Player-of-the-Year Race Heats Up
When it was first announced, people knew the Player-of-the-Year race would be big, but the enormity of the promotion has taken root here at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Summer Poker Open.
This is the third of four tournament series’ that players are earning points to be crowned POY.
“This is exciting,” says WSOP bracelet winner Marsha Wolak (Fort Lauderdale, FL), “If I can win the whole thing that would be amazing.”
The Player-of-the-Year winner receives a prize package valued at more than $30,000 and features entries into Seminole Hard Rock Poker’s most prestigious events.
“The top ten is worth playing for,” says Greg Marcus (Miami Beach, FL), the top five is really nice and winning would cover my whole year.”
While the year-to-date totals are still being calculated, the unofficial totals have Marcus & Wolak jumping past points leader Mukul Pahuja (Coconut Creek, FL), as has Angel Vu (Daytona Beach, FL).
Vu is having an impressive Tampa series which includes two final tables and a cash in the Championship Event. She was part of a four-way chop with Marcus in Event 7 where she got $69,833 as the official winner.
“I feel I have a shot, it will be one of my goals,” says Vu in this her first year of serious tournament play. “It would be huge to be player of the year. It would be great for my resume and my bankroll.”
All eyes will be on Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood this summer (August 14 – September 3) for the final leg of the Player-of-the-Year program. The series will feature trophy events, side tournaments and satellites, which all count in the standings.
“I really want to take a shot at it (POY),” says Marcus, “it will be my main motivation.”
“I like that they’re working together (Hollywood & Tampa),” says Wolak, “it says a lot and really feels like a brand.
“I feel like this will keep growing. Player points are huge and only going to get better.”
Player-of-the-Year links