Jose Garcia Wins Event #2: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em for $79,134
Table Of Contents
Jose Garcia clinched his inaugural World Series of Poker bracelet in a thrilling showdown in Event #2: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold’em, hosted at the esteemed Horseshoe and Paris Casino.
Emerging victorious from a tense heads-up battle with competitor Richard Rothmeier, Garcia, who is a poker dealer, secured a substantial prize of $79,134, while Rothmeier claimed an admirable $52,773 for his commendable second place finish.
This inaugural event garnered significant attention, drawing in a formidable field of 1,189 entries, ultimately accumulating a substantial prize pool totaling $499,380.
The intensity of the competition was palpable as players vied for dominance. The bubble burst on Day 1, and as Day 2 dawned, 179 determined contenders returned to the tables. With each hand, the stakes escalated, leading to the emergence of a final table.
As the tension reached its zenith, four skilled players remained: Jose Garcia (13,795,000), Richard Rothmeier (8,705,000), Lang Anderson (4,015,000), and Alexander Green (2,990,000). Notably, previous bracelet winner Michael Holtz narrowly missed the final table, concluding his impressive run in 11th place with a commendable prize of $4,962. PokerNews' ambassador Lukas Robinson also made an impressively deep run, finishing in ninth place for $6,317.
Throughout the proceedings, Garcia showcased remarkable prowess, maintaining a dominant chip lead from the culmination of the final three tables onwards. Even in moments of adversity, such as a notable setback during a high stakes confrontation with Rothmeier, where Garcia lost approximately four million in chips, his resilience and strategic acumen shone brightly, propelling him to a well-deserved victory.
Final Table Results
| Rank | Player | Country | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jose Garcia | United States | $79,134 |
| 2 | Richard Rothmeier | United States | $52,773 |
| 3 | Alexander Green | United States | $37,264 |
| 4 | Lang Anderson | United States | $26,698 |
| 5 | Barry Goldberg | United States | $19,412 |
| 6 | Bradley Wolfe | United States | $14,328 |
| 7 | Joshua Sieverding | United States | $10,737 |
| 8 | Christopher Keem | United States | $8,171 |
| 9 | Lukas Robinson | United Kingdom | $6,317 |
Winner's Reaction
Garcia's joy was palpable as he clinched his maiden gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker, marking a triumphant return after a well-deserved hiatus last year. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garcia is more than just a poker dealer at Sandia Resort; he's a seasoned enthusiast with a decade-long tenure in the game, cherishing every moment spent amidst the cards and chips. Known affectionately as a congenial presence both on the felt and behind the dealer's deck, Garcia's amiable demeanor has made him a recognizable figure in Albuquerque's poker circles.
Throughout the tournament, Garcia credited his success to what he fondly referred to as "The Placido Effect," a strategy he found particularly effective, earning him the moniker among his peers. His confidence soared as the field dwindled to 19 players, a pivotal moment arriving when he deftly outplayed Carolyn Adams, a friendly local dealer, when she attempted a bluff and he called her down, ultimately sending her packing.
Displaying unwavering confidence in his gameplay, Garcia strategically employed verbal tactics to unsettle his opponents. During a crucial three-handed phase, he not only outmaneuvered his opponent Rothmeier with a well-timed three-bet but also acknowledged the insightful support of his rail, enhancing his momentum.
Acknowledging the camaraderie of his fellow poker enthusiasts, Garcia extends a heartfelt shout-out to his loyal supporters, including Derek Romero, Eric Alvarado, and Griff, who stood by him through the highs and lows of the tournament.
Day 3 Action
As the action intensified on Day 3, Garcia found himself among the final contenders, navigating through a fiercely competitive field. Lang Anderson's valiant efforts were no match for Garcia's strategic prowess, as he sealed his fate with a well timed straight, securing a significant pot and sending Anderson to the rail with $26,698 in winnings.
Alexander Green's journey also came to an end, succumbing to Rothmeier's aggressive play in a tense showdown of the blinds. Despite a brief resurgence, Green's tournament bid concluded in third place, earning him $37,264 in prize money.
Heads-up play was a brief but intense affair, with Garcia and Rothmeier exchanging blows until the final hand sealed the deal. With nerves of steel, Garcia made a decisive call, clinching victory with a two pair and claiming the coveted gold bracelet as his own.
As Garcia revels in his hard-earned triumph, the poker community eagerly awaits his next move, as he sets his sights on further tournament success, aiming to extend his winning streak.
Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates and coverage of the exhilarating action at the 2024 World Series of Poker, unfolding at the iconic Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas venues.
In this Series
- 1 Dong Meng Wins Second Bracelet & $200,000 in WSOP Tournament of Champions
- 2 Jose Garcia Wins Event #2: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em for $79,134
- 3 Asher Conniff Wins First Bracelet in Event 1: $5,000 Champions Reunion for $408,468
- 4 Daniel Willis Wins First WSOP Bracelet in Event #3: $500 Kickoff NLHE
- 5 James Chen Wins WSOP Event #4: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo ($209,350)
- 6 Darius Samual's 50% Bankroll Risk Pays Off in WSOP $25K Heads-Up Championship
- 7 Mixed Game Legend John Hennigan Wins Seventh Bracelet at 2024 WSOP
- 8 Bryce Yockey BLASTS 25K Fantasy Draft Price After $5K PLO Bracelet Win
- 9 "I'm Only Here to Win Bracelets," says Nick Guagenti as He Captures His Second
- 10 Malcolm Trayner Made a Millionaire in WSOP Mystery Millions
- 11 Great Scott! Seiver Adds to Legacy with Fifth WSOP Bracelet
- 12 David Prociak Conquers The $1,500 Badugi for His Second Bracelet and $129,676
- 13 Simeon Spasov Wins $1,500 6-Max to Claim Second Bracelet for $439,815!
- 14 Robert Mizrachi Joins Brother on Five WSOP Bracelets After $10,000 Dealer's Choice Victory
- 15 20 Years in the Making: TJ Murphy Becomes a WSOP Champion
- 16 Caleb Furth Captures Maiden Bracelet in Event #15: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better for $265,361
- 17 Dylan Weisman Wins Second WSOP Bracelet in Event #18: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha
- 18 Brent Hart Rises From Pack to Win Event #16: $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em
- 19 John Racener Spins Shortest Stack Up to WSOP Gold in LHE Championship
- 20 Aaron Cummings Wins His First Bracelet In Lowball Triple Draw Event
- 21 "Feeling Vindicated": Brek Schutten Wins WSOP $25,000 High Roller for $1,405,641
- 22 Sean Troha Completes Hat Trick in $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Championship
- 23 Huge Comeback Inspires Daniel Sepiol to First Bracelet in $1,500 Shootout
- 24 Daniel Vampan Claims First Bracelet and $148,635 in $3,000 Limit Hold'em 6-Max
- 25 Stephen Winters Defeats 20,647 Players to Win $300 Gladiators of Poker ($401,210)
- 26 Nick Schulman Wins Fifth WSOP Bracelet in $25K High Roller ($1,667,842)
- 27 Gruneberg & Bonnacci Capture First WSOP Pennsylvania Online Bracelets of the Summer
- 28 Evan Benton Goes From Poker Beginner to WSOP Bracelet Winner
- 29 Michael Christ "Gets Lucky" On His Way to Winning Event #27: $1,500 Big O
- 30 Alen Bakovic Laughs His Way to the WSOP Event #30 $600 PLO/NLH Mix Title
- 31 Nicholas Seward Wins His First WSOP Bracelet in $3,000 6-Handed for $516,135
- 32 Phil Ivey Wins His 11th WSOP Bracelet in $10K 2-7 Triple Draw Championship
- 33 Richard Ashby Wins Second WSOP Bracelet in Same Stud Event
- 34 Alex Manzano Ascends to Win Event #33: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha DeepStack
- 35 Antonio Galiana’s Big Bluff Propels Him To First Bracelet in Event #34
- 36 Another Comeback, Another Bracelet For Phillip Hui In $1.5k H.O.R.S.E.
- 37 Timur Margolin Wins Third Bracelet in Event #36: $800 NLHE Deepstack for $342,551
- 38 John Fauver Wins The First Ever $10k Big O Championship For $681,998
- 39 Sergio Aido Wins 2024 WSOP $50,000 NLHE High Roller ($2,026,506)
- 40 Two Bracelets in Two Weeks: Scott Seiver Wins Sixth WSOP Gold in $1,500 Razz
- 41 James Obst Captures Second WSOP Bracelet in $10K Stud
- 42 Xixiang Luo Wins First-Ever WSOP NLHE/PLO Bomb Pot Mix Event
- 43 Magnus Edengren Gets His Crowning Moment in $1,500 Mixed Omaha
- 44 Kingery's Ransom: Longshoreman Ships $2K No-Limit Hold’em for $410,359
- 45 "It Was My Time": Chris Hunichen Captures First Bracelet & $2.8M in $100K High Roller
- 46 Peter Park Wins First Bracelet and $240,724 in Event #51: $1,500 Super Turbo Bounty!
- 47 Dominant Performance: Pedro Neves Crushes On Way to WSOP Monster Stack Bracelet
- 48 Extra Special Day for Christopher Vitch As He Wins Event #48: $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha
- 49 Mostafa Haidary Tears Through the Final Four to Win Event #52: $5,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em
- 50 Third Time's the Charm: Patrick Moulder Captures First Bracelet and $177,045 in $2,500 Mixed Triple Draw
- 51 Frank Funaro Wins Second WSOP Bracelet in $10k Super Turbo Bounty
- 52 Dario Sammartino Wins First Bracelet in Event #61: $2,500 Stud 8/Omaha 8 for $222,703
- 53 Sean Jazayeri Claims First Bracelet in Event #59: $1,000 Super Seniors No-Limit Hold'em
- 54 We Want the Funk! David Funkhouser Wins First Bracelet in $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball
- 55 Paolo Boi Stages Impressive Comeback to Win Event #60: $3,000 No-Limit Hold'em ($676,900)
- 56 Daniel Negreanu Wins 7th WSOP Bracelet in $50,000 Poker Players Championship
- 57 Ben Collins' All Ins Were Unbeatable in Event #67: $500 Salute to Warriors
- 58 Heads-Up Masterclass Propels Elie Nakache to $10K PLO Championship Title
- 59 Determined Scott Seiver Captures 3rd 2024 Bracelet by Winning $10k No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw
- 60 Runner-Up No More: Shiina Okamoto Wins Ladies' Event With Fierce Determination and Confidence
- 61 WPT Announcer Tony Dunst Wins Third World Series of Poker Bracelet
- 62 David Eldridge Overcomes the Odds to Claim Second Bracelet in $25k PLO High Roller ($2,246,728)
- 63 VAMOS! Martin Alcaide Claims First Bracelet and $501,250 in Event #70: $400 Colossus
- 64 Matthew Lambrecht Wins $10,000 Mystery Bounty for First WSOP Bracelet
- 65 Team Setna is "On Cloud 9" as the Duo Take Down Event #75: $1,000 Tag Team No Limit Hold’em
- 66 Wing Po Liu Flies High To Win Second Bracelet for $209,942
- 67 Nine Years After Near Tragedy, Arash Ghaneian Wins Second Bracelet in $10,000 Stud Hi-Lo Championship
- 68 First Cash, First Bracelet as Daniel Perkusic Dominates $50,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha
- 69 Georgios Skarparis Wins Mini Main Event After a Promise to His Student ($554,925)
- 70 Francis Anderson Wins 2024 WSOP $800 Independence Day Celebration ($501,040)
- 71 Dominating Final Table Performance Sees Aditya Agarwal Take Down Event #82: $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em ($189,661)
- 72 Chance Kornuth Flips His Way to Fourth Bracelet in Event #85: $1,000 Flip & Go No-Limit Hold'em
- 73 Matthew Alsante Triumphs Over the Pros in $5K 8-Handed No Limit Hold'em ($785,486)
- 74 It’s a Poker Fairytale For Carsten Heidemann, Winner of Event #84: $600 Ultra Stack No-Limit Hold’em
- 75 2024 WSOP Online: Watson Becomes Poker's 10th Triple Crown Winner; Prociak Claims Third Bracelet
- 76 Sascha Wilhelm Scores Biggest Career Win in $1k Mystery Bounty PLO
- 77 “This Bracelet is Worth Three”: Calvin Anderson Joins Five-Timer Club
- 78 Joseph Sanders Claims First Bracelet and $269,530 in $1.5k 6-Max PLO
- 79 Jared Bleznick Captures First Bracelet in $50k No-Limit Hold'em High Roller
- 80 Career-Best Score and First WSOP Bracelet for $3K HORSE Winner Gary Bolden
- 81 Inaugural $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship A Huge Success as Clement Richez Wins $1,041,989
- 82 Michael Rocco Caps Off Career Summer by Capturing First Bracelet
- 83 Xixiang Luo Doubles Up with Second Bracelet of the Summer in Event #96: $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E.
- 84 Michael Liang Turns the Tables in Heads-Up to Win $777 Lucky 7's for $777,777
- 85 Summer Saved! Alex Livingston Claims Second Bracelet and $390,621 in Event #97: $3,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 6-Handed!
- 86 Jonathan Tamayo Wins Record-Breaking 2024 WSOP Main Event ($10,000,000)
- 87 Aneris Adomkevicius Wins First WSOP Bracelet in Event #99: $1,000 Super Turbo No-Limit Hold'em
- 88 Ching Da Wu Conquers The $1,500 Closer at the 2024 WSOP
- 89 Kyle “BluffNTuff” Lorenz & William “mortyc137” Nunley Win Final WSOP Pennsylvania Online Bracelets
