The Great Dane’ Gus Hansen claims inaugural European Poker Masters title
‘I beat out some really tough players and it feels good. I can’t help but think I won the first WPT and now I’ve won the first European Poker Masters. So it feels good.’
Gus Hansen, Full Tilt Poker
Fifty London hosted the inaugural event of the European Poker Masters, the Full Tilt Poker London All Star Challenge. Extravagant chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows set the scene for what became an unforgettable tournament.
The prestigious venue was a fitting location as the poker worlds elite came to play for the illustrious title of London All Star Challenge Champion. With over 30 WSOP bracelets between them, the players took their seats in what has been considered the best line up in European Poker History. Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Jennifer Harman, Tony G, John Juanda and Eric Seidel were among the players vying for a place at the final table.
‘It was a challenge. It was a very tough game with a lot of great players’
Barny Boatman, Hendon Mob
The opening day took some big name casualties including Full Tilt Poker pros Mike Matusow, Allen Cunningham and the 2006 WSOP PL Hold’em Champion, John Gale. As time went on nerves grew as players began to edge nearer to the prize money. Ex-England and West Ham striker, Teddy Sheringham finishing an impressive 12th in what was an incredibly tough field that included arguable the most feared player in the world, Phil Ivey.
Finally after 12 hours the All Star line up was whittled down to the final 8, Peter Gould getting knocked out on the bubble by fellow Englishman Marc Goodwin. The man from Birmingham took his seat at the final table as chip leader, little consolation as he sat down in between Phil Ivey and Gus Hansen. 5 time WSOP bracelet winner to his right and a 4 time WPT title holder to his left. Action was tight as players took their time to ease into the game, no one wanting to be the first out the door.
Having breezed into the final table, Phil Ivey never looked in danger of an early exit. However, after being re-raised All In by Gus Hansen’s A 10 suited Ivey was left short stacked and shortly after decided to make a stand with his Q 10 off suit. His Danish rival called with Q 8. Ivey went into the flop 75% favourite and appeared destined to double up until the flop revealed an 8, leaving the young champion in 7th position.
The hand of the tournament came during the gripping heads-up battle between Marc Goodwin and Gus Hansen. Goodwin raised pre flop from the big blind with A 8, only to be called by Hansen’s 5 4 of diamonds (small suited connectors being his trade mark hand). The flop came down 5 5 8, trips versus two pair. Both players heart rates slowed down, both believing they had the better hand. Goodwin checked, trying to set a trap for the Dane who, knowing he was ahead casually tapped the felt. Fourth Street revealed a second 8, giving both players a full house. Commentators James Hartigan and Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson saw a disaster unfolding before them and quickly quoted ‘All the chips are going in here’. Not a single sign of emotion came across either player as they checked to the river, an irrelevant 4. After a few seconds of silence Marc reached out and placed $40,000 over the line, only to be re-raised another $60,000. After a brief moment of quiet reflection, Marc announced ‘All In’, a move which surprised no one but the Great Dane himself. Hansen sat back in his chair, sipped some water and played out the hand over and over in his head, occasionally muttering something inaudible to himself. Could he really have the higher Full House? What are the odds? With the pot being $336,000 it seemed impossible for him to fold. But he did, a move that astounded everyone, including his opponent who later claimed it to be ‘the best play of the year’.
The four time WPT title holder showed us why he is considered one of the best players in the world today as he fought back from behind to take the title of the 2006 London All Star Champion and the £53,600 1st prize.
Final Standings
1. Gus Hansen £53,600
2. Marc Goodwin £13,400
3. Melissa Hayden £10,720
4. Jeff Buffenbarger £10,720
5. Willie Tann £9,380
6. Nathan Lee £8,040
7. Phil Ivey £6,700
8. Charalambos Xanthos £5,360
Premiering on 13th October, eight 60 minute episodes of the first season of the European Poker Masters will be shown on Eurosport.
Episode 1 - 13th October 2006
Episode 2 - 20th October 2006
Episode 3 - 17th November 2006
Episode 4 - 24th November 2006
Episode 5 - 8th December 2006
Episode 6 - 22nd December 2006
Episode 7 - 13th January 2007
Episode 8 - 27th January 2007
European Poker Masters announces addition of Austrian Classics to tour schedule
In other news, The European Poker Masters is proud to announce the addition of the Austrian Classics to their tour schedule with Absolute Poker confirming title sponsorship.
“We look forward to this event, it’s a special opportunity to present our great brand and online poker room internationally, mentioned Marketing Manager, Garin Gustafson. We hope to share in the excitement and see a great final table showdown.”
The Austrian Classics is a well established tournament, attracting 234 players in 2005. Larger than life characters, unpredictable strategies and amazing skill will combine to make this year’s event even bigger.
Austrian Classics Main Event
Date: October 3rd – 4th
Buy in: Euros 3,000
Estimated Prize pool of Euros 750,000
James Hopkins, Tour Creator and Head of Programming at All In Sport, said:
‘The London All Star Challenge was a huge success and the perfect start to the European Poker Masters. The addition of the illustrious Austrian Classics in Vienna further adds to the kudos of the Tour – we are thrilled to be working with Absolute Poker and The Concord Card Casino for this event ‘
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