World Series of Poker — Michele Lewis

NFL Makes Poker Person Happy

October 12, 2008 By Michele Lewis Leave a Comment

Finally. Houstonians have something to cheer about other than the return of electricity.The Houston Texans won their first game of the season today despite holes still in the roof. It was a grim moment when the fourth down went south but fortunately the challenge was given a do-over approval. I swear I could hear the players yelling "do-over! do-over!" And I’m so glad we didn’t leave the game before they re-did their do-over. Even better was my son witnessing some fourth quarter success.

So how does this relate to poker? Well, Seth Palansky of course. Palansky, Communications Director for the World Series of Poker, was Director of Media Services for the NFL and before that… headed publicity campaigns for Fox Sports Net.

Sure, that might be impressive but not nearly as much as Palansky having Andre Johnson on his fantasy football league. But I guess in the end, it really depends on whether or not one finds 178 receiving yards impressive. At a minimum, this year the Texans will match the Miami Dolphins 2007 record.

Should the Texans win first draft pick…

By the way, don’t play poker with Palansky. He says he doesn’t know how to play but he killed the WSOP media event.

*photo courtesy Houston Chronicle

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: andre johnson, houston texans, seth palansky, World Series of Poker

It’s WSOP Main Event Day 2: Players with Same Last Names

July 9, 2008 By Michele Lewis Leave a Comment

The 2008 WSOP Main Event is underway so look out for the following players who may or may not be related:

Playing for Smith families, we have Danny, Bradley, Leland, Mitchell, Alex and Richard. And playing for Tran families we have: David, Roy, Nhut, Khai, Binh, Bryant and J.J.

This kind of reminds me of the 2005 World Series of Poker when last minute there was a "computer problem" and they seated everyone alphabetically. I had Howard Lederer at my table and he said "I wonder where the Johnson table is." I wanted to say… I don’t know but if you’re moved to the Johnson table then it would be called the Howard Johnson table.

Speaking of families… my cousin’s husband is playing today… Jeff Gibralter of Dallas. He has 27K in chips but is already in the black from winning two mega satellites. He probably isn’t very fond of this name but David Williams told me they always called him "Tarzan Jeff" in Dallas. Check out his poker stats here and PGA stats here.

Filed Under: WSOP Tagged With: 2008 WSOP Main Event, David Williams, Howard Lederer, World Series of Poker

Does Ty Stewart Have Job Openings at the WSOP?

July 6, 2008 By Michele Lewis Leave a Comment

Breaking News… No word if Ty Stewart, WSOP Director of Sponsorship and Licensing, is opening up marketing positions with the WSOP; however, Steve Lipscomb, CEO of the World Poker Tour was touring today with Jeffrey Pollack in the Amazon Room (photo below).

Obviously not the case but definitely a funny and somewhat respectable site to see. In fact, Lipscomb might have had the biggest set today and I’m not talking cards.

Filed Under: WSOP Tagged With: Jeffrey Pollack, Steve Lipscomb, Ty Stewart, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, WSOP

Amnon Filippi

August 6, 2007 By Michele Lewis Leave a Comment

My first memory of New Yorker Amnon Filippiwas of him walking around the Bellagio Fontana Room during The Festa al Lago announcing “One hundred last longer and don’t ask me any stupid questions.” While I found his loud New York accent a bit intimidating it was clear he had a great sense of humor and was popular amongst the self amused pros as they asked him… stupid questions.

Amnon Filippi will be the first Stud of Poker as he possesses a long poker resume, six cashes at this year’s WSOP including a fourth place finish in the H.O.R.S.E. event which made him one of the top most viewed players on various poker websites. Amnon’s to date winnings are over 1.5 million and it should come as no surprise if you start hearing more about this guy. Last week, he told me his position on last longest bets, JC Tran “not” taking a piece of him in the H.O.R.S.E. Event and where he’s heading next.

And sorry ladies…he’s unavailable. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: JC Tran, Stud of Poker, World Series of Poker

Dealing in Jeffrey Pollack

August 2, 2007 By Michele Lewis Leave a Comment

This July marked the two-year anniversary of WSOP Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack’s relocation to Las Vegas, which he describes as “interesting and eye opening.” Showing up to the Amazon Room on Day 5 of the World Series Main Event wearing a suit but no tie, Jeffrey sat down with me at a recently vacated tournament table.

Pollack is often accused of spinning his answers; however, common sense should explain he can’t guarantee anything nor disclose much due to common corporate confidentiality agreements during a leverage buy-out with new owners on the horizon. While we didn’t toss cards, we did toss ideas about the Amazon Room hosting in 2009, the Gaming Life Expo strippers, the ladies bracelet event is here to stay and what he’ll be doing in August before he jets off to Europe.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Interviews, WSOP Tagged With: Jeffrey Pollack, World Series of Poker, WSOPE