Classic,” to be
held February 26 through March 7, 2010. This tournament is expected to offer nine major
events, plus several second chance tournaments. Attractions include $350,000 in added
prize money, plus a brand new Porsche Cayman luxury car as the grand prize. A complete
schedule of the 2010 Chicago Poker Classic will be forwarded to media at the completion of
this year’s WSOP Circuit events.
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HORSESHOE CASINO (CHICAGO)
Horseshoe Casino Senior Vice President and General Manager: Dan Nita
Director of Table Games: Jose Lebron
Poker Room Manager: Jason Newman
Special Events Manager: Amie Hill
Tournament Director: Charlie Ciresi
Co-Tournament Director: Steve Frezer
WORLD SERIES OF POKER
World Series of Poker President and Commissioner – Jeffrey Pollack
WSOP Vice President -- Ty Stewart
Director of Communications – Seth Palansky
Regional Vice President of Specialty Gaming -- Howard Greenbaum
WSOP Events Manager -- Angele Marshall
WSOP Marketing Manager – Elizabeth Anne Hill
WSOP Tournament Director – Jack Effel
WSOP Media Director – Nolan Dalla
