Event number 5 in the World Series of Poker – the $2 500 Pot Limit Omaha & 7 Card Stud Hi / Lo competition – proved to be one of the most star-studded this week, with many big names like Mike ‘The Mouth’ Matusow, Scotty Nguyen, Huck Seed, Jeff Lisandro, Bill Gazes, Paul Darden, Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer, Andy Black, Jennifer Harman, Robert Mizrachi, Cyndy Violette, Chris Ferguson, Chau Giang Mel Judah and Annie Duke going after the $214 347 main prize.
327 players entered the $2 500 buy-in event, with only 57 making it through to Day 2 and Tom Schneider, a veteran cash-game player taking and keeping a commanding lead. At the final table Schnieder faced formidable players like Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson, Annie Duke, John ‘The Razor’ Phan, Chris Bell, Joe Bolnick, David Benyamine and his ultimate heads up opponent, Edmond ‘Omaha Ed’ Tonnellier. Josh Arieh just missed the final table, going to the rail in ninth place with a consolation check worth $11 658.
Starting with the table’s shortest stack, Tonnellier fought his way through the aces to finally confront Schneider in a tussle for the big money. Duke placed third and Ferguson took fourth.
But it was Schneider all the way, and the veteran picked up the $214 347 for the win and that expensive WSOP jewellery.