There’s big money to be won at a major poker tournament like like the Punta Cana Poker Classic. That’s why lots of professional players, like “Homeless Millionaire” Faraz Jaka, Twitch poker wiz Doug Polk and Josh Beckley, the second place finisher in the 2015 World Series of Poker Main Event are in the Caribbean this month. But quite a few players won their trip to Punta Cana in online satellite tournaments, so there’s a lot of recreational players living the dream at their very first live tournament. There were lots of both kinds of players at the beach party Americas Cardroom hosted Saturday night.
“It’s been great, you can’t beat it!” said a tournament newbie Scott McKenzie from California. “For just $50 I won a $4900 package playing The Beast one Sunday at Americas Cardroom. I cashed out my buy-in and hit forty-first place, so it’s just been a great overall experience.”
Our video has highlights from those interviews. The full version is on the Americas Cardroom poker news blog: If We Can Do It, So Can You!
“This is my first big tournament so I was really nervous. Everyone told me I was playing way too tight — but I think that’s a
great thing to hear from the best in the world!”
“Anyone can do it! If I’m here, I’m living proof. It’s a great time – you’ve got to come!”
This was also a first for John and Raquel from Pittsburgh.
“I played a tournament on ACR, The Beast” said John. “Every Sunday, for $50, you’ve got a chance to win it. I figured, let’s give it a shot!”
“This is a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve always wanted to go somewhere to play a big tournament like this. I wasn’t thinking here though! I was thinking maybe Denver or somewhere like that. This is just out of the world for me!”
“I actually got into the Caribbean ocean!” said Raquel. “All the way up to my chin – that’s a first for me!
Congrats to the winners… and thanks to Americas Cardroom for a great time. Hasta la vista!
