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LAS VEGAS QUALIFIERS TESTIMONIALS ............................................. Thank you This is a letter of thanks for giving me the opportunity to go to Las Vegas for a week and play in the Mecca of poker ‘The World Series '. A combination of the financial availability of the qualifier's run by yourself and the package you provided, enabled me to take a once in a life time opportunity. I honestly believe that events such as Vegas qualifiers, giving opportunities to play in world class events has taken poker in Cumbria to the next level which in part can again be attributed to your hard work and dedication. I think it is only a matter of time before one of our own take a major European or indeed World title which would never have been possible without opportunities like this. I for one will be the first to put my name down for the 2008 – 2009 Vegas qualifiers and will be putting in every effort to qualify again. I am hoping that we can increase the numbers of entries this year as this will provide more places and more opportunities. Background I entered the qualifiers and managed after a shaky start to qualify on the final Vegas qualifying event. I needed to finish 12th or better to secure a place to Vegas and managed it by the skin of my teeth. Initially the reality did not sink in but after a couple of days the reality struck and I am not ashamed to say I was that excited I could not sleep. The Package We set off in late June 2008 via bus from Whitehaven and stopped in the SAS Radisson at Manchester airport the night before the flight. The hotel was fantastic and we found ourselves rubbing shoulders with the England Rugby League side. A few pints in Manchester and an early night (Honest). We then had a long flight, about 10 hours to Vegas and landed in the desert heat, it was a shock to start off with; I would liken it to standing in a fan assisted oven, it was about 110 F which was to be expected in the desert! Then came the first pleasant surprise. A Limousine was waiting for us with a huge plasma screen and full sound system. The air conditioning was on full. We were taken in style to the Bellagio hotel. The hotel was immense and very grand, the fountain displays greeted us and the sheer size and magnitude of Vegas became apparent, it is a sight that can only be experienced and not explained. Then followed a few days of good and bad poker in various casinos as a warm up for the World Series, we were free to enjoy our time in Vegas and just decided on day to day basis what to do. The day before the World Series the qualifiers gathered for a fantastic meal courtesy of Ken at a very plush Italian restaurant. The food was fantastic and service second to none. It was in this restaurant that we all got ‘ Diggers’ words of encouragement for our main event and again I don’t mind admitting it brought a tear to more than a couple of eyes. Finally the day came for the World Series of Poker event 49. Nerves were starting to show and as we walked in to the Rio, Apart from the sheer magnitude of the event the first thing I noticed was Jesus (Ferguson), a few yards further on and Phil Ivey was talking to Julian Garner. At this point I began to wonder if I might be out of my depth as did a few of the other qualifiers. We found our tables and took our seats. The events are huge with not only thousands entered but also thousands watching. ESPN Sport network was broadcasting and the scene was set. The announcer said deal the cards and we were under way… Finally from a personal point of view The opportunity provided by Ken has spurned me on to take every opportunity I can in poker and to improve my game and learn. My dream for that last 6 – 12 months has been to take the next step onto the UK poker tour. I am now playing events on the UK poker tour and have enjoyed some good consistent results. Thanks again Ken and I wish you and all the local poker elite all the success in the 2008 – 2009 Vegas qualifiers. Kevin Steward
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The Las Vegas 2008 poker tour!! Best poker experience of my life… easy!!... From the moment we all stepped foot into the lobby at the SAS Radisson Hotel at Manchester airport the tone was set for what was going to be a week spent in complete luxury, in the best place this planet has to offer all us poker players! Landing in Vegas after a very long but exciting flight a stretched party bus awaited us! Johno’s chosen vehicle for the transfer from the airport to the Bellagio hotel where most of us were staying, good touch sir!! The hotel itself was out of this world, everything from the king size beds in our rooms to the cold steam air conditioning round the poolside bar (where I spent most of my day, me and my new friend Mojito)… the place is class! Vegas comes alive when the sun goes down!! The strip is literally straight on top of you as soon as you step foot out of the hotel, with the Bellagio fountains and the bright lights of the strip you cant help but have a great big smile on your face!! Usual evening’s activities involved either a MTT or a visit to the cash tables over at Planet Hollywood, followed by an evening of great entertainment where ever you went! Now take heed!! I recommend you do not walk from the Bellagio to the Rio to buy your WSOP ticket at the hottest point in the day, like we did!!!... by the time we’d walked the short but marathon journey through the squeltering 40 degree heat to the Rio we were all just about ready for keeling over! A quick ice cold beer soon sorted the heads out though before we all bounced down to the ticket office and got our WSOP Event 49 tickets! Passing Jesus Ferguson on the way down was an indication of just what was to come… the H.O.R.S.E main event…it was in full swing as we entered the renowned Amazon room when we got there, all the big names, Gus / Ivy / Negreanu / Brunson etc etc all sat within inches of the viewing rail… great to watch!! Playing in the WSOP!! A fantastic experience!! Didn’t do great but was unlucky to go out after 4 hours of play, when my raise and all-in call with big slick on the button ran into AA on the bb, harsh! Many highlights from the tournament including sitting next to Allen Cunningham for last half hour before I went out, he was good crack like! He busted out just before me, nut straight v nut flush… “Unlucky Allen lad nice to meet ya” ;-) Not to be down hearted the holiday continued in the same form, sun bathing round the magnificent Bellagio pools during the day and partying down the strip at night, with a spot of poker thrown in for good measure! A great holiday had by all who went on the tour!! Credit must go to Johno who organised the trip!! I wish you all the very best in the qualifiers, just remember your up against a number of folk who have tasted Vegas in 2008 and are hell bent on going back… ;-) Cheers, Mike Farrer ............................................. After the four hour bus journey to Manchester (involving a couple of beers, games of cards and erm, toilet stops) we arrived at the airport, where we had a night booked in the Radisson SAS. We had a 4am flight leaving Manchester heading for the bright lights of Las Vegas, but decided it was wise to pop into Manchester for a bite to eat and a few of pints to ease the excitement. After only a couple of hours sleep, everyone was up and before we knew it we were on our way. The flight was pretty amazing in itself, flying over Greenland and Alaska in great visibility, and finally over the great plains onto Vegas. Stepping off the plane into a different continent was quite surreal. Our transport was waiting outside – a minibus with TV, music and leather sofa’s – and set the tone for what to expect in Vegas. Having drove past all the TV favorites – the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM grand – we finally taxied up to the front of the six-star Bellagio, past the famous fountains, where we would spend our seven nights (well some of them) in Sin City. Our first job, having checked in on the Wednesday, was to get ourselves down to the Rio Casino, the home of the WSOP. Six of us ended up entering Event 49, $1500 NLHE, which was to begin on the Saturday. The next few days were a mixture of hitting the cash tables (mainly in Planet Hollywood) in the evenings, partying through the night and sunning by the stunning Bellagio pools in the 40 degree heat in the morning and daytimes. Life was hard! Finally Saturday arrived, and after a rare quiet night we made our way down to the Rio for our WSOP debut. After breakfast the nerves began creeping in, but once seated, and after the ‘’shuffle up and deal’’ shout it began to feel more normal, despite playing alongside the likes of Chris Ferguson, Allen Cunningham, Phil Helmuth and J C Tran (who won event 49 and over $600,000 cash), to name but a few. In the end it ended in disappointment for all involved, although Nan Tyson made an early surge and was up with the chip leaders at one point!! Next year will be different though and someone will find themselves among the money. Despite the disappointment it was still a great day out at the WSOP and we got the chance to meet and talk to some of the greatest players in the world (Scotty Ngyuen and Phil Ivey signed my WSOP ticket, so I have the proof). After the WSOP it was back to the daily grind of sunbathing, cash tables and drinking heavily. The food was exceptional, from the fabulous buffet breakfasts in Ceasars and the Bellagio to Mortons steakhouse, and from Mexicans to good old greasy burgers. There’s more to Vegas than just gambling and partying though, there’s something for everyone; helicopter and airplane tours over the Grand Canyon, stunning shows, the Stratosphere roller coasters and bungee jumps for the thrill seekers (and of course, plenty of drinking and gambling). Overall it was a brilliant week, spent with a great group of people, and I can’t wait to get back for the 2009 WSOP . . . . Gary Clucas
............................................. Many thanks Johno (Ken Johnston) for the excellent organistation of our recent Poker Tournament to Las Vegas. The logistics alone must have been a nightmare for you. The surprise transport to our hotels was unbelievable and was a great beginning to our holiday. You were never at a loss for an answer, and were available for any advice and any help needed. I would not hesitate to endorse any future projects that you will be involved with. In conclusion the hotels, the nightlife (Las Vegas never sleeps) and last but not least being able to play in the W.S.O.P were indescribable. To see and rub shoulders with many icons of the W.S.O.P was fantastic, I cannot wait for another opportunity to qualify for 2009 Vegas Experience. Many Thanks again, Nan Tyson
............................................. VIVA LAS VEGAS For those of you that are unfamiliar with the Northern Poker Stars set-up, we are a poker club that assembles approximately twice monthly in various clubs around the region. No Limit Texas Hold’Em is played to a very good standard in a very friendly and environment. Poker etiquette is observed and a very enjoyable afternoon is had by all players, that are not only contesting for generous prize pools, but are raising valuable funds for worthwhile charities, nominated by our own members. However, as was proved in June 2008, the “piece de resistance” is the Vegas tournaments. These are starting at the beginning of October. Five tournaments, and the most consistent players along with a wild card entry, go to Vegas. They will spend 7 nights in a world-class hotel and be entered into a WSOP event. Not a bad prize for a total outlay of £150, considering that you are also playing for prize money every time you sit down at one of these qualifiers. To book this trip yourself, would set you back at least £2000, so if your poker skills are up to scratch, get onboard. Your pot odds are already a minimum of 13/1 on your £150 outlay. As for Vegas itself. Well what can I say about one of the worlds most famous cities? It will take your breath away from the moment that you spot the fabulous “Strip” from your plane window. You could spend all of your time just walking around the many hotel lobbies or venture into some of the world-renowned poker rooms. Play anything from $1/$2 cash tables, all the way up to the WSOP Main Event. The only thing holding you back is the size of your bankroll. When you get sick of playing poker (Yeah, Right!) relax in your hotel pool in 100+ degree Fahrenheit sunshine, or book a helicopter ride and fly out over the Hoover Dam and the colossal Grand Canyon, an experience, just like the rest of this trip, that I will never forget. Wait until nightfall and go down to the “Old town” and see how it all used to be before the massive expansion. Take a trip to the top of the Stratosphere Tower and experience the terrifying white knuckle rides, whilst looking out over Vegas, lit up in all its brilliance. If it all sounds too good to be true, sit down one Sunday and play with some of the people that experienced this once in a lifetime opportunity. The trip was so well organised that 16 players went altogether with 3 winners (2 lowest scoring players and the Wildcard), going courtesy of this tournament. Life is about living and reaching out and achieving your dreams. This dream is reachable and financially within everyone’s bankroll. Book your place in this excellent tournament. See you at the table. Peter “Digger” Young ............................................. Hello Ken, The Vegas tournament is a great idea and represents great value for money, a fantastic prize for a small outlay. I will definitely be trying my luck in the next Vegas comp. One thing for sure, I can't do any worse than I did last year! Or can I? You sorted everything out for all of us, which meant all we had to do was turn up. Even I was not going to be late for that one mate. The Hotel @ Mandalay Bay was first class and the limo to pick us up at the airport was a very unexpected surprise. You would make a great travel agent Ha Ha. Once again mate, THANK YOU. |
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