No Second Place for James Van Alstyne This Time

June 17, 2009 - Written By Bonnie

James Van Alstyne is no stranger to the game of H.O.R.S.E., just having completed a heads up match against poker player Zac Fellows in event 21. Event 21 took place only  5 days prior to event 31 which brought out 769 other opponents all with the same goal in mind, to make it to the final table and walk away with the title, prize money, and the 2009 WSOP gold bracelet. Alstyne could only hope that his partacipation in event 31 would leave him with more than a second story of finishing second in yet another round of H.O.R.S.E.

Alstyne started off this tournament knocking out players one by one. He showed a great deal of determination as he plowed through hundreds of players making his way to the final table. Having the amazing poker skills that he possess and not to mention the experience at this game alone, he was well on his way to the head to head match for the second time in a week. Some may say that Alstyne was  "kicking butt and taking names". Among those names were some of the well known professional poker players such as  Brian Malcolm, Shannon Shorr, Bryan Micon, and Mitch Schock , all of whom finished in the top 6 positions.

The final match up for Alstyne would take place against poker player Tad Jurgens. Alstyne started the final match in a good position with a chip lead over Jurgens. Alstyne keep the lead throughout the final match and in the long run was the last man standing. No second place for Alstyne this time. He walks away with a cash prize of over $250,000, the title of H.O.R.S.E, and his first WSOP gold bracelet. This wins puts his career total over $3 million. Alstyne is a prime example of dedication. If you do not suceed, try and try again. That is just what Alstyne did to capture his champion title.