Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Winner
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Winner
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Championship Event Final Table Recap
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
"It's fantastic, said Billy O'Neil, who usually plays the $600/$1,200 HOSE or $50/$100 NL cash games. "I got real lucky, what can I say."
It was anything but luck for the College Park, MD resident, when he beat Mirza Nagji (New York, NY) for the championship, crystal trophy and gold bracelet. Early in heads-up play, on a board of Q J 4 2 J, O'Neil bet 700k and Nagji called. O'Neil turned over 6 6 for the winner as Nagji mucked his hand and lost the 2 million chip pot.
"It was the first big pot we played," said O'Neil, who increased the slight chip advantage he had when heads-up play began. "That hand gave me a lot of momentum."
Shortly after that, the final hand unfolded on a board of 2♥ 4♣ 7♣ 6♦ 8♦. Nagji led out for 550k and O'Neil reraised to 2 million, putting Nagji all-in.
After a short pause, Nagji called only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucked the hand and settled for second place and $104,620.
"I wouldn't have called that last bet," laughed Nagji while he relived the final table. "Either he had the straight or he didn't. Up until the eight came out, I had top pair," he said after revealing he had J 7 on the final hand.
The day started with a bang as short stack Joshua Hakakian, a Pennsylvania resident, moved all-in on the first hand with AK suited, only to be eliminated by the AA of Frank Dellaria (Burgettstown, PA). After that, O'Neil took over the final table and eliminated 6 of the 8 remaining players.
O'Neil knocked out Ed Corrado (Naples, FL - 9th place), Dean Potashner (Morristown, NJ - 8th), John Borzio (Robbinsville, NJ - 6th), Steven Curtin (Indian Trail, NC - 5th), Mike Melkersen (Harrisonburg, VA - 4th) and Nagji to win the championship.
Nagji eliminated Dellaria (7th) and Todd Geddis (Asotria, NY - 3rd) to set the stage for heads-up play. Geddis is also a Borgata regular who won an on-line contest for his Championship Event entry and free-rolled his way to a $51,687 pay day.
The tournament began with 321 players and put the total buy-in at $642,000. The deep stacks (30k starting chips) and long levels (75 minutes on Days 2, 3 & 4) is one reason why players travel from as far away as Virginia, North Carolina and Florida to play at Borgata.
In the end, the two finalists have the best tournament results of their careers, both in position and money won. "When you make it that far in a tournament, with that good a competition," says Nagji, "it says a lot for yourself on how good you are and is a nice little ego boost."
"It's great, fantastic," adds O'Neil. "It's nice when somebody who plays here regularly wins any of these tournaments, ever. Because they're local and they play in the games, maybe they'll step up a little, play higher (limits)."
Dozens of people, both players and casino associates, went out of their way to congratulate O'Neil. They were thrilled to see one of their own take down the Championship Event, something he genuinely appreciated.
The Borgata Summer Poker Open still has two more champions to crown as Event 21 is still ongoing in the poker room, while Event 22 gets underway 12 pm Wednesday.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Players traveled great distances to play in the Summer Poker Open Championship Event, and after four long days of poker, it's a Borgata regular high stakes player who wins the title and the $180,595 first prize."It's fantastic, said Billy O'Neil, who usually plays the $600/$1,200 HOSE or $50/$100 NL cash games. "I got real lucky, what can I say."
It was anything but luck for the College Park, MD resident, when he beat Mirza Nagji (New York, NY) for the championship, crystal trophy and gold bracelet. Early in heads-up play, on a board of Q J 4 2 J, O'Neil bet 700k and Nagji called. O'Neil turned over 6 6 for the winner as Nagji mucked his hand and lost the 2 million chip pot.
"It was the first big pot we played," said O'Neil, who increased the slight chip advantage he had when heads-up play began. "That hand gave me a lot of momentum."
Shortly after that, the final hand unfolded on a board of 2♥ 4♣ 7♣ 6♦ 8♦. Nagji led out for 550k and O'Neil reraised to 2 million, putting Nagji all-in.
After a short pause, Nagji called only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucked the hand and settled for second place and $104,620.
"I wouldn't have called that last bet," laughed Nagji while he relived the final table. "Either he had the straight or he didn't. Up until the eight came out, I had top pair," he said after revealing he had J 7 on the final hand.
The day started with a bang as short stack Joshua Hakakian, a Pennsylvania resident, moved all-in on the first hand with AK suited, only to be eliminated by the AA of Frank Dellaria (Burgettstown, PA). After that, O'Neil took over the final table and eliminated 6 of the 8 remaining players.
O'Neil knocked out Ed Corrado (Naples, FL - 9th place), Dean Potashner (Morristown, NJ - 8th), John Borzio (Robbinsville, NJ - 6th), Steven Curtin (Indian Trail, NC - 5th), Mike Melkersen (Harrisonburg, VA - 4th) and Nagji to win the championship.
Nagji eliminated Dellaria (7th) and Todd Geddis (Asotria, NY - 3rd) to set the stage for heads-up play. Geddis is also a Borgata regular who won an on-line contest for his Championship Event entry and free-rolled his way to a $51,687 pay day.
The tournament began with 321 players and put the total buy-in at $642,000. The deep stacks (30k starting chips) and long levels (75 minutes on Days 2, 3 & 4) is one reason why players travel from as far away as Virginia, North Carolina and Florida to play at Borgata.
In the end, the two finalists have the best tournament results of their careers, both in position and money won. "When you make it that far in a tournament, with that good a competition," says Nagji, "it says a lot for yourself on how good you are and is a nice little ego boost."
"It's great, fantastic," adds O'Neil. "It's nice when somebody who plays here regularly wins any of these tournaments, ever. Because they're local and they play in the games, maybe they'll step up a little, play higher (limits)."
Dozens of people, both players and casino associates, went out of their way to congratulate O'Neil. They were thrilled to see one of their own take down the Championship Event, something he genuinely appreciated.
The Borgata Summer Poker Open still has two more champions to crown as Event 21 is still ongoing in the poker room, while Event 22 gets underway 12 pm Wednesday.
Borgata Summer Poker Open
Championship Event Final Table Results
Place-Name-Amount
1. Billy O'Neil,$ 180,595
2. Mirza Nagji, $ 104,620
3. Todd Geddis, $ 51,687
4. Mike Melkersen $ 43,592
5. Steven Curtin $ 37,364
6. John Borzio $ 31,137
7. Frank Dellaria $ 24,910
8. Dean Potashner $ 18,683
9. Ed Corrado $ 12,456
10. Joshua Hakakian $ 8,096
Championship Event Final Table Results
Place-Name-Amount
1. Billy O'Neil,$ 180,595
2. Mirza Nagji, $ 104,620
3. Todd Geddis, $ 51,687
4. Mike Melkersen $ 43,592
5. Steven Curtin $ 37,364
6. John Borzio $ 31,137
7. Frank Dellaria $ 24,910
8. Dean Potashner $ 18,683
9. Ed Corrado $ 12,456
10. Joshua Hakakian $ 8,096
Champion - Billy O'Neil
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
1st - Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)
$180,595
2nd - Mirza Nagji (New York, NY)
$104,620
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
1st - Billy O'Neil (College Park, MD)$180,595
After 30 minutes of heads-up play Billy O'Neil beats Mirza Nagji to win the Borgata Summer Poker Open Championship Event.
From the button O'Neil makes it 200k with blinds at 40k/80k/5k ante and Nagji calls.
Flop: 2♥ 4c♣ 7♣
Both players check.
Turn: 6♦
Nagji leads out for 250k and O'Neil calls.
River: 8♦
Nagji bets 550k and O'Neil reraises to 2 million, which puts Nagji all-in.
After a short pause, Nagji calls only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucks as he finishes in 2nd place.
From the button O'Neil makes it 200k with blinds at 40k/80k/5k ante and Nagji calls.
Flop: 2♥ 4c♣ 7♣
Both players check.
Turn: 6♦
Nagji leads out for 250k and O'Neil calls.
River: 8♦
Nagji bets 550k and O'Neil reraises to 2 million, which puts Nagji all-in.
After a short pause, Nagji calls only to see O'Neil's K♣ 5♠ for the winning straight. Nagji mucks as he finishes in 2nd place.
2nd - Mirza Nagji (New York, NY)$104,620
Event 18: $2000+$200 Championship Results
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em
June 25 - 29
Entries: 321 Total Buy-In: $642,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM ONEIL (COLLAGE PARK, MD): $180,595
2. MIRZA NAGJI (NEW YORK, NY): $104,620
3. TODD GEDDIS (ASTORIA, NY): $51,687
4. MICHAEL MELKERSEN (NEW MARKET, VA): $43,592
5. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $37,364
6. JOHN BORZIO (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): $31,137
7. FRANK DELLARIA (BURGETTSTOWN, PA): $24,910
8. DEAN POTASHNER (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $18,683
9. EDWARD CORRADO (NAPLES, FL): $12,456
10. JOSHUA HAKAKIAN (WARFORDSBURG, PA): $8,096
11. ALEX KUCHIK (BROOKLYN, NY): $8,096
12. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $8,096
13. LARRY NELSON (HARLEYSVILLE, PA): $6,227
14. JAMES OSTRANDER (SOUTHERN PINES, NC): $6,227
15. FLORENTINO DELEON JR (JOPPA, MD): $6,227
16. MARK HNATOV (HUNTINGTON, NY): $4,359
17. ANTHONY BALLETTA (SANIBEL, FL): $4,359
18. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): $4,359
19. TYNG LOW (FLUSHING, NY): $3,736
20. DANIEL LEE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,736
21. AZIZ WEHBEY (WHITEHALL, PA): $3,736
22. EDIP AYAZ (NEW MILFORD, NJ): $3,736
23. DANIEL FISCHER (GLASSBORO, NJ): $3,736
24. BEHROOZ JAMSHIDI (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $3,736
25. JOSEPH DADDARIO (CHESTERLAND, OH): $3,736
26. ARBEN KUPI (ELMHURST, NY): $3,736
27. SEAN KNITTER (FOX CHASE MNR, PA): $3,736
28. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): $3,114
29. JOHN DORAN (WOOLWICH TWP, NJ): $3,114
30. RICHARD MISKO (HOBOKEN, NJ): $3,114
31. BRYAN GREELEY (MASTIC BEACH, NY): $3,114
32. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $3,114
33. MICHAEL CONTESSA (ROCHELLE PARK, NJ): $3,114
34. BENJAMIN LUDWIG (SCHWENKSVILLE, PA): $3,114
35. JOSH SPIEGELMAN (PRINCETON, NJ): $3,114
36. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $3,114
Championship
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em
June 25 - 29
Entries: 321 Total Buy-In: $642,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM ONEIL (COLLAGE PARK, MD): $180,595
2. MIRZA NAGJI (NEW YORK, NY): $104,620
3. TODD GEDDIS (ASTORIA, NY): $51,687
4. MICHAEL MELKERSEN (NEW MARKET, VA): $43,592
5. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $37,364
6. JOHN BORZIO (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): $31,137
7. FRANK DELLARIA (BURGETTSTOWN, PA): $24,910
8. DEAN POTASHNER (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $18,683
9. EDWARD CORRADO (NAPLES, FL): $12,456
10. JOSHUA HAKAKIAN (WARFORDSBURG, PA): $8,096
11. ALEX KUCHIK (BROOKLYN, NY): $8,096
12. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $8,096
13. LARRY NELSON (HARLEYSVILLE, PA): $6,227
14. JAMES OSTRANDER (SOUTHERN PINES, NC): $6,227
15. FLORENTINO DELEON JR (JOPPA, MD): $6,227
16. MARK HNATOV (HUNTINGTON, NY): $4,359
17. ANTHONY BALLETTA (SANIBEL, FL): $4,359
18. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): $4,359
19. TYNG LOW (FLUSHING, NY): $3,736
20. DANIEL LEE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,736
21. AZIZ WEHBEY (WHITEHALL, PA): $3,736
22. EDIP AYAZ (NEW MILFORD, NJ): $3,736
23. DANIEL FISCHER (GLASSBORO, NJ): $3,736
24. BEHROOZ JAMSHIDI (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $3,736
25. JOSEPH DADDARIO (CHESTERLAND, OH): $3,736
26. ARBEN KUPI (ELMHURST, NY): $3,736
27. SEAN KNITTER (FOX CHASE MNR, PA): $3,736
28. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): $3,114
29. JOHN DORAN (WOOLWICH TWP, NJ): $3,114
30. RICHARD MISKO (HOBOKEN, NJ): $3,114
31. BRYAN GREELEY (MASTIC BEACH, NY): $3,114
32. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $3,114
33. MICHAEL CONTESSA (ROCHELLE PARK, NJ): $3,114
34. BENJAMIN LUDWIG (SCHWENKSVILLE, PA): $3,114
35. JOSH SPIEGELMAN (PRINCETON, NJ): $3,114
36. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $3,114
Event 22: $200+$30 NLH Final Results
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 30
Entries: 298 Total Buy-In: $59,600
FINAL RESULTS
1. JIMMY WONG (BROOKLYN, NY): $17,340
2. ANDREW BLAKE (BLOOMFIELD, NJ): $9,828
3. JACQUES MELKI (AVENEL, NJ): $5,405
4. NICHOLAS DITOMA (CORTLANDT MANOR, NY): $4,047
5. JOHN VALEVICH (BROOKLYN, NY): $3,469
6. ABRAHAM KOROTKI (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $2,891
7. JOSEPH FERRIGNO (MANCHESTER, NJ): $2,312
8. TOMMY COLAMARIA (BROOKLYN, NY): $1,734
9. LEONARDO CASTRILLON (KEW GARDENS, NY): $1,156
10. JOSEPH LOPES (WEST CREEK, NJ): $752
11. DAVID ZULLER (BROCKTON, MA): $752
12. ELISHA COHEN (NES ZIONA, ISR): $752
13. LUCAS WHEELER (NEW YORK, NY): $636
14. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $636
15. ROBERT ETTLINGER (ENOLA, PA): $636
16. GARY STEINBERG (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $520
17. ROMEO MONTANO (EATONTOWN, NJ): $520
18. PAUL DRIVER (NEW YORK, NY): $520
19. KANG SUN (EDISON, NJ): $434
20. KENNETH FERN (BROOKLYN, NY): $434
21. KONSTANTINE BASIOS (MINEOLA, NY): $434
22. MICHAEL BROWN (ALLENTOWN, PA): $434
23. JASON SCHULTZ (EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ): $434
24. KENNETH MIHALIK (BORDENTOWN, NJ): $434
25. GREGORY CANDIDO (CORTLANDT MNR, NY): $434
26. HEATHER EVERSON (WASHINGTON, DC): $434
27. SAMMY ELKASSIR (FORT LEE, NJ): $434
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 30
Entries: 298 Total Buy-In: $59,600
FINAL RESULTS
1. JIMMY WONG (BROOKLYN, NY): $17,340
2. ANDREW BLAKE (BLOOMFIELD, NJ): $9,828
3. JACQUES MELKI (AVENEL, NJ): $5,405
4. NICHOLAS DITOMA (CORTLANDT MANOR, NY): $4,047
5. JOHN VALEVICH (BROOKLYN, NY): $3,469
6. ABRAHAM KOROTKI (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $2,891
7. JOSEPH FERRIGNO (MANCHESTER, NJ): $2,312
8. TOMMY COLAMARIA (BROOKLYN, NY): $1,734
9. LEONARDO CASTRILLON (KEW GARDENS, NY): $1,156
10. JOSEPH LOPES (WEST CREEK, NJ): $752
11. DAVID ZULLER (BROCKTON, MA): $752
12. ELISHA COHEN (NES ZIONA, ISR): $752
13. LUCAS WHEELER (NEW YORK, NY): $636
14. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $636
15. ROBERT ETTLINGER (ENOLA, PA): $636
16. GARY STEINBERG (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $520
17. ROMEO MONTANO (EATONTOWN, NJ): $520
18. PAUL DRIVER (NEW YORK, NY): $520
19. KANG SUN (EDISON, NJ): $434
20. KENNETH FERN (BROOKLYN, NY): $434
21. KONSTANTINE BASIOS (MINEOLA, NY): $434
22. MICHAEL BROWN (ALLENTOWN, PA): $434
23. JASON SCHULTZ (EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ): $434
24. KENNETH MIHALIK (BORDENTOWN, NJ): $434
25. GREGORY CANDIDO (CORTLANDT MNR, NY): $434
26. HEATHER EVERSON (WASHINGTON, DC): $434
27. SAMMY ELKASSIR (FORT LEE, NJ): $434
Event 22 Recap
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 30
Number of Entries: 298
Total Buy-In: $59,600
Top Prize: $17,340
The final event of the Borgata Summer Poker Open featured 298 and players and Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn, NY) is the last man standing to win the first place prize of $17,340 and the championship crystal trophy.
"I wanted the trophy," says Wong, "that's all I wanted and I got it." Wong overcame a huge chip deficit three-handed to win the title over Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ) and Jacques Melki (Avenel, NJ), who finished second and third respectively.
With nearly 3 million chips in play Wong only had 150k and had to double-up twice to take the chip lead and eventually the championship. First Wong had A 6 against Welki's K J and the ace high held. A few hands later he had A Q against Blake's A 2 and when a queen flopped Wong was on his way the title.
After 20 days and 22 Championship Events, the Borgata Summer Poker Open is officially in the books!
1st - Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn NY)
$17,340
Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ)
4th - Nick DiToma (Corlandt Manor, NY)
$4,047
Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 30
Number of Entries: 298
Total Buy-In: $59,600
Top Prize: $17,340
The final event of the Borgata Summer Poker Open featured 298 and players and Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn, NY) is the last man standing to win the first place prize of $17,340 and the championship crystal trophy.
"I wanted the trophy," says Wong, "that's all I wanted and I got it." Wong overcame a huge chip deficit three-handed to win the title over Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ) and Jacques Melki (Avenel, NJ), who finished second and third respectively.
With nearly 3 million chips in play Wong only had 150k and had to double-up twice to take the chip lead and eventually the championship. First Wong had A 6 against Welki's K J and the ace high held. A few hands later he had A Q against Blake's A 2 and when a queen flopped Wong was on his way the title.
After 20 days and 22 Championship Events, the Borgata Summer Poker Open is officially in the books!
1st - Jimmy Wong (Brooklyn NY)$17,340
Andrew Blake (Bloomfield, NJ)2nd - $9,828
Jacques Melki (Avenel, NJ)
3rd - $5,405
4th - Nick DiToma (Corlandt Manor, NY)$4,047
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday June 30th
TODAY IN THE POKER ROOM
12 PM - Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
12 PM - Event 22: $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
- 10,000 in starting chips
- Levels last 30 minutes
7 PM - Event 46: $100 + $20 No Limit Hold'em
- 10,000 in starting chips
- Levels last 20 minutes
Event 21: $250+$30 NLH Final Results
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 29
Entries: 158 Total Buy-In: $39,500
FINAL RESULTS
1. JOSEPH ALTOMONTE (WEST PATERSON, NJ): $11,801
2. KONSTANTI EHLERT (EDISON, NJ): $6,514
3. JOHN KOLINER (KINGS PARK, NY): $3,640
4. MARK STEINBERG (WOODMERE, NY): $2,682
5. THOMAS CULLIS (UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH): $2,299
6. GARY MCCOY (MECHANICSVILLE, MD): $1,916
7. ERIC JAEGER (SCARSDALE, NY): $1,533
8. GREG GALLO (N BELLMORE, NY): $1,149
9. MARK VOGLER (DEER PARK, NY): $862
10. STEPHEN BERBERICH (HAMBURG, NJ): $747
11. ANDREW KLEIN (OCEAN, NJ): $747
12. NATHAN ZEHRING (FAIRFAX, VA): $747
13. ROSANNE JAMESON (PALM COAST, FL): $651
14. JERRY JONES (SEVERN, MD): $651
15. IAN MCKENZIE (SURF CITY, NJ): $651
16. PATRICIA CAHILL (PORT JEFF STATION, NY): $575
17. FRANCIS CONCHA (HATBORO, PA): $575
18. MIKE ZHOLENDZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $575
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
June 29
Entries: 158 Total Buy-In: $39,500
FINAL RESULTS
1. JOSEPH ALTOMONTE (WEST PATERSON, NJ): $11,801
2. KONSTANTI EHLERT (EDISON, NJ): $6,514
3. JOHN KOLINER (KINGS PARK, NY): $3,640
4. MARK STEINBERG (WOODMERE, NY): $2,682
5. THOMAS CULLIS (UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH): $2,299
6. GARY MCCOY (MECHANICSVILLE, MD): $1,916
7. ERIC JAEGER (SCARSDALE, NY): $1,533
8. GREG GALLO (N BELLMORE, NY): $1,149
9. MARK VOGLER (DEER PARK, NY): $862
10. STEPHEN BERBERICH (HAMBURG, NJ): $747
11. ANDREW KLEIN (OCEAN, NJ): $747
12. NATHAN ZEHRING (FAIRFAX, VA): $747
13. ROSANNE JAMESON (PALM COAST, FL): $651
14. JERRY JONES (SEVERN, MD): $651
15. IAN MCKENZIE (SURF CITY, NJ): $651
16. PATRICIA CAHILL (PORT JEFF STATION, NY): $575
17. FRANCIS CONCHA (HATBORO, PA): $575
18. MIKE ZHOLENDZ (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $575
Event 21 Recap
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 28
Number of Entries: 158
Total Buy-In: $39,500
Top Prize: $11,801
Three cashes and one final table at the Borgata Summer Poker Open wasn't enough for Joseph Altomonte (West Patterson, NJ), so he went ahead and won Event 21. "I wanted to redeem myself," he said after a dominating run through the field of 158. "Especially after coming up short of the money in the main event."
Altomonte busted in the Championship Event on the last level of Day 2 play, and said there were approximately 50 players left (36 got paid) when he hit the rail. "I have been playing pretty well, but really wanted to win one of these," he said while holding the crystal trophy that goes along with all event championships.
Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ) and John Koliner (Long Island, NY) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Altomonte's win continues a hot summer run that includes 4 cashes in 7 events. In addition to this victory, he finished 4th in the $560 Deep Stack (Event 3), 17th in the $1k (Event 10) and he kicked off the series with a 44th place cash (Event 1).
The final day of the Borgata Summer Poker Open (Event 22) kicks off Wednesday at high noon.
1st - Joseph Altomonte (W. Paterson, NJ)
$11,801
2nd - Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ)
$6,514
3rd - John Koliner (Long Island, NY)
Event 21: $250 + $30 No Limit Hold’em
June 28
Number of Entries: 158
Total Buy-In: $39,500
Top Prize: $11,801
Three cashes and one final table at the Borgata Summer Poker Open wasn't enough for Joseph Altomonte (West Patterson, NJ), so he went ahead and won Event 21. "I wanted to redeem myself," he said after a dominating run through the field of 158. "Especially after coming up short of the money in the main event."
Altomonte busted in the Championship Event on the last level of Day 2 play, and said there were approximately 50 players left (36 got paid) when he hit the rail. "I have been playing pretty well, but really wanted to win one of these," he said while holding the crystal trophy that goes along with all event championships.
Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ) and John Koliner (Long Island, NY) finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Altomonte's win continues a hot summer run that includes 4 cashes in 7 events. In addition to this victory, he finished 4th in the $560 Deep Stack (Event 3), 17th in the $1k (Event 10) and he kicked off the series with a 44th place cash (Event 1).
The final day of the Borgata Summer Poker Open (Event 22) kicks off Wednesday at high noon.
1st - Joseph Altomonte (W. Paterson, NJ)$11,801
2nd - Kon Ehlert (Edison, NJ)$6,514
3rd - John Koliner (Long Island, NY)$3,640
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Event 18: $2000+$200 Championship Results
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em
June 25 - 29
Entries: 321 Total Buy-In: $642,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM ONEIL (COLLAGE PARK, MD): $180,595
2. MIRZA NAGJI (NEW YORK, NY): $104,620
3. TODD GEDDIS (ASTORIA, NY): $51,687
4. MICHAEL MELKERSEN (NEW MARKET, VA): $43,592
5. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $37,364
6. JOHN BORZIO (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): $31,137
7. FRANK DELLARIA (BURGETTSTOWN, PA): $24,910
8. DEAN POTASHNER (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $18,683
9. EDWARD CORRADO (NAPLES, FL): $12,456
10. JOSHUA HAKAKIAN (WARFORDSBURG, PA): $8,096
11. ALEX KUCHIK (BROOKLYN, NY): $8,096
12. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $8,096
13. LARRY NELSON (HARLEYSVILLE, PA): $6,227
14. JAMES OSTRANDER (SOUTHERN PINES, NC): $6,227
15. FLORENTINO DELEON JR (JOPPA, MD): $6,227
16. MARK HNATOV (HUNTINGTON, NY): $4,359
17. ANTHONY BALLETTA (SANIBEL, FL): $4,359
18. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): $4,359
19. TYNG LOW (FLUSHING, NY): $3,736
20. DANIEL LEE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,736
21. AZIZ WEHBEY (WHITEHALL, PA): $3,736
22. EDIP AYAZ (NEW MILFORD, NJ): $3,736
23. DANIEL FISCHER (GLASSBORO, NJ): $3,736
24. BEHROOZ JAMSHIDI (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $3,736
25. JOSEPH DADDARIO (CHESTERLAND, OH): $3,736
26. ARBEN KUPI (ELMHURST, NY): $3,736
27. SEAN KNITTER (FOX CHASE MNR, PA): $3,736
28. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): $3,114
29. JOHN DORAN (WOOLWICH TWP, NJ): $3,114
30. RICHARD MISKO (HOBOKEN, NJ): $3,114
31. BRYAN GREELEY (MASTIC BEACH, NY): $3,114
32. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $3,114
33. MICHAEL CONTESSA (ROCHELLE PARK, NJ): $3,114
34. BENJAMIN LUDWIG (SCHWENKSVILLE, PA): $3,114
35. JOSH SPIEGELMAN (PRINCETON, NJ): $3,114
36. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $3,114
Championship
Event 18: $2000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em
June 25 - 29
Entries: 321 Total Buy-In: $642,000
FINAL RESULTS
1. WILLIAM ONEIL (COLLAGE PARK, MD): $180,595
2. MIRZA NAGJI (NEW YORK, NY): $104,620
3. TODD GEDDIS (ASTORIA, NY): $51,687
4. MICHAEL MELKERSEN (NEW MARKET, VA): $43,592
5. STEVEN CURTIN (INDIAN TRAIL, NC): $37,364
6. JOHN BORZIO (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): $31,137
7. FRANK DELLARIA (BURGETTSTOWN, PA): $24,910
8. DEAN POTASHNER (MORRISTOWN, NJ): $18,683
9. EDWARD CORRADO (NAPLES, FL): $12,456
10. JOSHUA HAKAKIAN (WARFORDSBURG, PA): $8,096
11. ALEX KUCHIK (BROOKLYN, NY): $8,096
12. JAY JOHNSON (PHILADELPHIA, PA): $8,096
13. LARRY NELSON (HARLEYSVILLE, PA): $6,227
14. JAMES OSTRANDER (SOUTHERN PINES, NC): $6,227
15. FLORENTINO DELEON JR (JOPPA, MD): $6,227
16. MARK HNATOV (HUNTINGTON, NY): $4,359
17. ANTHONY BALLETTA (SANIBEL, FL): $4,359
18. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): $4,359
19. TYNG LOW (FLUSHING, NY): $3,736
20. DANIEL LEE (RICHMOND, VA): $3,736
21. AZIZ WEHBEY (WHITEHALL, PA): $3,736
22. EDIP AYAZ (NEW MILFORD, NJ): $3,736
23. DANIEL FISCHER (GLASSBORO, NJ): $3,736
24. BEHROOZ JAMSHIDI (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): $3,736
25. JOSEPH DADDARIO (CHESTERLAND, OH): $3,736
26. ARBEN KUPI (ELMHURST, NY): $3,736
27. SEAN KNITTER (FOX CHASE MNR, PA): $3,736
28. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): $3,114
29. JOHN DORAN (WOOLWICH TWP, NJ): $3,114
30. RICHARD MISKO (HOBOKEN, NJ): $3,114
31. BRYAN GREELEY (MASTIC BEACH, NY): $3,114
32. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): $3,114
33. MICHAEL CONTESSA (ROCHELLE PARK, NJ): $3,114
34. BENJAMIN LUDWIG (SCHWENKSVILLE, PA): $3,114
35. JOSH SPIEGELMAN (PRINCETON, NJ): $3,114
36. CARL RESTIFO (WARETOWN, NJ): $3,114
Bling Is Out
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Nagji & O'Neil Play for the trophy, bracelet &
the $180,595 first place prize
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Nagji & O'Neil Play for the trophy, bracelet & the $180,595 first place prize
3rd place - Todd Geddis
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Todd Geddis - 3rd place
$51,687
Todd Geddis moved in from the small blind and Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count. Todd had 820k on top of the blind. Mirza made the call, showing A3 suited. Todd had KJ and would need help to survive.
The board came A Q 6 Q 8 and was no help to Todd. He finished in 3rd place, earning $51,687.
Todd won his seat in this event in the Borgata Poker Blog website contest, so his winnings today are all profit. He calls himself "40-ish" and works in a New York City music venue. He has a couple of cashes in small events here at Borgata, but this is his first five-figure score.
He owns a lovely farm in Farmville and enjoys travel, languages, (he used to be a translator) and food. In his own words, he has " a fascination for everything".
The final two are taking a break before they start heads-up play.
Billy O'Neil leads with 5.525 million chips to Mirza Nagji's 4.105 million chips.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Todd Geddis - 3rd place$51,687
Todd Geddis moved in from the small blind and Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count. Todd had 820k on top of the blind. Mirza made the call, showing A3 suited. Todd had KJ and would need help to survive.
The board came A Q 6 Q 8 and was no help to Todd. He finished in 3rd place, earning $51,687.
Todd won his seat in this event in the Borgata Poker Blog website contest, so his winnings today are all profit. He calls himself "40-ish" and works in a New York City music venue. He has a couple of cashes in small events here at Borgata, but this is his first five-figure score.
He owns a lovely farm in Farmville and enjoys travel, languages, (he used to be a translator) and food. In his own words, he has " a fascination for everything".
The final two are taking a break before they start heads-up play.
Billy O'Neil leads with 5.525 million chips to Mirza Nagji's 4.105 million chips.
3 Handed
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Lot's of button raises and not many flops.
Todd Geddis
Mirza Nagji & Billy O'Neil
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Lot's of button raises and not many flops.
Todd Geddis
Mirza Nagji & Billy O'Neil4th place - Mike Melkersen
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Mike Melkersen - 4th place
$43,592
On the last hand of the level, Billy O'Neil raised to 150k from the small blind. Mike Melkersen moved all-in from the big. Billy asked for the count (620k on top) then made the call.
Mike's AJ offsuit was ahead of Billy's Q♣4♣, but the flop was a killer: K♣T♣3♣, giving Billy the flush. Since Mike had no club in his hand, it was all over.
Mike Melkersen finished in 4th place, earning $43,592.
Mike is a 35-year-old attorney and father of two, originally from Maryland, but living in Harrisburg, VA. He's cashed four times at the WSOP, but this is his first cash in a major event at Borgata. His greatest accomplishment outside of poker: "Marrying my best friend who prevents me from becoming the degenerate gambler I am".
After that hand, the final three took a ten minute break, then resumed play with blinds of 40k/80k and 5k antes. Here are their chip counts:
Billy O'Neil - 4.34 million
Mirza Nagji - 3.3 million
Todd Geddis - 1.99 million
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Mike Melkersen - 4th place$43,592
On the last hand of the level, Billy O'Neil raised to 150k from the small blind. Mike Melkersen moved all-in from the big. Billy asked for the count (620k on top) then made the call.
Mike's AJ offsuit was ahead of Billy's Q♣4♣, but the flop was a killer: K♣T♣3♣, giving Billy the flush. Since Mike had no club in his hand, it was all over.
Mike Melkersen finished in 4th place, earning $43,592.
Mike is a 35-year-old attorney and father of two, originally from Maryland, but living in Harrisburg, VA. He's cashed four times at the WSOP, but this is his first cash in a major event at Borgata. His greatest accomplishment outside of poker: "Marrying my best friend who prevents me from becoming the degenerate gambler I am".
After that hand, the final three took a ten minute break, then resumed play with blinds of 40k/80k and 5k antes. Here are their chip counts:
Billy O'Neil - 4.34 million
Mirza Nagji - 3.3 million
Todd Geddis - 1.99 million
Billy Bleeding Chips
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Billy O'Neil plays in the biggest cash games at Borgata ($50/$100 NL & $600/$1,200 HOSE) and has a lot of the high stakes players stopping by the table in between their own big hands. But the support doesn't help in a recent stretch when O'Neil loses three pots, including one that doubles-up Todd Geddis.
It starts with O'Neil losing back-to-back pots to Mirza Nagji. Nagji makes a 450k river bet with K 7 for two pairs. After O'Neil calls and sees the winner, he flashes a king on its way to the muck.
Right after that, Nagji gets another 175k from O'Neil on the river when Nagji shows the king high flush and again O'Neil mucks.
Geddis gets his double up through O'Neil when he shoves 430k all-in preflop. Geddis has A♥ 6♥ vs O'Neils 8♥ 3♥. Geddis hits the nut flush and takes his stack to nearly one million chips, while
O'Neil's stack is down to 2.1 million.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Billy O'Neil plays in the biggest cash games at Borgata ($50/$100 NL & $600/$1,200 HOSE) and has a lot of the high stakes players stopping by the table in between their own big hands. But the support doesn't help in a recent stretch when O'Neil loses three pots, including one that doubles-up Todd Geddis.
It starts with O'Neil losing back-to-back pots to Mirza Nagji. Nagji makes a 450k river bet with K 7 for two pairs. After O'Neil calls and sees the winner, he flashes a king on its way to the muck.
Right after that, Nagji gets another 175k from O'Neil on the river when Nagji shows the king high flush and again O'Neil mucks.
Geddis gets his double up through O'Neil when he shoves 430k all-in preflop. Geddis has A♥ 6♥ vs O'Neils 8♥ 3♥. Geddis hits the nut flush and takes his stack to nearly one million chips, while
O'Neil's stack is down to 2.1 million.
5th place - Steven Curtin
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Steven Curtin - 5th place
$37,364
Steven Curtin opened for 180k and Billy O'Neil announced he was all-in on the button. The blinds got out of the way and Steven called all-in, showing AK suited. Billy was ahead with pocket 6s. His lead got bigger when the flop came T 7 6, but Steven had picked up a flush draw.
It was all over on the turn, however, as the case 6 fell, giving Billy quadzilla and the pot.
Steven 'SOS' Curtin finished in 5th place, earning $37,364.
Steven was born in Linden, NJ, but currently resides in Indian Trail, NC, outside Charlotte. He's a 40-year-old insurance agency owner and has been playing major tournaments for about two years. He finished 1st in the $350 No Limit event at the Borgata Winter Open in January 2010 ($26,175) and took 2nd in the $300 No Limit event at the Southern Poker Championship in Biloxi that same month ($16,107). His next major event will be the WSOP Main Event in Vegas next month.
When not playing poker, he volunteers with Elevation Church and enjoys magic, juggling, acting and supporting his local sports teams.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
Steven Curtin - 5th place$37,364
Steven Curtin opened for 180k and Billy O'Neil announced he was all-in on the button. The blinds got out of the way and Steven called all-in, showing AK suited. Billy was ahead with pocket 6s. His lead got bigger when the flop came T 7 6, but Steven had picked up a flush draw.
It was all over on the turn, however, as the case 6 fell, giving Billy quadzilla and the pot.
Steven 'SOS' Curtin finished in 5th place, earning $37,364.
Steven was born in Linden, NJ, but currently resides in Indian Trail, NC, outside Charlotte. He's a 40-year-old insurance agency owner and has been playing major tournaments for about two years. He finished 1st in the $350 No Limit event at the Borgata Winter Open in January 2010 ($26,175) and took 2nd in the $300 No Limit event at the Southern Poker Championship in Biloxi that same month ($16,107). His next major event will be the WSOP Main Event in Vegas next month.
When not playing poker, he volunteers with Elevation Church and enjoys magic, juggling, acting and supporting his local sports teams.
6th place - John Borzio
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Championship Event Final Table
John Borzio - 6th place$31,137
Billy O'Neil opened for 150k, John Borzio called from the button, and Steven Curtin called from the big blind. The flop came 8 7 3 rainbow. Steven checked, Billy checked, then John bet 350k. Steven folded. Billy took his time, then raised another half-million on top.
John then took some time, finally announcing he was all-in. Billy said "I guess I picked the wrong time to bluff". He asked for the count and John had 610k on top. Billy finally called, tabling JT off. John was ahead with AQ off. The turn was a 6 and changed nothing. The river changed everything, however, when a Ten fell giving Billy a pair and the pot.
John Borzio finished in 6th place, earning $31,137.
John is a 59-year-old New Jersey native, currently residing in Robbinsville. He says he's a farm boy, grew up on a farm in South Jersey, fishing, boating, gardening and riding Harley's since he was 19. Today's finish is his first reported cash in a poker tournament, but probably not his last.
Lucky Number 7
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
After Todd Geddis, Mirza Nagji and Steven Curtin check the flop of 7♠ 7 ♣ 7♦, the turn is the 8♥.
Nagji bets 125, Geddis folds, Curtin calls. The river is the Q♣ .
Nagji bets 275k and Curtin calls. Nagji shows 3♥ 8♠ for a full house and Curtin folds.
Nagji's stack is now at 3 million, while Curtin drops to 1.1 million.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
After Todd Geddis, Mirza Nagji and Steven Curtin check the flop of 7♠ 7 ♣ 7♦, the turn is the 8♥.
Nagji bets 125, Geddis folds, Curtin calls. The river is the Q♣ .
Nagji bets 275k and Curtin calls. Nagji shows 3♥ 8♠ for a full house and Curtin folds.
Nagji's stack is now at 3 million, while Curtin drops to 1.1 million.
7th place - Frank Dellaria
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Frank Dellaria - 7th place
$24,910
After action folded to his small blind, Frank Dellaria moved all in. Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count and then made the call, showing pocket 2s. Frank was actually racing with 98 offsuit. The flop came A K 7 and changed nothing. Then a 2 fell on the turn, giving Mirza a set and a lock on the hand. River was irrelevant (4) and Mirza took the pot.
Frank Dellaria finished in 7th place, earning $24,910.
Frank was born in Burgettstown, PA and still lives there today, 57 years later. He's worked at his father's car dealership since he was 9 years old when he sold his first car -- a 1962 Mercury Comet. That car sold for $1995, which is less than it cost to enter this tournament. When not playing poker, he is an avid golfer and has made FOUR hole-in-ones!
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Frank Dellaria - 7th place$24,910
After action folded to his small blind, Frank Dellaria moved all in. Mirza Nagji (bb) asked for the count and then made the call, showing pocket 2s. Frank was actually racing with 98 offsuit. The flop came A K 7 and changed nothing. Then a 2 fell on the turn, giving Mirza a set and a lock on the hand. River was irrelevant (4) and Mirza took the pot.
Frank Dellaria finished in 7th place, earning $24,910.
Frank was born in Burgettstown, PA and still lives there today, 57 years later. He's worked at his father's car dealership since he was 9 years old when he sold his first car -- a 1962 Mercury Comet. That car sold for $1995, which is less than it cost to enter this tournament. When not playing poker, he is an avid golfer and has made FOUR hole-in-ones!
8th place - Dean Potashner
$2000 +$200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Play resumed with blinds of 30k/60k with 5k antes. Here are some chip guess-timates as of the break:
Billy O'Neil - 1.84 million
Steven Curtin - 1.63 million
John Borzio - 1.49 million
Todd Geddis - 1.34 million
Mike Melkersen - 1.19 million
Mirza Nagji - 955k
Dean Potashner - 650k
Frank Dellaria - 565k
Dean Potashner - 8th place
$18,683
Dean Potashner moved in on the first hand and Billy O'Neil called from the big blind. Dean's J♥9♣ would need help against Billy's A♥4♥.
Then the flop came Q♥T♥8♥ and Billy flopped the nut flush, but Dean had the straight-flush redraw. He needed the 9♥ in order to survive, but the last two were bricks and Billy took the pot.
Dean Potashner finished in 8th place, earning $18,683.
Dean is a 48-year-old options trader from Harding, NJ. Many people find similarities between playing the market and playing poker. Apparently Dean's trading skills are paying off on the felt. His first reported cash was in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, January 2009, where he finished 10th in the $1k No Limit event.
Borgata Summer Poker Open 2010
Championship Event Final Table
Play resumed with blinds of 30k/60k with 5k antes. Here are some chip guess-timates as of the break:
Billy O'Neil - 1.84 million
Steven Curtin - 1.63 million
John Borzio - 1.49 million
Todd Geddis - 1.34 million
Mike Melkersen - 1.19 million
Mirza Nagji - 955k
Dean Potashner - 650k
Frank Dellaria - 565k
Dean Potashner - 8th place$18,683
Dean Potashner moved in on the first hand and Billy O'Neil called from the big blind. Dean's J♥9♣ would need help against Billy's A♥4♥.
Then the flop came Q♥T♥8♥ and Billy flopped the nut flush, but Dean had the straight-flush redraw. He needed the 9♥ in order to survive, but the last two were bricks and Billy took the pot.
Dean Potashner finished in 8th place, earning $18,683.
Dean is a 48-year-old options trader from Harding, NJ. Many people find similarities between playing the market and playing poker. Apparently Dean's trading skills are paying off on the felt. His first reported cash was in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, January 2009, where he finished 10th in the $1k No Limit event.
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