Atlantic City, NJ (December 11, 2012) — Adam Teasdale outlasted a field of 616 entrants in the $1,675 Harrah’s Resort Main Event early Tuesday morning in Atlantic City, NJ. The score marked the largest of the aspiring pro’s career, awarding him better than $194,000, a WSOP Circuit gold ring and a berth in the $1 Million WSOP National Championship presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof.Teasdale lost his father about a year ago, making the championship performance that much more dear to him.“This is absolutely going out to him and the rest of my family,” Teasdale of his father. “I told them that I could do it and this is just a start to a new beginning for me.”Teasdale began Day 3 as the chip leader, but took a few hits and started the final table fifth in chips. The eliminations were swift, and, before you knew it, Teasdale was heads up with Wade Woelfel. With more than 200 big blinds in play tournament staff and spectators alike settled in for what was sure to be a marathon battle.After a relatively uneventful duel, Teasdale and Woelfel played what would be the last hand of the tournament.On a board of , Woelfel checked to Teasdale who bet 460,000 (at the 40,000/80,000 level). Woelfel then raised all-in for 3,640,000 and Teasdale had a decision to make. After tanking for what seemed like five minutes Teasdale made the call and tabled for two pair, queens and fours.“Good call,” Woelfel said, tabling for ace high.The river came the and Teasdale was crowned champion. Woelfel earned $120,018 for his runner-up performance.“(It feels) absolutely amazing,” Teasdale said. “I moved to North Carolina and that’s where I discovered this awesome game that’s hopefully going to change my life. I’m off to a good start.”Teasdale did all he could to stay positive throughout the three-day marathon. He even went as far as littering his chip stack with Hall’s wrappers inscribed with motivational sayings. From the rail they looked like garbage, but to Teasdale they were reminders to stay positive.“I had gone down to the gift shop before Day 1 and grabbed Vitamin C,” Teasdale said. “There were little quotes (on the wrappers) to keep your head up when something goes bad. There were a whole bunch of positive sayings that you need to keep in the back of your mind when you’re playing the game because it’s stressful.”Teasdale had success with the inspirational quotes and eventually found himself in the winner’s circle. When asked if he would continue to sprinkle the wrappers on his chip stack while playing poker his answer was painfully logical.“I would assume so,” he said with a smile.Teasdale was the most notable of cashers, placing first and pocketing $194,040, but others to finish in the money included Feming Chan (11th), Brandon Fish (14th), Will Failla (31st), Jamie Kerstetter (34th) and gold bracelet winner Chris Reslock (58th).The Main Event concluded on the heels of what was a hugely successful Circuit series at Harrah’s Resort. Just weeks after Hurricane Sandy took its toll on the East Coast, the event drew a field of almost 900 in the opening weekend and the Main Event drew 616, a mere two entrants short of last year’s field. If this year's Circuit series is any indication, Atlantic City appears to be bouncing back from the devastation and all signs point to great things to come.
A full list of players to cash can be seen on WSOP.com.
Brandon Fish won Casino Champion honors, following up an Event 2 victory with a 14th place finish in the Main Event. More information on Fish’s performance at in Atlantic City will be made available on WSOP.com in the coming days.The Main Event was the tenth of 12 gold ring events on the WSOP Circuit schedule at Harrah’s Resort. The $1,675 No-Limit Hold’em tournament attracted 616 entries. The total prize pool came to $924,000 and the top 63 players were paid.Teasdale is an aspiring poker pro from Marinette, WI. He now resides in North Carolina and this marks his largest tournament score to date.
Final table results:
1st: Adam Teasdale - $194,040
2nd: Wade Woelfel - $120,018
3rd: Pete Rios - $87,762
4th: Sung Kim - $65,124
5th: Terry Grimes - $49,000
6th: Aaron Overton - $37,376
7th: Barry Leventhal - $28,903
8th: Ed Modlin - $22,656
9th: Trevor Deeter - $18,000
Circuit action at Harrah's Resort may have concluded, but things are just getting heated up at the Circuit Events currently taking place at Harrah's Rincon through December 17th. Follow along with the WSOP Circuit Blog.