Recapping the 2012-2013 WSOP Circuit Harrah's Tunica Prelims

Copy link Share on Twitter Share on Facebook

Jan 31, 2013 4 min read Last updated Feb 01, 2013

The 2012/2013 World Series of Poker Circuit presented by Southern Comfort 100 Proof has been rolling along here in the first month of 2013. The Bicycle Casino and Choctaw Durant stops are already in the books, and since Jan. 24, Harrah’s Tunica in Mississippi has been playing host to several ring events. The stop will culminate this weekend with the $1,675 Main Event. There are sure to be some interesting story lines emerging from that tournament, and we thought we’d set the stage by taking a look at the Harrah’s Tunica winners thus far.

One of the feel-good stories that emerged early on was Sean Maurer’s win in Event #2 $365 No-Limit Hold’em for $43,880. The 22-year-old Illinois factory worker, who has only played cash games, was playing his first live tournament and managed to top a field of 611.

Maurer began the final table second in chips, and he seemed to stay toward the top as play progress. One by one his opponents fell, including final table chip leader Ben DeForrest, who was eliminated in sixth place. After three-and-a-half hours of play, only Maurer and Mark Bell, a 43-year-old poker player from Louisville, Kentucky, remained. The heads-up battle lasted only 30 minutes before Maurer clinched victory after his 6x6x held up against his opponent’s 4x4x.

“I’m speechless right now. I can’t even describe how I feel right now,” Maurer told WSOP officials after his win. “My job doesn’t pay big money, but it's steady, and I don’t have the stress of playing professionally,” he added when asked what the win means for his future. “I’ll keep playing tournaments like this one but I’m going back to work on Monday. But I’ll be walking in with a big smile.”

Here's a look at the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica events completed thus far:

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #1 No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #2 No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #3 No-Limit Hold’em Re-Entry

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #4 No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #5 No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #6 NLHE Six-Handed

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #7 No-Limit Hold’em

With several events yet to be determined, the race for the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Champion is undetermined. Whoever captures that title, along with the eventual winner of the Main Event, will automatically qualify for the National Championship. Here's a look at the players who have qualified:

National Championship Qualifiers

In addition to the qualifiers, players who earn enough points on the National Leaderboard will earn a spot into the National Championship:

WSOPC National Leaderboard Top Ten*

*Leading up to the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica stop.

Here's a look at the remaining schedule for the 2012-13 WSOP Circuit:

For more information on the 2012-13 WSOP Circuit season, visit WSOP.com. Also, be sure to follow our live updates from the WSOP Circuit Choctaw Durant in our Live Reporting Section.
*Photos courtesy of WSOP.com.

Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us both Facebook and Google+!

PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

Follow on

• Tags National Championship Poker Tournaments WSOP Circuit Tournament Results
• Related Tournaments World Series of Poker Circuit