Negreanu takes BC Poker Champs

11/25/2008

Canadian born but Vegas resident poker pro Daniel Negreanu has won the BC Poker Championships, taking home a useful first prize of $371 910 from the event, held at the River Rock Casino in Richmond, British Columbia.

Although the cap of 750 entrants was not reached, a turnout of 689 players was achieved for the main event, including big name players like Brad "Yukon" Booth, Gavin Smith, Lacey Jones, Mark Napier, Gabe Kaplan, Dennis Phillips, Steve Paul Ambrose, Isabelle Mercier, Maria Ho, Tiffany Michelle and Liz Lieu.

It all came down to a heads up between Negreanu and Adam Croffut Everett from Washington, which Negreanu won adding to his list of honours that includes four WSOP bracelets and two WPT titles.

"Being Canadian myself, playing and winning the BC Poker Championships is extra special to me," Negreanu said. "The tournament was extremely well organized and my opponents were very good. It may have been a smaller tournament but I would say this has been the best $2 500 buy-in event structure I've ever played."

The six figure payouts extended to 4th finisher on the final table. Everett collected a check for $238 191 for his second placing; third placed Warren Russell won $150 285 and fourth finisher Vorakbotgh Eam from Edmonton, Alberta pocketed $118 335.

"This year's tournament has drawn the largest celebrity participation out of all B.C. poker events, confirming British Columbia as a hot destination for exciting poker," said Darryl Schiewe, BCLC's vice president of casino and community gaming.