New Yorker wins Bayou Poker Challenge

There were more than a few side bets on poker ace and television personality Phil Gordon to win this week's Bayou Poker Challenge, a World Series of Poker Circuit competition in New Orleans, but it was not to be. Eliminated by Clint Schafer, Gordon came in fourth as New Yorker Lou Esposito took the championship and the $516 801 top prize.

The last five players in the Challenge all did well this year, with even the fifth spot paying over $100 000.

Esposito had to fight hard for the title and the money in a heads up against Schafer that lasted for just on six hours, with the upper hand switching several times before the final denoument and a victory for Esposito.

Schafer paid the bills and then some with a second placing check worth $266 736.