Monday, May 19, 2014

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 1st Place - Prasetyo ($118,725)

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 1

Aditya Prasetyo (Cambridge, MA)
Big Stax 1500 Winner - $118,725


Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 2nd Place - Liberto ($70,845)

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 1

Justin Liberto (Baltimore, MD)
2nd Place - $70,845

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Here are the updated chip counts for heads-up play.  It has not yet been determined if the two players are going to take the dinner break at the conclusion of this level.

Aditya Prasetyo - 13,700,000
Justin Liberto - 1,800,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Aditya Prasetyo - 13,000,000
Justin Liberto - 2,550,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Justin Dips Down Again

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

After losing two consecutive pots, Justin is now below 20 bigs (1,580,000).  Just as Liberto was building back up, he lost two crucial pots.  On a board of 5 6 7♣ J K, Liberto ended up calling off 750,000 on the river only to see Aditya table 7 8.  Justin would then get check-rasied off a pot only a few hands later, leaving him where he is now.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Updated heads up chip counts:

Aditya Prasetyo - 11,600,000
Justin Liberto - 3,900,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Liberto Gaining Ground

Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Justin Liberto is now over 3,500,000 after turning broadway and getting paid 765,000 on the river.  Liberto got down to less than 10 bigs to start heads up play, but he is now sitting with close to 45.

Aditya Prasetyo - 12,000,000
Justin Liberto - 3,550,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Liberto Loses More Ground...Then Doubles

Level 27 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Justin Liberto has 13 big blinds, as he loses the first sizable pot heads up.  On a board of 4 7 8 10 K (with the action check-called by Aditya on the flop, check-check turn, and check-call river for 310,000).  Justin would turn over 10 2 on the river, but would see that Aditya rivered two-pair (K 8).

Only two hands later, Justin would be all-in for the first time in heads up play.  Aditya would call:

Justin: K J          Aditya: K 8♠

Flop: Q 9 3♣

Turn: 4

River: 10

Justin would double to 1,850,000.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Break Time/Heads Up Chip Counts

Level 27 is now over and the field has been played down to the final two.  The blinds coming back will be 40,000/80,000/10,000, and here are the updated chip counts:

Justin Liberto - 2,000,000
Aditya Prasetyo - 13,550,000


Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 3rd Place - Cologna ($44,029)

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 2

Mike Cologna (Freehold, NJ)
3rd Place - $44,029

It seemed destined for the two short stacks to get involved with each other, as Liberto and Cologna got the chips in pre.  It was a race as Justin held 55♣ against the A 10 of Cologna, with Justin coming out on top.  The board would run out 3 8♠ Q J Q♠, giving Cologna extra outs on the turn, but he was not able to find one that he needed.

The two players discussed a chop for only a few moments before deciding to play things out.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Liberto Takes From Cologna

Level 27 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 3

Justin Liberto just took down a pot from Cologna with an all-in check raised on a flop of A J 2, knocking Mike down to 750,000.  Liberto sits at just over 1,500,000 after winning the pot, and it doesn't get an easier on the two short stacks.  Blinds will be going up in seven minutes, as players will be going on a (10) minute break.

When they players return the blinds will be 40,000/80,000/10,000 (5,200,000 chip average).

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Cologna Doubles Through

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 3

Mike Cologna had just over ten blinds, having trended downward since three handed play began.  He just got it in pre versus Aditya, for a pot worth 1,600,000.  Cologna's AA > 77 of Aditya, but not without a sweat on the 5 6 9 J Q runout.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 3

Here are up to the minute chip counts:

  1. Justin Liberto - 1,500,000
  2. Mike Cologna - 1,250,000
  3. Aditya Prasetyo - 12,800,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): An Uphill Battle

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 3

It's going to be an uphill battle for either Mike Cologna or Justin Liberto, with Aditya holding close to 12,000,000 (of the 15,500,000 in play).  They both sit around 1,700,000, and have gotten the best of each in a few pots since getting down to three handed play.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 4th Place - Scekic ($32,037)

Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Milos Scekic (Massapequa, NY)
4th Place - $32,037

Milos Scekic would see a flop heads up with Aditya Prasetyo, in a blind v. blind situation.  The flop would be A 7♠ 9, and Prasetyo would check to Scekic.  Milos would put out a bet of 200,000, and Aditya would follow with a check raise to 500,000.  With the action back on Scekic, he would then three-bet to 1,200,000.  Prasetyo would continue once again with a five-bet all-in, leaving Milos sitting with his face in his hands...deciding what to do.  Milos would eventually announce a call and the hands would be tabled:

Scekic: A J♣         Aditya: A♠ 9♣

Turn: 7

River: 2♠

Aditya's two pair would hold and he would watch as the dealer shipped over all of Milos's chips.  He now has close to 75% of the chips in play:
  1. Justin Liberto - 2,600,000
  2. Mike Cologna - 1,700,000
  3. Aditya Prasetyo - 11,200,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Break Time Chip Counts

Here are the updated counts from break.  When players return to Level 27, the blinds will have gone up to 30,000/60,000/10,000 (3,900,000 chip average):

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,000,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 2,800,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 1,700,000
  4. Aditya Prasetyo - 8,100,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 5th Place - Ravindran ($25,002)

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 4

Dilip Ravindran (Jersey City, NJ)
5th Place - $25,002

Dilip shoved under the gun for 900,000 and the action would fold around to Aditya Prasetyo in the big blind.  Aditya would make the call, and his A 10 > 6 6 of Dilip, sending the chips Aditya's way and Dilip to the podium to get paid out.

There is (4) minutes remaining in Level 26, and players will be on a (10) minute break at its conclusion.  Updated chip counts will be posted once players leave their seats and go on break.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Aditya Takes One From Liberto

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

In a heads up pot between Prasetyo and Liberto, the board would read 7♣ 10 J Q 3♠, and Prasetyo would have a river bet of 550,000 in front of him (after Justin checked river).  The pot was already over 1,900,000, and just would take a few looks at his chips before making the call.  Prasetyo would turn over 3 3, and just would fold his hand with a shake of his head.

Aditya Prasetyo - 7,700,000
Justin Liberto - 2,500,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Here are the updated chip counts:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,700,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 3,600,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 1,200,000
  4. Aditya Prasetyo - 5,400,000
  5. Dilip Ravindran - 1,000,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Dilip Doubles Through Prasetyo

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Dilip Ravindran shoved his remaining chips from the small blind over an open from Prasetyo (button).  Aditya would make the call and Dilip would be at risk:

Dilip: J♠ 10       Aditya: A♠ K

Flop: Q 8 5♠

Turn: 2

River: 9♣

Ravindran would make a straight on the river, doubling up to 1,600,000.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Ravindran Left With 10 Bigs

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Dilip Ravindran is left with just under 600,000 after losing a sizable pot to Aditya Prasetyo moments ago.  Ravindran made calls on both the flop and the turn of a board  reading K♣ J 9 3 Q♣, but folded the river when Aditya put out enough to put Ravindran all-in.

Dilip Ravindran - 590,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Here are up to the minute chip counts:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,600,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 2,900,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 1,300,000
  4. Aditya Prasetyo - 6,200,000
  5. Dilip Ravindran - 1,300,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Dilip Picks Off Cologna

Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

Mike Cologna is now the short stack among the five remaining players after a failed bluff against Dilip Ravindran.  On a board of K J 7 Q 7, Cologna put out a river bet of 375,000 (about half pot sized bet).  Dilip would talk to himself a little while thinking, but eventually put out the chips for a call.  Cologna would turn over A 4, while Ravindran would table K Q for the win.

Dilip Ravindran - 1,500,000 (30 bigs)
Mike Cologna - 1,000,000 (20 bigs)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Break Time

Players are on a (10) minute break, and when they return the blinds will be going up to 25,000/50,000/5,000 (3,100,000 chip average).  Here are the updated counts from break:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,000,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 3,500,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 1,700,000
  4. Aditya Prasetyo - 5,800,000
  5. Dilip Ravindran - 900,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 6th Place - Botticello ($19,691)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 5

John Botticello (Manalapan, NJ)
6th Place - $19,691

Justin Liberto opened the pot under the gun to 80,000, and get called in every except one (Cologna folded UTG +1).  The flop would come out 9♠ 5♠ 2♠, and both Milos and Justin would check.  John Botticello would be next to act and he would announce himself all-in (1,300,000).  Aditya Prasetyo was next to act, and he would stare down John's chips before also going all-in (3,800,000).  The table would fold behind and John would ask Aditya, "Ya on a draw?":

Flop: 9♠ 5♠ 2♠

Botticello: 5 5♣       Prasetyo: A♠ 6♠

Turn: Q♠

River: K♣

Botticello's set would be flushed out by Aditya, and John would be eliminated in sixth place.  With that pot Aditya would assume the chip lead, sitting with 5,500,000.

John wanted to make sure he said hello to his wife Kathy, and kids Brandon and John who are following the blog!

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Updated Counts

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Here are the updated counts with twenty minutes remaining in the level:

  1. Milos Scekic - 2,900,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 3,200,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 2,400,000
  4. John Botticello - 1,400,000
  5. Aditya Prasetyo - 3,800,000
  6. Dilip Ravindran - 1,500,000


Mike Cologna was the shortest stack at the table, but Justin Liberto just doubled him up moments ago.  On a board of 4 3 J♣ 5, Justin bet enough on the turn to put Mike all-in.  Cologna would think for a moment before making the call, and doubling up with A♠ J♣ against the 10 4 of Liberto.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 7th Place - Bryan ($16,638)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 6

Tim Bryan (Atlanta, GA)
7th Place - $16,638

Tim Bryan was the shortest stack at the table with less than fifteen bigs, and the action would fold around to him in the small blind.  He would put out a stack of yellow chips (325,000), and the action would be to John Botticello (second shortest in chips).  John would announce himself all-in, and Tim would actually take a few moments before putting in his final 190,000.  The two hands would be tabled:

Bryan: A 9           Botticello: 8 8♣

Flop: Q 4 3♠

Turn: 10

River: 3

Botticello would win the race and his pocket eights would hold up.  Botticello would chip up to 1,450,000 with the win, and now has over 30 bigs.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Mid-Level Chip Counts

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 7

Here are the updated chip counts half the way through Level 25:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,200,000
  2. Justin Liberto - 3,400,000
  3. Mike Cologna - 1,100,000
  4. Tim Bryan - 575,000
  5. John Botticello - 600,000
  6. Aditya Prasetyo - 3,400,000
  7. Dilip Ravindran - 1,700,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 8th Place - Lind ($13,895)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 7

Staffan Lind (Vero Beach, FL)
8th Place - $13,895

Staffan Lind would open under the gun to 80,000, and the action would quickly fold around to Milos Scekic in the big blind.  Milos would three-bet to 300,000 and watch as Lind put together a sizable four-bet and pushed it across the line.  Milos would then five-bet all-in (having Lind covered) and Staffan would toss one yellow chip across the line signifying a call:

Milos: A♠ A        Staffan: K♣ K

Flop: Q J 3

Turn: 6

River: 4

Staffan would run into a cooler as his kings were trailing at every point throughout the hand.  This was his second final table of the series, and he collecting a chip lead bonus ($1,000) during the Big Stax 300.

Milos is now over 3,200,000 with his new found chips, and players begin to spread out a get a little more comfortable at this seven handed final table.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): 9th Place - Zambanini ($10,399)

Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 8

Matthew Zambanini (Wilmington, DE)
9th Place - $10,399

The action would fold around to Aditya Prasetyo on the button, and he would open the pot for a 80,000 raise.  Matthew Zambanini was next to act in the small blind and would three-bet shove his remaining stack.  Dilip Ravindran would fold the big blind, and after asking for a count (580,000 total), Prasetyo announced a call:

Aditya: K♠ Q        Matthew: K 10

Flop: A 9♠ J♣

Turn: 8

River: J♠

The flop would bring no extra outs for Zambanini, but he would turn the flush draw for a sweat going into the river.  The board pairing on the river would not help, and Matthew would be the first player to leave Day 3.  Aditya would add Matthew's chips to his stack, and he is now the chip leader with just under 4,000,000.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Who Are They?

Level 24 is about to end, with blinds going up to 20,000/40,000/5,000 (1,700,000 chip average).  Here is a look (an actual look), of the remaining final table players:


Seat 1 - Milos Scekic

Seat 2 - Staffan Lind

Seat 3 - Justin Liberto

Seat 4 - Mike Cologna

Seat 5 - Tim Bryan

Seat 6 - John Botticello

Seat 7 - Aditya Prasetyo

Seat 8 - Matthew Zambanini

Seat 9 - Dilip Ravindran








Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Action Underway Momentarily

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 9

The clock has 16:49 remaining in this level, which was the time when Greg Himmelbrand got eliminated last night.  Players are now taking their chips out of their bags, with the exception of Tim Bryan (who has yet to arrive).  Cards will be in the air in a matter of minutes and the final table play will begin.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Liberto Leads The Way

When Kevin "Kevmath" Mathers throws a Tweet out there, the poker world is put on notice.  Many eyes will be on the coverage of the final table, as Justin Liberto continues a torrid month of tournament poker.  Liberto leads the way going into Day 3 with 3,800,000, but there are eight other players that aren't willing to hand Justin the trophy just for showing up.  Cards will be in the air at 1:00pm, and live coverage will be bringing every moment at the final table.


Big Stax 1500 (Day 3): Final Table Chip Counts


DAY 3 Table Order
Total Players:  311 Total Remaining: 9
Total Chips: 15,550,000 Avereage Chips: 1,727,778
Name Last Name Hometown  Chip Count Table # Seat #
Milos Scekic Massapequa,NY 2,695,000 57 1
Staffan Lind Vero Beach,FL 1,015,000 57 2
Justin Liberto Baltimore,MD 3,800,000 57 3
Mike Cologna Freehold,NJ 780,000 57 4
Tim Bryan Atlanta,GA 700,000 57 5
John Botticello Manalapan,NJ 915,000 57 6
Aditya Prasetyo Cambridge,MA 3,305,000 57 7
Matthew Zambanini Wilmington,DE 1,445,000 57 8
Dilip Ravindran Jersey City,NJ 680,000 57 9

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Himmelbrand Busts Final Stage Of Night

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 9

Greg Himmelbrand was never able to gain traction after losing what was a crucial spot (88 < QQ to Botticello), and he busted in the very late stages of Day 2:

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Final Hands

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

At one point it looked like the night was going to be over about two hours ago, but since deciding to play down to nine players, it's Level 24 that ends first.  Players will play their final hands of the night and then bag/tag for Day 3 tomorrow at 1:00pm.

Updated chip counts (End of Day 2) will be posted once the counts are verified.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10 

Updated final table chip counts:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,000,000
  2. Staffan Lind - 1,100,000
  3. Justin Liberto - 3,400,000
  4. Greg Himmelbrand - 500,000
  5. Mike Cologna - 850,000
  6. Tim Bryan - 680,000
  7. John Botticello - 990,000
  8. Aditya Prasetyo - 2,600,000
  9. Matthew Zambanini - 500,000
  10. Dilip Ravindran - 1,600,000

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Botticello Doubles Again

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

John Botticello pushed once more, this time over the open of Greg Himmelbrand (for 430,000).  Greg was clearly on the fence about calling, and John's table talk almost got Himmelbrand to fold (according to what Greg said).  Greg would eventually put a pile of chips in, and he'd be behind with 88 against the QQ of Botticello.  John's pocket queens would hold, and he is now over 1,000,000.  Greg is now the short stack at the tabled with under 400,000.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Botticello Doubles Second Hand Back

Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Players Remaining: 10

John Botticello had less than ten bigs, and shoved over Justin Liberto's 60,000 open.  Justin would quickly make the call when action folded back around, and he'd have John dominated with AK v. A6.  The flop would give John the lead (A 6 3), and he would hold for the double to 430,000.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Break/Chip Counts

Level 24 will begin after players return from a (10) minute break.  The blinds will be going up to 15,000/30,000/5,000 (1,555,000 chip average).  Here are the updated chip counts from break:

  1. Milos Scekic - 3,100,000
  2. Staffan Lind - 1,200,000
  3. Justin Liberto - 3,300,000
  4. Greg Himmelbrand - 1,000,000
  5. Mike Cologna - 1,000,000
  6. Tim Bryan - 570,000
  7. John Botticello - 295,000
  8. Aditya Prasetyo - 2,300,000
  9. Matthew Zambanini - 595,000
  10. Dilip Ravindran - 1,800,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Here are the updated final table chip counts:

  1. Milos Scekic - 1,700,000
  2. Staffan Lind - 2,400,000
  3. Justin Liberto - 3,500,000
  4. Greg Himmelbrand - 800,000
  5. Mike Cologna - 1,000,000
  6. Tim Bryan - 410,000
  7. John Botticello - 310,000
  8. Aditya Prasetyo - 2,500,000
  9. Matthew Zambanini - 580,000
  10. Dilip Ravindran - 2,000,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Bryan Doubles

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Tim Bryan shoved his remaining 190,000 over an open from Staffan Lind, and when the action folded around the Lind he would begrudgingly make the call.  The short stack at the table would get the double as his AA > A4 of Lind.

Wiith Bryan getting over 400,000, that leaves John Botticello as the shortest stack of the bunch (380,000).

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Starting Off At A Crawl

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Since going to the final table the action has been fairly slow, with not many flops seen at all.  Only a few hands have gone to showdown, as players will make a pay jump with the next elimination.  Tim Bryan is the short stack at the final table with just over 10 big blinds.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Final Table Lineup

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Here is the Big Stax 1500 final table:

  1. Milos Scekic
  2. Staffan Lind
  3. Justin Liberto
  4. Greg Himmelbrand
  5. Mike Cologna
  6. Tim Bryan
  7. John Botticello
  8. Aditya Prasetyo
  9. Matthew Zambanini
  10. Dilip Ravindran (who wants to say hello to his wife Preethu following the blog)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Tryba Eliminated/Final Table Reached

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 10

Staffan Lind opened the pot from the button to 60,000, and was three-bet by Chris Tryba to 130,000.  Lind would then four-bet to 330,000...followed by a five-bet all-in for 800,000 by Chris.  Staffan would make the call and Chris's AQ < AK of Lind.  Tryba would get his first cash at Parx (in his first tournament played here), and will be leaving for Las Vegas $7,611 richer.

The players are now redrawing seats at the final table, and have agreed to bag chips after the next elimination.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 11

Here are the up to the minute chip counts:

Table 46:

  1. Matthew Zambanini - 430,000
  2. Staffan Lind - 1,600,000
  3. Chris Tryba - 900,000
  4. Justin Liberto - 3,500,000
  5. Greg Himmelbrand - 700,000
Table 51:
  1. Aditya Prasetyo - 2,400,000
  2. John Botticello - 500,000
  3. Tim Bryan - 300,000
  4. Dilip Ravindran - 1,800,000
  5. Mike Cologna - 1,130,000
  6. Milos Scekic - 1,700,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): 13th-15th Places ($6,239)

The following players have cashed in the event for $6,239:

13. Bobby Oboodi (Morris Plains, NJ)
14. James Kaplan (Boca Raton, FL)
15. Sean Smith (Conshohocken, PA)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Oboodi & Mendelsohn Eliminated

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 11

Bobby Oboodi (Morris Plains, NJ) shoved his less than ten big stack in pre from the cutoff, and was flatted by Justin Liberto (small blind).  The action would fold behind and the two hands would be tabled.  Bobby's A 3 < A A of Liberto, and the WPT champ would be eliminated in 13th place ($6,239).

While Bobby was walking over to the podium, Dalip Ravindran and Peter Mendelsohn would get the chips in on the flop of 5 6♠ 9.  Meldelsohn would table A 8 (combo draw), while Dalip would turn over 6 6 (set of sixes).  Mendelsohn would hit his flush on the turn, but he would be drawing dead as the same card that made his hand gave Dalip a full house.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Bryan Survives

Level 23 (Blinds 12,000/24,000/4,000)
Players Remaining: 13

Tim Bryan (375,000) and Bobby Oboodi (190,000) are the shortest stacks remaining, and Bryan found a lucky river to stick around.  Bryan got his A 10 all-in pre against the A J of Prasetyo, but the board would run out Q 8 3 3 3, and the two players would chop the hand.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Break Time (Chip Counts)

Players are going on a (10) minute break, and when they return the blinds will have gone up to 12,000/24,000/4,000.  Here are updated chip counts going into break:

Table 46:

  1. Matthew Zambanini - 700,000 (Matt wanted to say hello to his girlfriend)
  2. Staffan Lind - 2,400,000
  3. Bobby Oboodi - 370,000
  4. Chris  Tryba - 580,000
  5. Jusitn Liberto - 2,800,000
  6. Greg Himmelbrand - 700,000
Table 51:
  1. Aditya Prasetyo - 2,300,000
  2. John Boticcello - 750,000
  3. Tim Bryan - 420,000
  4. Peter Mendelsohn - 700,000
  5. Dilip Ravindran - 1,000,000
  6. Mike Cologna - 1,300,000
  7. Milos Scekic - 1,600,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Run Like Liberto

Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Players Remaining: 13

As the chip counts were being collected, the pot of the tournament was unfolding at Table 46.  The action would be picked up on the river, as Justin Liberto had just put James Kaplan all-in for his tournament life.  The board read 8 7 J 8 K, and James was talking out loud, saying that he was actually thinking about folding a full house.  He continued to think for a short while before making the call and seeing that Liberto had rivered a full house with KK.  James would show the table that he had J 8 before wishing everyone good luck and walking to get paid.

This is James' second super deep run in this Big Stax series, chopping the Big Stax 500 earlier this week for $40,000.  James collects $6,239 for his 14th place finish.

Justin Liberto - 2,800,000
Jame Kaplan - Eliminated

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Smith Sent Home

Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Players Remaining: 14

Mike Cologna opened the button to 45,000, and was subsequently three-bet by Milos Scekic to 100,000 (from the small blind).  Akash Seth was in the big blind, and he would four-bet all-in for just over 200,000.  Cologna would fold behind, and the hands would be tabled after Scekic made the call. Seth's A 10  < 8 8 of Milos and Akash would be eliminated in 15th place (taking home $6,239).

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): 16th-18th Places ($5,310)

The following players cashed in the event for $5,310:

16. Alex Bolotin (Brooklyn, NY)
17. Jewook Oh (New York, NY)
18. Akash Seth (New York, NY)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Bolotin Eliminated

Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Players Remaining: 15

Alex Bolotin (Brooklyn, NY) had just over ten bigs in front of him, and when he pushed from the button, he was called by Staffan Lind in the big blind:

Bolotin: K Q       Lind: K J

Flop: A J 6

Turn: 6

River: K

Lind would outflow Alex to take the lead, and Bolotin was not able to find a runout to keep him in the tournament.  This is Alex's first tournament cash at Parx, to now add to what is already an incredible resume.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Kaplan's Back

Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Players Remaining: 17

James Kaplan had just over 20 big blinds, and got his remaining 564,000 in pre against Chris Tryba.  The two hands were tabled:

Tryba: A♣K         Kaplan: 5♣5♠

Flop: 10♣ J♠ Q♣

Turn: Q♠

River: 5

Tryba was in supreme shape, event having Kaplan's runner-club outs covered.  James would need to go perfect-perfect to make a full-house and win...and that's the exact runout he got.  The reaction over the river was more from the table than it was from the two players involved in the hand, as both continued on pretty straight faced as the chips were counted and shifted over James's way.

James Kaplan - 1,100,000
Chris Tryba - 800,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Final Two Tables

Level 22 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Players Remaining: 17

Here is the updated seating assignments and chip counts for the final eighteen players:

Table 46:
  1. Jewook Oh - 200,000
  2. Alex Bolotin - 300,000
  3. Staffan Lind - 1,100,000
  4. Bobby Oboodi - 380,000
  5. Chris Tryba - 1,350,000
  6. Justin Liberto - 1,300,000
  7. James Kaplan - 525,000
  8. Greg Himmelbrand - 790,000
Table 51:
  1. Sean Smith - 200,000
  2. Aditya Prasetyo - 1,900,000
  3. Matthew Zambanini - 390,000
  4. John Botticello - 700,000
  5. Tim Bryan - 290,000
  6. Peter Mendelsohn - 1,100,000
  7. Dalip Ravindran - 1,100,000
  8. Mike Cologna - 1,700,000
  9. Milos Skekic - 1,300,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): 19th-21st Places ($4,646)

The following players have cashed in the event for $4,646

19.  Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ)
20. Matt Glantz (Lafayette Hill, PA)
21. Chris Odle (Middletown, DE)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Back From Dinner

After the dinner break 20 players remain.  The blinds for Level 22 are 10,000/20,000/3,000 and the chip average is 777,500.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Chip Counts After Dinner Break

Table 46

  1. Chris Tryba - 1,045,000
  2. Greg Himmelbrand - 345,000
  3. EMPTY
  4. Antonio Payne - 120,000
  5. Milos Scekic - 1,300,000
  6. Tim Bryan - 225,000
  7. Jewook Oh - 200,000
  8. EMPTY
  9. EMPTY  
Table 51
  1. EMPTY
  2. EMPTY
  3. Dilip Ravindran - 925,000
  4. Justin Liberto - 1,250,000
  5. Alex Bolotin - 349,000
  6. Bahbak Oboodi - 560,000
  7. Akash Seth - 130,000
  8. Matt Zambanini - 390,000
  9. Aditya Prasetyo - 1570,000
Table 54
  1. Mike Cologna - 1,659,000
  2. Peter Mendelsohn - 1,120,000
  3. EMPTY
  4. Sean Smith - 250,000
  5. James Kaplan - 1,510,000
  6. Staffan Lind - 730,000
  7. John Botticello - 1,143,000
  8. Matt Glantz - 510,000
  9. EMPTY

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): 22nd-24th Places ($4,160)

The following players have cashed in the event for $4,160:

22.  Yervand (Chris) Boyadjian (Queens, NY)
23.  Matt Itkin (Oceanside, NY)
24.  She Wong (Queens, NY)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Time For Dinner

Players are going on a (75) minute dinner break, and when they return the blinds will go up to 10,000/20,000/3,000. Updated chip counts for the remaining field will be posted shortly thereafter.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): 25-26th Places ($3,673)

The following players have cashed in the event for $3,673:

25. Terry Grimes (New Rochelle, NJ)
26. Will Failla (Commack, NY)

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Seating Assignments

Players are once again seated, and action is about to resume. Here are the table lineups for the final 27 players:

Table 46

  1. Chris Tryba
  2. Greg Himmelbrand
  3. Matthew Zambanini
  4. Antonio Payne
  5. Milos Scekic
  6. Tim Bryan
  7. Jewook Oh
  8. Bahbak Oboodi
  9. Chris Odle  
Table 51
  1. Terry Grimes
  2. Will Failla
  3. Dilip Ravindran
  4. Justin Liberto
  5. Alex Bolotin
  6. She Wong
  7. Akash Seth
  8. Yervand (Chris) Boyadjian
  9. Aditya Prasetyo
Table 54
  1. Mike Cologna
  2. Peter Mendelsohn
  3. Matt Itkin
  4. Sean Smith
  5. James Kaplan
  6. Staffan Lind
  7. John Botticello
  8. Matt Glantz
  9. Michael Quibble

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Redraw At 27

Level 21 (Blinds 8,000/16,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 27

The clock is now paused as the field size is now 27, and players are racking their chips and finding new seating assignments. An updated table draw will be posted momentarily.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Blinds Climbing

Level 21 begins with 28 players left, leaving the field one away from a complete redraw at 27.  Blinds are increasing to 8,000/16,000/2,000, with a chip average of 560,000. Players are only two away from the money, so with the next elimination, players will be hand-for-hand.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 20 (Blinds 6,000/12,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 29

29 players remain with 15 minutes left in level 20.  Here are some updated chip counts as we approach the money bubble.

Matt Glantz - 1,150,000
Aditya Prasetyo - 1,100,000
Mike Cologna - 1,300,000
John Botticello - 1,200,000
Chris Tryba - 980,000

Big Stax (Day 2): Tough Times for Taylor

Level 20 (Blinds 6,000/12,000/2,000)
Players Remaining: 32

The last female player in the field Esther Taylor (Havertown, PA), was eliminated 10 minutes into level 20, leaving 32 players remaining (only six away from the money).

Justin Liberto had been grinding a stack of 20 bigs for almost all of today's play, but he's chipped up and once again put himself in contention (6,000). Justin is looking to cash in all three trophy events this series, and is also looking to make his second final table of the series.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Gimme a Break

The players are on a 15 minute break before starting Level 20.  Some updated chip counts at the break:

Aditya Prasetyo  -  1,200,000
Mike Cologna  - 1,100,000
Staffan Lind  -  925,000
Matt Glantz  -  765,000

When players return from break the blinds will be going up to 6,000/12,000/2,000 (chip average is 471,000).

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Shrinking Down

Level 19 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 33

Steven Sarmiento (Queens,NY) was eliminated leaving just 33 players mid-way through Level 19.  His elimination resulted in the break of table 50 and players were reseated at one of the four active tables remaining.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 19 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 35

Updated chip counts midway through Level 19:

Mike Cologna - 1,250,000
Matt Zambanini - 810,000
Bobby Oboodi - 650,000
James Kaplan - 590,000
She Lok Wong - 520,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Brewer Busts

Level 19 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 38

Christine Brewer was eliminated from the field moments ago, and she relayed the hand via Twitter:


Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Level Up

Level 19 is about to begin, with the blinds going up to 5,000/10,000/1,000 (370,000 chip average).  There are 39 players remaining going into the level, and with the money bubble creeping up, the action should stay at this slow (yet deliberate) pace.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Millionaires Club

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 42

Mike Cologna (Chip leader)

Mike Cologna (Freehold, NJ) is the first player to eclipse the 1,000,000 chip mark.  He's currently sitting with 1,170,000, and is almost 300,000 clear of is nearest competitor.

As the Cologna entry was being entered, Parx regular and tournament pro Ray Ross was eliminated from play.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Photo Shop

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 42

Day 2 photo-ops from Level 18:

She Lok Wong

Jack Duong

Chris Tryba

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 43

Here are updated counts midway through the level:

Matt Itkin - 675,000
Bobby Oboodi - 605,000
Terry Grimes - 530,000
Chris Tryba - 505,000
David Johnston - 490,000
Laurence Wolf - 395,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Dobrolovic Eliminated

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 47

Tom Dobrolivic (West Nyack, NY) has just been eliminated from Table 54, which means with the next bustout another table will be broken.  Table 55, which was earlier touted as the toughest in the room, will be the next to break

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Trending Up

Level 18 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 48

Both Will Failla and Bobby Oboodi came into the day with above average stacks, but dropped slightly to start the day.  The two accomplished tournament players are now beginning to rise up the leaderboard, as their updated stacks have Oboodi at 560,000 and Failla at 450,000.

Prior to break, Parx regular Jack Duong was short stacked, but found himself on the better end of set-over-set, and he now has over 360,000 in front of him.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): It's Break Time

Players are on their first break of the day (10 minutes), and when they return the blinds in Level 18 will be going up to 4,000/8,000/1,000 (283,000 chip average).  Here are some updated counts from the field:

Mike Cologna - 800,000
Aditya Prasetyo - 770,000
James Kaplan - 705,000
She Long Wok - 610,000
Greg Himmelbrand - 560,000
Esther Taylor - 360,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Cappuccio Busts

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 51

Joe Cappuccio updates his status via Twitter:

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Kaplan On The Same Path

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 55

James Kaplan

James Kaplan already has a Big Stax final table during this series, and he's beginning to set his sights on another one.  Kaplan started the day with a little over 120,000, but now has close to 600,000.  The action was picked up on the river, with a board of 3♠ 9 6 6♠ 5.  There was about 250,000 in the pot already, and Vitaly Kovyazin had checked to James.

Kaplan thought for a few moments, and then decided to check back.  Vitaly was very slow to table his hand, so James turned over his pocket sevens, which would be good for the win (and the chip lead).

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Bolotin Doubles Through Glantz

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 56

Alex Bolotin

Alex Bolotin was hovering around the 20-25 big blind level, but just got a little boost as his QQ > KK of Matt Glantz after spiking a queen on the river.  Bolotin would double to 190,000 while Matt Glantz would be knocked down under 100,000.



Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Work To Do

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 56

The action has slowed down considerably since losing almost fifteen players in the first level of the day.  The players will all the chips usually get most of the limelight, but there are players scratching to stay alive and build stacks as well:

Justin Liberto - 140,000
Jack Duong - 135,000
Kyle Bowker - 125,000
Joe Cappuccio - 120,000
Antonio Payne - 105,000
Tim Ward - 70,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Twitter Updates

Level 17 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/1,000)
Players Remaining: 56

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts/Level Up

The first level of the day is in the books, and the blinds in Level 17 are going up to 3,000/6,000/1,000 (59 players remain).  While both Day 1 chip leader have remained close to their starting stack for the day, a few new names are jumping to the top of the list:

Greg Himmelbrand - 590,000
Mike Cologna - 580,000
Esther Taylor - 490,000
Matt Itkin - 450,000

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Very Quick Action

Level 16 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Players Remaining: 59

Players are busting at a very rapid pace, as two tables have already been broken (with notables to bust including Vinny Longo, Joe Palma, and Tarun Gulati).  When tables do end up breaking, the common theme is forming really strong lineups.  That is a exactly what happened at Table 55, with every player at the table considered a "notable:"


  1. Emad Alabsi
  2. Greg Himmelbrand
  3. Christine Brewer
  4. Barry Leventhal
  5. Stephanie Hubbard
  6. Joe Cappuccio
  7. She Lok Wong

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Payouts

Big Stax VI Series - Big Stax 1500
May 16-19, 2014

Total Entries: 311
Total Prize Fund: $442,505

Payouts:

  1. $118,725
  2. $70,845
  3. $44,029
  4. $32,027
  5. $25,002
  6. $19,691
  7. $16,638
  8. $13,895
  9. $10,399
10-12. $7,611
13-15. $6,239
16-18. $5,310
19-21. $4,646
22-24. $4,160
25-26. $3,673

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Hardly Time To Settle

Level 16 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Players Remaining: 67

There have been a handful of bustouts in the first (20) minutes of the day, including Alan Kraut and Jeff Gross:


Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Coming Back On Top

Level 16 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Players Remaining: 70

The history of chip leaders in these Big Stax events has been a rocky one, with many having difficulty making it to Day 3.  The two players have have this task are:

Day 1A Chip Leader Mike Cologna

Day 1B Chip Leader Matt Itkin

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): And They're Off

Level 16 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Total Entries: 311

The tournament director has just announced the beginning of Day 2, and the cards are now in the air.  The levels to start the day are (60) minutes, until the beginning of Level 21 when they transition to (90) minutes.

A handful of players are still getting settled in, while others have yet to arrive to their seats.  For those keeping track, there were two entries that bought in this morning.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Starting Time

Players who have bagged chips at the end of Day 1A/1B (and those who choose to buy in this morning) will be returning to the poker room for a 12:00pm start.  Players will be returning to Level 15 and blinds of 2,500/5,000/500.  The field is still stacked with notable players throughout, and all of the Day 2 action with be covered, beginning when the first card is pitched off the deck.

Big Stax 1500 (Day 2): Day 2 Table Draw/Chip Counts


DAY 2 Table Order
Total Players:  309 Total Remaining: 71
Total Chips: 15,450,000 Avereage Chips: 217,606
First Name Last Name Hometown  Chip Count Table # Seat #
Igor Skochilo Astoria,NY 123,500 45 1
Ray  Ross Maple Glen,PA 232,000 45 2
Christopher Tryba Evergreen, CO 342,000 45 3
Dennis O'Brien Abington,PA 96,000 45 4
Justin Liberto Baltimore,MD 175,000 45 5
Peter Mendelsohn Oakland Gardens,NY 199,500 45 6
Steven Sarmiento Queens,NY 133,500 45 7
Yervand Boyadjian Queens,NY 513,000 45 8
EMPTY 45 9
Vitaly Kovyazin Brooklyn,NY 183,000 46 1
Bahbak Oboodi Morris Plains,NJ 292,000 46 2
James Kaplan Boca Raton,FL 120,500 46 3
Antonio Payne Hazlet,NJ 175,000 46 4
Michael Quibble Ledyard,CT 429,000 46 5
Terry Grimes New Rochelle 338,000 46 6
Staffan Lind Vero Beach,FL 453,500 46 7
Joseph  Wertz Absecon,NJ 296,500 46 8
EMPTY 46 9




47 1
Scott McCurdy Charlotte,NC 106,500 47 2
Michael Matrone Morganville,NJ 284,000 47 3
Peter  Mimmo Meadowbrook,PA 46,500 47 4
Alex Bolotin Brooklyn,NY 179,000 47 5
Timothy Ward Bridgewater,NJ 108,000 47 6
Chris Odle Middletown,DE 247,000 47 7
Matt Itkin Oceanside,NY 519,500 47 8
EMPTY 47 9
Frank Argano Miami Beach 123,000 50 1
Sean Smith Conshuhocken,PA 162,000 50 2
Ken  Silberstein Edison,NJ 87,500 50 3
Milos Scekic Massapequa,NY 124,000 50 4
Stephanie Hubbard Hazlet,NJ 200,500 50 5
Jack Duong South Plainfield,NJ 199,500 50 6
Jewook Oh New York,NY 121,000 50 7
Phil Marsico East Rutherford,NJ 129,500 50 8
EMPTY 50 9
Akash Seth New York,NY 115,500 51 1
Gino Gesso Woodbridge,NJ 40,500 51 2
Tim Bryan Atlanta,GA 144,500 51 3
Joseph LaPinta Toms River,NJ 77,000 51 4
David Johnston Absecon,NJ 413,500 51 5
Aditya Prasetyo Cambridge,MA 324,000 51 6
Michael Melkersen New Market,VA 52,500 51 7
Tom Martinson Ft. Ann,NY 220,000 51 8
EMPTY 51 9
Robert McLaughlin Washington,DC 172,500 52 1
Royce Cohen Bensalem,PA 280,000 52 2
Michael Cohen Manalapan,NJ 122,000 52 3
Matt Glantz Lafayette Hill,PA 194,500 52 4
Tyler Gaston Westerville,OH 366,500 52 5
David Grandieri Danbury,CT 132,000 52 6
Emad Alabsi Cleveland,OH 113,000 52 7
She Wong Queens,NY 357,000 52 8
EMPTY 52 9
Matthew Zambanini Wilmington,DE 308,000 53 1
Kevin Bressler Wayne,PA 165,500 53 2
Christine Brewer Port Monmouth,NJ 228,000 53 3
Sheldon Gross Hillsboro Beach,FL 369,500 53 4
Jeff Gross Wall,NJ 59000 53 5
Roland Israelashvili New York,NY 202,000 53 6
Michael Handwerker Roslyn,NY 473,500 53 7
Esther Taylor Havertown 222,500 53 8
EMPTY 53 9
Dilip Ravindran Jersey City,NJ 322,000 54 1
Kyle Bowker Walton,NY 140,500 54 2
Vinny Longo East Hanover,NJ 146,000 54 3
Will "The Thrill" Failla Smithtown 261,500 54 4
Tom Dobrilovic West Nyack,NY 82,000 54 5
Mike Cologna Freehold,NJ 694,500 54 6
John Botticello Manalapan,NJ 177,000 54 7
Laurence Wolf Annapolis,MD 249,000 54 8
EMPTY 54 9
Tarvin Gulati Glastonbury,CT 101,500 55 1
Travis Greenawalt Landisville,PA 68,500 55 2
Greg Himmelbrand Queens,NY 434,000 55 3
EMPTY 55 4
Barry Leventh Brooklyn,NY 214,000 55 5
Alan Kraut Doylestown,PA 112,000 55 6
Joseph "Worm" Palma Bensalem,PA 141,500 55 7
Joseph Cappuccio Hammonton,NJ 255,500 55 8
EMPTY 55 9