Derek Raymond Wins His First WSOP Event

Gambling News - June 26, 2009 - Written By Bonnie

Event 46 of the 2009 WSOP, the Omaha Hi-Low Split 8 or Better, was three days of serious card playing. This event brought out 425 players all hoping to make a run for final table. The first two days were long and exhausting and proved to be too much for some players. By the end of day two, we were left with only 24 players remaining that would continue on to the final day of play. The Final day would come and go for poker player Mike Matusow, who was the first to be eliminated followed by C.K. Hua. It seemed that one by one players began to fall and it was Hohn Monette leaving the competition in 10th and leaving the final nine to battle it out to the finish.

Starting off the day with a small stack of chips would not hold position for winner of two WSOP gold bracelets, Pat Poels. Pat Poels will leave this tournament in 9th position followed by Mark Gregorich who left in 8th and completed his second WSOP final table appearance. As the hours grew longer and we seemed to be getting one step closer to the final match, the crowd grew larger and among the spectators was our very own WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack. This $2,400 buy in tournament was sure creating quite a buzz throughout the room that day.

When it got down to the final three, Scott Bohlman, Mark Tenner and Derek Raymond, the table was noticeably quieter while as the rail continue to grow with onlookers. Shortly into the final showdown, Scott Bohlman made his exit leaving us with Tenner and Raymond for the head to head challenge. Raymond, who started 4th in chip count at the final table, was set to put on his best game face and capture the champion title and his first WSOP gold bracelet. Both players started the final match up practically even in chips. Play went on for two long hours before Raymond made his move and walked away winner of match. His efforts earned him a cash prize of $229,192 but more importantly his first WSOP gold bracelet. Congratulations to both players who showed a remarkable display of poker skills throughout the entire tournament.