Today in the WSOP 3-Bet we look at Tom Dwan returning to Vegas, Kevin Stammen getting stomped and the Golden Nugget’s bid for online poker.
You can always leave a suggestion for a future WSOP 3-Bet in the comments section if you feel we’re missing an interesting story at the 2012 WSOP.
3) Stammen Stymied, Rocco Rocks
Noted online pro Kevin Stammen was in prime position to win his second WSOP bracelet today as he entered Day 3 of Event 44 $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em as one of the chip leaders with 16 players.
Instead, in a surprising turn-of-events, Stammen was the first player out.
Stammen got into a pre-flop raising war against Kevin Elia that resulted in Stammen smashing pocket queens into Elia’s pocket aces.
The hand against Elia decimated Stammen’s stack and he was eliminated several hands later when his ace-four failed to improve again an opponent's pocket sixes.
Stammen picked up $16,588 for finishing in 16th place but will likely remember this tournament as a missed opportunity.
Rocco Palumbo went on to win the tournament for $464,464 and in doing so became just the sixth Italian in WSOP history to win a bracelet.
2) Golden Nugget Launches Online Poker Site
The Golden Nugget became the latest iconic Vegas franchise to launch an online free-to-play poker site this week.
GoldenNuggetPoker.com promises players the chance to play some virtual cards with no advertising, no deposits and no hidden fees.
Interestingly the site is giving players a little extra incentive with exclusive prizes like free hotel stays, dining cards and free casino play.
It will likely take awhile to get traffic up but there were already just over 300 players on the site when we checked earlier tonight.
Last week Station Casinos launched their Ultimate Poker, which also offers free poker. Many other Vegas casinos have sites in the works.
It’s getting to the point where it’s starting to feel like the online poker gold rush of the early 2000s where everyone was trying to get a piece of the pie.
Could real-money online poker be a reality by next WSOP? It sure seems like an outside possibility.
1) Straight Out of Macau: Tom “durrrr” Dwan Returns
It’s been an exceptional WSOP with numerous compelling storylines including Phil Ivey making five final tables, Phil Hellmuth winning his 12th bracelet and female players making multiple final tables.
There was one thing missing, however. The gangly, poker-playing genius known by most as “durrrr.”
Indeed Tom “durrrr” Dwan announced his arrival via Twitter today in this brief but highly anticipated message:
Back in vegas! Been 6months, sick life
— Tom Dwan (@TomDwan) June 27, 2012Yep, after six months of living the Macau high life, Dwan has finally come home.
Dwan didn’t say anything about what tournaments he’s going to play at the WSOP, although he committed to playing the $1 million buy-in Big One last year.
Two questions surround the young pro on his return to Vegas. One, did he leave Macau with millions in profit? Two, did he go straight to Bobby’s Room?
Stay tuned.
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