A THREE-RING CIRCUS
Main Event Championship Underway / Jesse Bryant Wins Third Gold Ring

Arkansas Poker Pro Triumphs in Prestigious $1K Event at Harrah's Rincon
 

Valley Center, CA (December 14, 2012) – Big stories keep happening at Harrah's Rincon.  After multiple news flashes this week full of newsworthy winners, yet another champion has made headlines.
 
Jessie Bryant, a 33-year-old investor and semi-pro poker player from Conway, AR won the latest WSOP Circuit title.  He collected his third career gold ring, by winning the $1,125 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em competition.  First place paid $27,202 in prize money.
 
Earlier in the day, Bryant triumphed at the final table, ultimately topping a field of 85 players.  However, given this tournament had a higher buy-in than usual, the lineup was tougher than others he's faced in the past.
 
“No doubt about it, this was a tougher field than I'm used to,” Bryant said moments after the victory.  “That's what makes this one feel really special.”
  
At the moment, Bryant pulled out the two rings her previously won – the first at Harrah's Tunica (2009) and the second at Caesars Palace Las Vegas (2010).  He said he does not necessarily wear the gold rings.  However, he keep them in his possession when he plays, both for confidence and “just in case” he happens to win another victory.
 
“You never know when it's going to happen next” Bryant said.  “Just in case,”
 
Indeed, Bryant was well-prepared for this victory.  He flashed all three gold rings for the official portrait and beamed with pride following yet another strong performance.
 
Bryant's three victories puts him in rare company.  He becomes only the 19th player in the nine-year history of WSOP Circuit events to win three or more gold rings.  
 
“Now, I've got a shot to go after Kyle Cartwright (and the others).  I'm going to give it a shot.  I think I can catch them.” 
 
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Meanwhile, the $1,675 buy-in Main Event also began on this day, with the first of two playing sessions.  Fridays Day 1A session attracted 156 entrants.  The second playing session, which is 1B, is to be played on Saturday.  Only 18 players survived the initial playing session.  Those players will return on Sunday – which is to include the combined 1A and 1B survivors.
 
David Randall leads all players in chips at the moment.  Among the more recognizable names still alive are  Valentin Vornicu, Eric Baldwin, Kenna James, Ben Mintz, Dana Kellstrom, and Ray Henson.  The complete list of survivors and chips counts can be seen at the tournament portal page for EVENT 10.