New Yorker wins $375,100 at Borgata Winter Poker Open
The remaining twenty-seven players competing in the $5,000 event returned to the new 85-table poker room at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa to play for a champion. Within a few hours the Final Table was formed. The Grinder was the first to be bumped from the table winning, $15,730. Joey Brooks was able to withstand a short stack for much of the day before falling in 7th place winning $44,400. With six remaining players, they deliberated intently over each decision, each move. The stakes were high and the action was tense.
The $5,000 event was the richest event to date at the Borgata Winter Poker Open. Newly turned pro, Matthew Casterella, of White Plains, NY, withstood the pressure of the day and the competition to win the tournament and $375,100 in prize money. Casterella who spent most of the day without much expression on his face was all smiles, while collecting nearly $400,000 in prize money. "This is incredible. I have played a lot of poker, but this is my first major win. It feels great to have won this at Borgata."
Bill Edler, one of the top players in the world, was cheered on by a large selection of pros. Gavin Smith and Chris Bell led the cheering section for "Wild" Bill, who finished in 4th place taking home $84,700. Edler was visibly disappointed after the event noting, "I'm upset. When you make it this close, it's not about the money; it's about winning."
John Myung, another professional with over $1,000,000 in career earnings, fought valiantly with his short stack, but fell in third place winning $114,950. An amateur from Florida, Elio Cabrera fell in second just several hands after Myung. Cabrera, who won $211,750 for his efforts said, "I was not expecting second place to be so much money! This was such a fun tournament and a great time."
Thursday Night also featured the World Poker Tour Kick-Off Party at Gypsy Bar. Many top pros mingled with fans and celebrated the start of the WPT Classic. WSOP's 2006 Main Event winner Jamie Gold played Heads Up on the Poker Pro tables with many fans.
The $10,000 buy-in WPT Borgata Poker Classic day began with nearly 600 entries including the superstar of poker, Phil Ivey. One hundred thirty-six players won their way to the Main Event through one of the Super Satellites that have taken place throughout the Borgata Winter Open. Yesterday's winners included Egg Harbor Township, NJ, native Mike Hofeld. After the event Hofeld commented, "I started with $100 and now I am playing in the $10,000 buy-in event; not a bad return."
