Jose Garcia "Placido" 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
| Place | 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 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.
