RED CLOUD GARRISON - More than 150 service members and Civilians filled USAG-Red Cloud Mitchell's Club March 7 for the Texas Hold'em Championship Poker Tournament. The tournament lasted for more than four hours in which the last player standing, Brian Wadas won a $1,000 gift card from Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and the opportunity to play in the All-Army Texas Hold'em Internet Tournament April 25.
As bets started to increase and players were folding out of the game, the last two players remaining were Wadas and Adam Pepper.
Pepper, a nine year professional Texas Hold'em player, was not able to hang on as Wadas made bold moves and large bets, securing the victory in a matter of minutes.
The tournament attracted 168 poker players who, for a $25 entry fee, drew random playing cards to determine the table where they would play. As players folded out of the game, and a table was left with only six or less players, Chris Bradford, USAG-RC Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation business manager, would seat other players to keep tables at a maximum number of eight.
"FMWR strives to provide relevant entertainment and programming," Bradford said "Texas Hold'em tournaments are popular with our Soldiers in Korea, so this type of tournament is exactly what they want."
The atmosphere of the club was filled with high spirits for the participants, and the entrance fee included a buffet provided by Mitchell's Club, which, Wadas says, was the main reason he came to the tournament.
The purpose of the event is to support the Army Family Covenant by providing programs allowing players a chance to relax and enjoy themselves, Bradford said.
Casino quality cards and other small prizes were given to players who folded early in the tournament. Texas Hold'em T-shirts were given to the remaining 40 players.
"Because this is an all Army tournament, FMWR provided the majority of the support and prizes," Bradford continued. "This being the qualifier for the All Army Internet Tournament, we provided the promotional materials as well. The success of this event is predominately due to those who participated. They love the game, and many volunteered to help throughout the tournament. Many Soldiers came to tell me this is the best event we have hosted and we should do more."
"We run weekly Texas Hold'em leagues at USAG-Casey and USAG-RC," Bradford said. "I encourage players to come out, enjoy each other's company, and improve their skills. You may not win every time, but fun is guaranteed."
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