WSOP Amazon Room

I’ve been “running good” at meeting people for the first time who run in the same Amazon circles. I’m referring to the faceless names I’ve heard over the years at the WSOP but never met even though we have the same friends. Obviously I haven’t met everyone in poker because there are thousands of people in the room. Plus, I took two years off mentally and one year off physically from the WSOP. Yet, I still find it fascinating to meet someone after years of running a parallel path. I’m sure BJ Nemeth will send me a list of variables (that I already know) explaining the logic in why I haven’t met these people in the poker universe. So, allow me to retract “fascinating” and replace it with “interesting” to strategically half-ass shorten his list.
Nonetheless, and in no particular order, here are some interactions I’ve had recently.  I met Todd Witteles for the 75th time yesterday. He was pacing at the table next to me during the limit shootout. I wasn’t sure it was him but I waved anyway. I pretty much talk to anyone unless I’m in a hurry or in a bad mood. I decided it wasn’t Witteles when he asked “Do I know you?” and I shook my head no. Turns out it was the DonkDown host, as we figured it out on break when I was talking to Hollywood Dave.
I met Dan Cates at the drawing for his WSOP Main Event Seat Contest. Not only is Cates’ name new to me but a previous Amazon meeting was impossible because he just became barely legal. I was the lucky one to swirl my hand in the silver ice bucket for the seat drawing. The ticket I withdrew turned out to be poker writer Bob “Poker Grump” Woolley. I only know him as Poker Grump so I had no idea Bob Woolley was that Bob Woolley. When I read his name I was thinking…this Woolley name could go a long way with some great WSOP Sasquatch jokes. Woolley is also someone I’ve never met.
Earlier in the year I met Shane “Shaniac” Schleger when he was kind enough to RT a post I wrote. I’d heard of Shleger over the years but because all “SH” names look alike, I attached him to Shamus. “Interestingly” enough, not only are they separate humans but they’re polar opposites; however, they’re both nice and intelligent. I’m currently contemplating adopting Shaniac as my little brother because I respect those who take time to BONG the sh¡t out of people with Twitter’s @BIGBenClock.

UPDATE: The last paragraph of this post wasn’t uploaded. I’m trying out my WordPress iPhone app so please forgive the grammar and flow.

Michele: writer, culture, policy, politics, tech + mom blog - writing on culture, policy, politics, tech, apps, video games, parenting, photos, sports and sometimes a what is...

John Duthie moments before the WSOP Heads-Up Championship began on Day 1

It’s Day 3 at the 2011 WSOP and, as always, the Amazon Room is freezing. However, John Duthie should be feeling hot after advancing to the Sweet 16 in the WSOP $25,000 Heads-Up Championship.  He was the first to advance in this round after defeating Carlos Mortenson.  This is the first open bracelet event at the 2011 WSOP.  Duthie won 2nd in the 2009 WSOP $10,000 Heads-Up.  The Sweet 16 will begin at 8pm PST or when I’ve received the space heater I’ve requested.

Michele: writer, culture, policy, politics, tech + mom blog - writing on culture, policy, politics, tech, apps, video games, parenting, photos, sports and sometimes a what is...