Quantcast
Online Poker

Sign up at Doyle's Room and receive an exclusive 110% Deposit Bonus up to $660. Buy-in your first time to the Doyle's Bounty Tournament and get a full 100% refund win or lose.
Doyles Room Bounty Tournaments

2009 Horseshoe Hammond
Event 5 - $300 Buy-in No Limit Holdem Final Results. 2009 Horseshoe Hammond WSOP Circuit Events.

2009 Horseshoe Hammond
World Series of Poker Circuit Events
Official Results
World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Results
2009 Horseshoe Hammond Event #5 Results
2009-2010 World Series of Poker Circuit
Horseshoe Hammond
Oct. 19-20
Event #5
No Limit Holdem
Buy-In: $300 + $45
Number of Entries: 635
Total Prize Money: $179,585
David “the Knight” Sesso
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
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
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
David Sesso
Bob Grim
Gary Kreymer
Mike Lee
Jean Gaspard
Greg Koutelidakis
Robert Rusak
Christopher Cardenas
Joaquin Sosa
Mike Mieszala
Odysseas Alafogiannis
Michael Cloutier
Rodney Knighten
Ireneusz Baran
Stuart Marshall
Bradley Joselit
George Lusby
John Ryan
Jack Blaylock
Isen Veljic
Michael Moreland
James Boblak
Edward Millard
Albert Lucenti
Bernat Krzysztof
Andrew Foster
John Steinhauer
Zal Irani
Lonny Siegel
Daniel Nicewander
Mile Ceko
Brent Shoemaker
Nick Tsimouris
Peter Casper
Michael Sabbia
Timothy Sciscoe
Eric Sapozhnikov
Anthony Sansone
Steven Chie
David Deleon
Scott Valle
Andrew Ahitow
Daniel Wirgau
Nicholas Vita
Kyle Kramer
Richard Talbutt
Ailene Rotger
James Siwik
Emmett Lynch
Derek Raymond
Russell Burns
Benjamin Block
Rodney Wright
Christian Dume
Phirum Sourn
Jordan McCurdy
David Dao
David Lesnau
Timothy Gordon
Kyle Cruse
David Capp
Kevin McClayton
Adam Bahula
Schaumburg, IL
Arlington Heights, IL
Northbrook, IL
Wheeling, IL
Evanston, IL
Buffalo Grove, IL
Chicago, IL
San Antonio, TX
Chicago, IL
Mount Prospect, IL
Windsor, Canada
Dyer, IN
Toldeo, OH
Norridge, IL
Deerfield, IL
Northbrook, IL
Georgetown, KY
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Northbrook, IL
Fort Atkinson, WI
Orland Park, IL
Battle Creek, MI
Bloomingdale, IL
Vernon Hills, IL
Fischers, IN
Lafayette, IN
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Bluefield, WV
Toney Park, IL
Fischers, IN
Lombard, IL
Springfield, IL
Orland Park, IL
Omaha, NE
Buffalo Grove, IL
Rolling Brook, IL
Morton Grove, IL
Glenview, IL
Romeoville, IL
Chicago, IL
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Southaven, MS
Franklin, WI
Pinckney, MI
West Chicago, IL
Dearborn, MI
Chicago, IL
Portland, ME
Dekalb, IL
Arlington, VA
Delavan, WI
Lincolnwood, IL
Chicago, IL
Morton Grove, IL
Elizabethtown, KY
Ferndale, MI
Schererville, IN
Kalamazoo, MI
Chicago, IL
Winnetka, IL
Rolling Brook, IL
$40,392
$24,962
$16,384
$11,371
$8,324
$6,409
$5,179
$4,382
$3,874
$2,771
$2,771
$2,771
$2,062
$2,062
$2,062
$1,577
$1,577
$1,577
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$1,227
$997
$997
$997
$997
$997
$997
$997
$997
$997
$828
$828
$828
$828
$828
$828
$828
$828
$828
$697
$697
$697
$697
$697
$697
$697
$697
$697
$593
$593
$593
$593
$593
$593
$593
$593
$593
Official Report

Event #5 Headlines

1.  David “the Knight” Sesso Slays the Competition at WSOP Circuit in Chicago

2.  Former ‘Medieval Times’ Entertainer-Turned Poker Pro Wins First Live Major Tournament
– Receives $40,392 and Gold Ring.

3.  Horseshoe Casino is Poker Central in Chicago – Attendance Up 18 Percent; Prize Pools
Up 13 Percent Over Last Year

4.  More Than 600 Players Compete in Horseshoe Casino’s Weekday Tournament


Event #5 Champion (David “the Knight” Sesso)

The 2009 World Series of Poker Circuit champion of Event #5 held at the Horseshoe Casino
(Chicagoland) is David “the Knight” Sesso, from Schaumburg, IL.  

Sesso is a 27-year-old professional poker player.  He mostly plays poker online, and
specializes on multi-table tournaments.

Eight years ago, Sesso initially attended college at Illinois State and studied performing
arts.  He eventually decided he did not want to continue the program and ended up taking
a job at Medieval Times, which is a re-enactment of jousting, battles, and showmanship on
horseback in a dinner-theatre setting.  Sesso, who is physically fit and enjoys playing
sports, was cast as a knight/stuntman who battled in the arena every show, often while
riding a horse.  He performed for five years.  However, during one performance, Sesso was
severely injured.  His hand was cut badly and he was not able to continue performing.  
While working at the dinner-theatre, Sesso began playing poker online during his free time
and discovered he had both a passion and talent for the game.  

Sesso selected “the Blue Knight” as his online poker name, an obvious connection to his
former trade.  But he later became known simply as “the Knight.”  Sesso also plays under
the screen name “Hollywood 5.”

Sesso is one of poker’s most dedicated young players.  He is currently ranked 99th in the
world in online tournament winnings, according to the popular website Pocket Fives.

Sesso is constantly studying and learning ways to improve his game.  He often posts at the
website:  www.pokerpwanage.com

Sesso has only played in five live tournaments, to date.  This was his first victory.

Sesso has taken a cautious but very consistent approach to building a bankroll.  He initially
started out with only a few hundreds dollars.  He built his bankroll up to $10,000, which has
since hit six-figures.  Sesso also enjoys several backing relationships which will allow him to
play in more live poker tournaments in the future.  He has plans to play in bigger events as
he progresses.

Sesso admits to not doing as well in cash games.  He concentrates most of his play in
online tournaments, although he now intends to play in more live tournaments, as well.

Sesso has never played in the WSOP Main Event.  He says that will be his goal, for next
year.

Sesso won first place and $40,392 in prize money, which was his first WSOP-related in-the-
money finish.


Winner Quotes (David “the Knight” Sesso)

On his previous occupation at Medieval Times:  “I rode a horse.  I played the role of a
knight.  I grew my hair really long, so I had the whole character working.  But it was hard
work.  We had to practice all the time.”

On being called “the Knight,” which is his poker nickname:  “When I was starting out online,
I had to pick out a screen name.  And so, since I played the role of the Blue Knight in the
show, that fit.  I did not know it was a police thing.”

On how he became a professional poker player:  “When I was working at Medieval Times,
we started out playing $10 poker, here and there.  Then, when the Moneymaker thing hit, I
started playing online.  I was not winning much.  I saw Moneymaker win on TV and I saw
that people were actually making a living playing poker.  I decided I could do that if I
applied myself, but I was not sure how I was going to get there.  I would take shots (at
casinos in the Chicago area), but did not do very well.  After I got injured, I put all my
energy into poker.”

On his injury and how it impacted his career:  “I got sliced across the finger.  But I finished
out the show.  There were only a few strikes left and we played it out to the end.  But then
I went backstage and I took my glove off.  You could tell it was bad.  I was mauled, I mean
completely ripped open.  So, I was really scared.  I was five years into the job and had no
real other options.  It was not what I was planning, so that was when I decided I had to do
things my own way and try something new.”

On starting out playing poker:  “I started with just $100 and was playing in $4.40
tournaments.  I played a ton of them, and actually started doing quite well.  Next, I started
playing in $30 buy-in tournaments, and turned that into $9,000 within about a week.  I
admit, I had a very good run.  And after, that I started playing regular online tournaments
and turned that into $27,000.  Then, I had investors making me offers.  I decided to take up
one offer and so far this year I have made about $150,000 playing MTTs (multi-table
tournaments).”

On how he became proficient as a tournament player:  “Multi-table tournaments are my
specialty.  I still lose money in cash games, I think.  The thing about tournaments is when
you get close to the money, you can exploit people.  Many people are just trying to move
up and get to the money.  So, you can really turn up the heat and be aggressive against
them and they are going to let you take it.  You have added value.  The stacks are also a
lot shorter in MTTs, so you can figure out where people are at.  You can tell the player will
have certain things, whereas in cash game you really do not know what someone has until
the river, usually.  I think I am okay at cash games, but in tournaments I never really feel
uncomfortable.  In the last eight months I have really been playing in bigger tournaments,
there is not one time where I really felt uncomfortable about the situation.  But in cash
games, I get that feeling sometimes – like at least once a week.”    

Explaining what he means by “uncomfortable” with a poker decision:  “Like ‘what do I do
here?’  In tournaments, I am not in no-man’s land.  I know where I am at, at least most of
the time.”

On what winning a WSOP Circuit event means for his confidence and career:  “I always
dreamed of taking down one of these things.  I’ve already been crushing tournaments
online and winning money.  But to me this is like a sort of validation.  Some people still say
online players are not as good.  But as far as I am concerned, online players are sneaking
up and playing so well right now.  We play in so many more tournaments and we are
starting to dominate poker.  This is a chance to show everyone that we are really good –
this is like only my fifth (live) tournament.”

On what to expect of Sesso in the near future:  “I’m playing in the $5,000 championship
(here in Chicago) later this week….you are going to see me a lot more next year, at the
World Series.  My dream is always to play in the WSOP Main Event -- the 10K.  So, I hope
my dream comes true next year.  I really feel I am ready to do it.”  

On what he foresees for the WSOP Main Event final table, which will be played in two
weeks in Las Vegas:  “Honestly, I spend so much time focusing on my own game, that the
only player I know this year is Phil Ivey.  I have not paid that much attention since I spend
so much time playing, improving, and talking to other players.  So, I do not have an opinion
on who is going to take it.”


The Final Table / In-the-Money Finishers

When final table began, the chip leader was David “the Knight” Sesso, who enjoyed a
decisive lead with nearly 1.7 million in chips.  Jean “Prince” Gaspard was second with about
950,000 in chips.  Close behind was Gary Kreymer, with about 860,000 in chips.  The
remaining seven players each had 650,000 and less.

Sesso enjoyed the chip lead from start to finish while at the final table.

The only former WSOP Circuit gold ring winner among the final nine was Jean “Prince”
Gaspard.  He won last season’s WSOP Circuit Main Event championship finale held at Harrah’
s New Orleans (May 2009), where he pocketed $211,722 in prize money.  

The ninth-place finisher was Joaquin Sosa, a 50-year-old poker pro from Chicago.  Sosa has
now cashed five times in WSOP Circuit events, and made it to four final tables.  He pocketed
$3,874.

The eighth-place finisher was Christopher Cardenas, from San Antonio, TX.  He collected
$4,382.

The seventh-place finisher was Robert Rusak, from Chicago, IL.  He is a 28-year-old auditor
and graduate of DePaul University.  Rusak received $5,179.

The sixth-place finisher was Greg Koutelidakis, from Buffalo Grove, IL.  He is a 25-year-old
poker pro who formally worked in marketing.  Koutelidakis was eliminated about two hours
into the finale and was paid $6,409 for sixth place.

The fifth-place finisher was Jean “Prince” Gaspard, from Evanston, IL.  Gaspard had a shot
to win his second WSOP gold ring, but went card dead late and had to settle for fifth place.  
The former professional basketball player, who has since taken up poker full time, collected
$8,324 in prize money.  Gaspard now has 8 WSOP cashes and 3 WSOP Circuit cashes for
his career.

The fourth-place finisher was Mike Lee, from Wheeling, IL.  He is a 31-year-old freelance
web designer who has constructed websites for several pro athletes including Dwayne
Wade, Dee Brown, and others.  Lee previously cashed in an event at the 2008 WSOP in Las
Vegas.  He earned a nice payout totaling $11,371.

The third-place finisher was Gary Kreymer, from Northbrook, IL.  He is a 47-year-old
mortgage broker.  Kreymer has previous cashed at some other tournaments.  The married
father of three made his best showing here in a WSOP Circuit event, good for $16,384 in
prize money.    

When heads-up play began, David Sesso enjoyed slightly less than a 5 to 1 chip
advantage.  It only took ten minutes for Sesso to vanquish his final foe.

The final hand came when Bob Grim moved all in pre-flop with A-6.  Sesso called and
showed A-Q.  Sesso’s superior hand held up and the two high cards played to scoop the
final pot of the tournament.

The runner up was Bob Grim, a 25-year-old poker pro from Arlington Heights, IL.  Grim
mostly plays online.  He had to settle for $24,962, the payout for second place.  Afterward,
Sesso complimented his opponent and mentioned that Grim played well, and was the only
player at the final table who adjusted his game properly to match what Sesso was doing.

The winner was David “the Knight’ Sesso, who won his first live tournament ever, worth
$40,392.  He also received an entry into the WSOP Circuit Main Event in Chicago, valued at
$5,000.


The Tournament

This was the fifth tournament of the new WSOP Circuit season.  The first event in Chicago
attracted the largest field in WSOP history, with 1,412 entrants.  This tournament (Event
#5) attracted 635 entries, which was more than twice the field size of last year’s same
event held on a Monday-Tuesday (262 entries).

Through the first six events of the 2009 WSOP Circuit series at the Horseshoe Casino
(Chicagoland), attendance is up 18 percent over last year.  There have been 3,021 entrants
who have played in six total events.  Last year at this time, there were 2,590 entrants.

Through the first six events now complete, $1,137,999 in prize money has been awarded.  
Prize money is also up this year, 13.5 percent over the same point last year.  Through the
first six events of 2008, $1,002,573 had been awarded.

The tournament was No-Limit Hold’em.  The buy-in was $300 (+45).  The total prize pool
amounted to $179,585.  The top 63 finishers collected prize money.

The tournament began at noon on October 19th and was played over two days.  The entire
duration of the tournament lasted about 25 hours.

After Day One, there were six tables which returned for Day Two.  Play resumed at 2 pm
and played down to the final nine, which occurred at about 6 pm.  The final table was
completed in about five hours, ending at slightly before midnight.


World Series of Poker Circuits (History)

The World Series of Poker Circuits 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 is WSOP Circuit season number six.  The season officially began on October 16, 2009 at
the Horseshoe Casino (Chicago) and concludes 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 Harrah’s properties 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.  In
just the last 14 months, The Venue has hosted the following performers:

Paul Anka
The Bee Gees
Lewis Black
Cedric the Entertainer
Alice Cooper
Bill Cosby
Robert Cray
Melissa Etheridge
Aretha Franklin
John Fogerty
Brad Garrett
Vince Gill
Eddie Griffin
Chris Isaak
Alicia Keys
B.B. King
Korn
Gladys Knight
Howie Mandel
Moody Blues
Liza Minelli
Wayne Newton
Don Rickles
Kenny Rogers
Seal
Sarah Silverman
Stone Temple Pilots
Hank Williams, Jr.

In addition, many other acts and top international stars have performed at The Venue.

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


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
2009 Horseshoe Hammond WSOP Circuit Event #5 Winner