Championship: Running the Show

$1,650 Buy-In Championship No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry)

Level 6: Blinds 200/400/50 ante
Entries: 73

Tommy & Kyle Peck
Tom Bates Talks with Kyle Peck at the Start of Day 1A

As Day 1B is quickly closing in on the Day 1A total of 75 entries, it’s worth mentioning two of the key figures who are making sure the Tampa Winter Poker Open runs smoothly.

Director of Poker Tommy Bates is thrilled with how the Championship and the entire 18 day series is going.  “Living the dream,” says Bates, “we do this for the players. We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback and want to keep growing Tampa poker.”

Bates’ right hand man is Tournament Director Byron Rodriguez who oversees everything from event structures to tournament rulings.  “I want to mention all my floor guys and dealers. Without them, things wouldn’t run as smoothly as they’ve been.”

Bates and Rodriguez are in the Poker Room everyday and encourage players to continue giving their feedback. They want to thank everyone for making poker at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa a big success.

Byron Brendaly and Reani
Rodriguez with Hard Rock Calendar Girls Brendaly (left) and Reani