News
HERBERT TAPSCOTT WINS LARGEST OMAHA HIGH-LOW SPLIT TOURNAMENT IN HISTORY
Name: Herbert Tapscott
Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama (USA)
Age at Time of Victory: 71
Current Residence: Hartselle, Alabama (USA)
Marital Status: Married
Children: 4
Profession: Business Owner (Finance Company)
Background: Enlisted in United States Air Force in 1958. Stationed in Montana. Served in Vietnam.
Number of WSOP Cashes: 1 (2 WSOP Circuit cashes – 1 gold ring won in 2010)
Number of WSOP final table appearances: 1
Number of WSOP gold bracelet victory (with this tournament): 1
Best Previous WSOP finish: None
Total WSOP Earnings: $264,400 (plus $26,213 in WSOP Circuit earnings)
Other Interests: Private pilot
On his goal entering the tournament: My goal was to make the money. Once I get to the money, then I want to go to the final table -- that’s my goal. You know the money’s nice but getting to the final table and getting a gold bracelet is what I was really after. That’s what anybody that plays in any event or series, that’s what they are after.
On coming back from a massive chip disadvantage when the final table was seven-handed: I’ve been short-stacked before and you just have to pick your spots to push it. Lady luck was on my side when I pushed it tonight.
On seniors competing against many young players at the WSOP: This 71-year-old man has a thing or two to prove. Some of us old folks can flip it up on the young folks, too.
On playing versus many tough players at the final table and being a first-timer: Oh yes. They were all very, very tough, and very aggressive. Most of the young kids are so aggressive and in the tournament I’m pretty passive. Final table, you know I can get aggressive too and that’s what I had planned to do and worked out for me.
On his short bio: I left home when I was 17-years old and joined the Air Force. I stayed in the Air Force for four years, matter of fact, I was stationed in Montana. So, I learned to play poker for four years. I got out, married, had four children, worked for a finance company for several years, then I bought my home in the mid-1980s and I’ve been doing that ever since. I am also a private pilot. I like to fly. I just like to do about anything that anybody else can do and you know like you said when you get 71-years-old you, you don’t think you’re there at that age, your body says no, you can’t, your mind says c’mon let’s do it! So I try to do it. I try to stay focused on life itself.
On how his family and friends will react to his WSOP victory: I’ve had a whole bunch of texts and calls and they were watching the broadcast on (WSOP.com). They were calling and texting and wishing me good luck. I’ve had all my kids who have already called me. It’s super good.
The official report of this tournament, with much more news and official data, will be posted soon to WSOP.com.-- by Nolan Dalla
