POKER: The Full Tilt London All Star Challenge

Sadly I couldn't make it down to watch the inaugural event of The European Poker Masters, held at the glamorous Fifty Casino in London. I was working for The Man. But here's the details and a breakdown of how play stood before Monday's session.

The exclusive event showcased an impressive ensemble from both sides of the pond including Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Jennifer Harman, Tony G, John Juanda and England’s very own Hendon Mob.

Play got underway as the All Star line up took to their seats in what has been considered the best line up in European Poker History. And it didn’t take long for the action to get underway, as 7 times WSOP bracelet winner, Eric Seidel was left short stacked after running into Marc Goodwin’s quad sevens. And although battling on he could simply not recover, only adding to the list of early casualties that included Fellow Full Tilt pros Mike Matusow, Allen Cunningham and the 2005 European Poker Champion, Tony G.

One of the hands of the night came as Gus Hansen looked down at pocket sevens and after announcing ‘I don’t know how to play this hand’ pushed his chips across the line. Unfortunately for him a delighted Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson was sat to his left and from under his trademark cowboy hat called before turning over the pocket rockets. Silence fell as everyone’s eyes focused in on the dealer. The flop was turned and the audience roared as the first card to hit the felt was another Seven, The Great Dane had hit his set and in the process crippling an unsurprised Ferguson who shortly exited the tournament in search of London’s dance hot spots.

Ex-England and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham came an impressive 12th in what was an incredibly tough field, which included the 2005 Monte Carlo Millions Champion Phil Ivey who breezed into the final 9 as chip leader.

The final table will take place on Monday, 11th of September and if tonight’s action is anything to go by it will be a thrilling game of poker as two of the biggest names in the game battle it out for the illustrious title and the 134,000 prize pool.

2,000 Freeze Out,
Texas Hold’em
9th September 2006
67 Runners
Prize Pool - 134,000

Final 9 Chip Positions – to be played down to final table of 8 on Monday. Final table to start at 3pm.

1. Phil Ivey 86,000
2. Gus Hansen 84,000
3. Marc Goodwin 72,000
4. Jeff Buffenbarger 64,000
5. Willie Tann 59,500
6. M Hayden 58,000
7. C Xanthos 44,500
8. P Gould 40,000
9. N Lee 28,000

Play was suspended for the day with nine players remaining.