2005 World Series of Poker RecapWORLD CUP OF POKER WILL BE NEXT!
By Bob Acton of Aces Poker
As the armed guards toting their shotguns entered the playing area, the effect for television had made its mark as $7.5 million of cold hard cash was on the line. For 39-year old Australian native Joseph Hachem life will never be the same, as he bested Steven Dannenmann of Severn, Maryland, a mortgage banker.
The final play unfolded slowly as Dannenmann raised before the flop — three community cards was turned over. Hachem called and the dealer revealed a six-five-four flop. Hachem checked, Dannenmann bet another $700,000 and then Hachem raised to $1.7 million.
The turn, or fourth card, was an ace and Hachem threw another $2 million into the pot. Dannenmann raised to $5 million and Hachem went "all-in" with more than $30 million, moving into a high-stakes gear that can either save or break a gambler.
Dannenmann called instantly and then Hachem produced a seven and three, giving him a seven-high straight. Dannenmann showed an ace-three, and needed a seven on the river — the last card — to match Hachem's straight. It didn't happen.
Dannenmann said his top priority was to have a good time. He even carried around a small sheet of paper with a list of things he should remember. Two of them were "have fun" and "nothing to lose."
Toward the end of the round, Dannenmann, a 38-year-old accountant and mortgage banker from Severn, Md., said he just wanted to finish the match.
"I got tired," he said. "I was bored of it. I was trying to make moves."
With the bundles of cash, Hachem also won the coveted white gold and diamond bracelet. It's the last time the event will be held at Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel, where cowboy Benny Binion started the World Series in 1970.
You just know that next on the horizon will probably be boxing promoter Don King to promote a World Cup of Poker pitting the best United States players against Canadians, Europeans, and Asians and so on.
Only in America right!
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