Can "ODB" Defend his Eight-Game Mix Title or Will a New Superstar Emerge?
Today one of the most anticipated tournament's of the summer kicks off. We're talking of course about Event #8: $2,500 Eight-Game Mix. While no-limit hold'em tends to dominate the schedule, mixed-game players look forward to testing their skills in alternating rounds of Triple-Draw 2-7, Limit Hold'em, Omaha 8, Razz, Stud, Stud 8, No-Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. This tournament requires players to have a strong proficiency in multiple games, and that's evidenced by the list of past champions.
For instance, last year David "ODB" Baker defeated Greg "FBT" Mueller in an epic heads-up battle to capture his long-awaited first bracelet and the accompanying $271,312 first-place prize. The 477-player field that he overcame to do it was among the most stacked all summer long.
The year before that, two-time bracelet winner John Monnette conquered a field of 489 players including a final table with John Racener (8th-$24,797), John Juanda (6th-$42,897), Brent Hanks (4th-$78,774), Michele Limongi (3rd-$109,245) and Eric Buchman (2nd-$171,855). Monnette earned $278,144 for that win.
We expect to see both Baker and Monnette in today's field.
After a pep talk from @allenbari ,seeing a week of mix games on the schedule, and a good sleep I'm fired up and ready to defend 2500 8 game!Follow @audavidb
Others who've tweeted that they'll more than likely be playing are John Racener, Jason Somerville, Phil Hellmuth, Mike Noori, Andrew Robl and Casey Jarzabek, just to name a few. The plan is to play triple draw 2-7, the H.O.R.S.E games and then No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha in every 60-minute level.
Who will be the next player to add their name to his list? Stick around to find out.
Former Eight-Game Mix Champions
| Year | Player | Entrants | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | David "ODB" Baker | 477 | $271,312 |
| 2011 | John Monnette | 489 | $278,144 |
| 2010 | Sigurd Eskeland | 453 | $260,497 |
| 2009 | Jerrod Ankenman | 412 | $241,637 |
| 2008* | Anthony Rivera | 192 | $483,688 |
*Featured $10,000 buy-in.
Action will kick off at 5 PM PST and the plan is to play eight levels, which will push play into the early morning hours. Cards should be in the air in Event #8: $2,500 Eight-Game Mix in a little over 90 minutes, so join us then as poker's best take to the felt to compete for a 2013 WSOP gold bracelet!