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SugarHouse crowns champion of $100,000 guaranteed poker tournament30 April 2015(PRESS RELEASE) -- After players smashed the $100,000 Guaranteed prize pool in the SugarHouse Casino $100,000 Guaranteed Poker Showdown, Adam Williams of Philadelphia walked away with the top prize in the city’s first major poker tournament. Williams was the last man standing and defeated Brian Dougherty of Philadelphia on the final hand to win $40,004. "I'm ecstatic," said Williams, who also won the customized Poker Showdown trophy. "This is my first win and my first trophy. To win in Philly, in a casino so close to home, is really special." Williams not only beat poker superstar Phil Hellmuth Jr., but also defeated his son, Phillip Hellmuth III, who earned his first career live tournament cash. "I'm so proud of my son," said Hellmuth, who is the World Series of Poker all-time leader with 13 gold bracelets. "He played Phil Hellmuth poker and his name is Phil Hellmuth. He gave himself a chance to win." Phillip Hellmuth III came in 20th place, while his dad, affectionately known as the “Poker Brat,” finished 36th. The Poker Showdown was held April 23-27 and drew 711 entries that created a total prize pool of $177,750 which was divided between the top 72 players. “To get nearly twice the players we expected is fantastic. Our Poker Room has been packed for five days,” said Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse casino. “We enjoyed hosting SugarHouse’s first major poker tournament with an international poker star like Phil Hellmuth and showing him Philly hospitality was a lot of fun.” The Poker Showdown was held in conjunction with the weekly hit television show "Poker Night in America," which featured high-stakes cash games in the Poker Room. Hellmuth and other professionals toured the city, which included stops at three Philadelphia cheesesteak establishments. Philly’s “Cheesesteak Kings,” Tony Luke Jr. (Tony Luke’s), Frank Olivieri (Pat’s Steaks) and Geno Vento (Geno’s Steaks) joined the cash games, which featured buy-ins ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Olivieri won the cheesesteak challenge, which will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network, as he outlasted his two counterparts. “I really like SugarHouse and love that it’s right on the Delaware River,” said Hellmuth. “Everything about this tournament was well run and the staff did a fabulous job. This was a great structure for a $280 buy-in.” The high-stakes poker and coverage from the SugarHouse Casino $100,000 Guaranteed Poker Showdown will air on Season 3 of “Poker Night in America,” scheduled to air in the fall of 2015. |