Horseshoe Hammond\'s First Circuit Event Kicks Off With a Huge Crowd

The World Series of Poker Circuit Event kicked off in grand fashion on Friday when it held its first $345 No Limit Holdem Event. The event drew a tremendous crowd as 1187 players came out to play in the first ever major poker event to be held in the Chicago area. It was hard to believe by many that the crowd would be so massive for this first event, but as usual, the Horseshoe staff pulled the event off without too many hitches.

The total prize pool for the event was $345,417. First place in the event would receive $70,597 and the gold championship circuit ring for this event. As is customary at many final tables in a circuit event, many of the players at this final table either had no tournament record or had a very small one. Matthew Dunn, Antonio Scott, Todd Huynh, David Kim, David Lindquist, Perry Ernest, Randy White, Florencio Acevedo, and Jesse Nunez were the final table participants.

The only player to have cashed in a major tournament was Todd Huynh who cashed in a NL event during the 2006 WSOP. Randy White and Greg Lewellen were the “veterans” at the table, both with two small tournament cashes to their resume. This would be the first final table in everyone’s career.

In the end, Perry Ernest and David Lindquist wound up heads-up for the title. Officially, Lindquist finished as the 2nd place finisher, taking home $45,426 and Ernest walked away with the $70,597 first prize and the championship ring.

Play continued Saturday with the $555 No Limit Event which should conclude later today. Today also see both the $1,100 NL Event and the Ladies Event kick off. Action will continue at the Horseshoe through November 2nd, with the Main Event kicking off on October 31st.