The second Epic Poker charity event ended with Phil Hellmuth scoring yet another runner-up finish this year. However, this one probably wasn’t as disappointing as the three he suffered in this year's World Series of Poker where he reached the heads-up stage three times, but was left without a bracelet in each and every one of those battles.
This time it was not about the bracelets or any kind of reward, actually. The Epic Poker second charity event was played in order to support and raise awareness of Fallen Heroes USA – an organization assisting the families of law enforcement officers who have given their lives in service to communities. The charity tournament which gathered 45 players and recorded 138 rebuys was won by the EpicPoker.com's own Editor-in-Chief, Michael Craig.
The final table of the charity tournament featured top poker names like Nam Le, Rep Porter and, of course, Phil Hellmuth. Among those who entered the event, but didn't make it into the final phase were Andy Frankenberger, Erik Seidel, Huck Seed, Chris Moore, David Chiu, Fabrice Soulier, Mike Matusow, and Andy Bloch. However, none of the pros were able to outplay Craig who not only received the $1,500 Pro/Am event seat, but was also rewarded with the Champion's bracelet designed by Good Art Hlywd. Still, the main goal of the event was achieved – the tournament raised $25,000 to support Fallen Heroes USA with Randy Dorfman, who was one of the most frequent re-buyers donating the final $200 to bring the total amount to an even $25,000. The number could have been even bigger if Craig could donate his $1,500 seat which he insisted on doing.
Before the start of the charity event, Scott Diamond, the founder of Fallen Heroes USA addressed the guests with a speech reviewing the work that the organization has done in recent years helping the families of the law enforcement officers who have died during their service. The Commissioner of the Epic Poker League Annie Duke also said a few words to those who attended the event before leaving the rest of the night in the hands of comedian Kevin Pollack. It wasn't long before Pollack took over his role of the host of the evening joking and commenting on the happenings on and off the tables.
The final table very much resembled the one of Epic Poker's first charity event with League members Nam Le, Rep Porter and Phil Hellmuth competing for the bracelet, Pro/Am seats, and other prizes of value. Unfortunately, one player did have to burst the final table bubble and it was Mike DeVita who hit the rail in 10th place and went home only knowing he had contributed to a good cause. At the end, there were three players with the $1,500 Epic Poker Pro/Am tickets – Hellmuth, Craig, and Brian Castillo, but only one of them had the unique Champion’s bracelet designed by Good Art Hlywd who also make the Commissioner’s Coins and Champion’s Ring for each Epic Poker League event.
Second place in the charity event wasn't the only Hellmuth's achievement that day – he also won a $20,000 seat in the Pro/Am by finishing third in the earlier tournament and also made a big contribution by serving as commentator for the second half of the event.
These are the Epic Poker Charity Event standings after the final table and the prizes the players have received:
1. Michael Craig – $1,500 Pro/Am seat & Champion's bracelet by GOOD ART HLYWD
2. Phil Hellmuth – $1,500 Pro/Am seat
3. Brian Castillo – $1,500 Pro/Am seat
4. Rep Porter – Palms Casino Resort Weekend Getaway
5. Stacey Nutini – 2 tickets to any Cirque du Soleil show (except "O")
6. Jeff Blenkarn – Lord Griffon Jewelry Piece
7. Nam Le – Skull Candy headphones
8. Jim Agale – 4 VIP tickets to Brad Garrett Comedy Club
9. James Key – An Airbedz mattress and car detailing at Executive Auto Grooming
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*Image courtesy of EpicPoker.com*