Bossier City, LA (September 14, 2012) – “Captain Tom” Franklin has been around since poker’s equivalent of the Stone Age. But he certainly didn’t show his age tonight, wiping out the latest final table in a swift beating that took less than three hours.Franklin won the $365 Pot-Limit Omaha tournament (Event 3), played over two days and nights at Horseshoe Bossier City. He topped a field of 142 players. First place paid $11,930.This marked Franklin’s third career gold ring victory. His previous wins took place at Harrah’s New Orleans (2010) and West Palm Beach (2010). In fact, Franklin would be advised to go out and buy a larger jewelry box, since he already possesses a WSOP gold bracelet to go along with many other tournament amulets won over his illustrious 20-year career in the poker business. In fact, all ring winners might want to hurry down to Bossier, as through three events, each winner has been a repeat Circuit Champion.
Franklin is a 61-year-old professional gambler and poker player from Gulfport, MS. His lifetime tournament winnings total more than $3.3 million. Prior to touring the country playing in poker tournaments, Franklin was a musician (drummer). He’s also a proud former Vietnam Veteran.During the two-day competition, Franklin acted like it was pretty much just another day at the office, even once he was assured of victory. He raked in the last pot of the night holding trip queens. After stacking his chips and shaking the hand of the runner up, he briskly asked how long it would take to do a few winner photos, and then raced out the door in order to attend a Saturday night show.“I’m already late for the show,” Franklin barked as he headed out the side door. “The show started 20 minutes ago. I gotta’ go!”When pressed for a short interview, Franklin did manage to answer at least one hurried question.“Hey Tom – does winning ever get old?”“No,” he said.At press time it remains unknown which major media outlets will be following up on Mr. Franklin’s riveting victory and thoughtful reflection.A possibility that Franklin might soon be appearing on The David Letterman Show to discuss his victory could not be confirmed at press time.
Final Table Results for Event 3:1st Tom Franklin GULFPORT, MS $11,9302nd Burt Madden LITTLE ROCK, AR $7,3723rd Donna Murray GAUTIER, MS $5,3224th Joseph Martinez Portland, TX $3,9105th Paul Buckle San Antonio, TX $2,9236th Grantel Gibbs WHITBY, ON $2,2227th Bobby Chaler SHREVEPORT, LA $1,7188th Richard Estep LAKE CHARLES, LA $1,3509th Will “Monkey” Souther BILOXI, MS $1,077