Down to Twenty-Seven at the WPT Main Event at Borgata

19 September 2006

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The third day of action at the Borgata Poker Open, part of the World Poker Tour, saw another round of intense battles as players tried to make moves and secure their position in the final six spots. Sixty-eight players began counting their chips at 11 a.m., but it wasn't long before players began to drop like flies.

The drama of the event was heightened throughout the day by the looming fact that only fifty-four out of the sixty-eight players would place for a cash prize. Unfortunately for those fourteen players, their three-day efforts became all for nothing as they watched their dreams of a World Poker Tour title slip away.

With a $1.5 million first-place prize awaiting the winner, players adjusted their game performance and did their best to capitalize on the opportunities to advance. Several players lost big hands on questionable calls, which only intensified the competition as players focused on playing both their opponents and the cards they were dealt.

As players were eliminated, the game became more of a chess match than a wild all-in blowout. The poker faces of some of the best players in the game eventually cracked as the competition wore on and several prominent pros made exits that clearly left them unsatisfied.

The crowd cheered as the final twenty-seven players of the WPT main event were announced. Taking in the final chip lead was amateur Athanasios Diakos with $1.5 million in chips. Other notable leaders included poker author David Skiansky, Academy Award nominated actress Jennifer Tilly, and Shawn Chaconas.

Shawn Chaconas of New York City, NY, best known for his prowess as a top cash game player, is sitting pretty in fifth place. Chaconas commented, "Borgata is my 'home-base' and I love playing here. The structure of this tournament is the best in the country for serious poker players."

After the tournament wrapped for the night, many of the professional players migrated to B BAR to celebrate or possibly to reflect on their early exit. Poker legend Gavin Smith held court at the B BAR with other notable pros such as David Singer, "Iron Mike" Hofeld, and actress Shannon Elizabeth.

The final table begins Tuesday, September 19th at 5 p.m. and will air on the Travel Channel in the coming months.


Related Links
Ranked Online Poker Rooms
WPT Gaming Vendor Information
WPT Enterprises Gaming Vendor Information
Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Details

Featured Vendors
Sunkist Graphics, Inc.
Concept 3, LLC
Sunkist Graphics, Inc.
Specializing in the creation of best-of-breed gaming graphics - slot glass, sign faces, and more
Concept 3, LLC
Custom Creations, Unmatched Value – Elevating Brands with Quality & Savings Since 2004
Prezzee
Rymax Marketing Services, Inc.
Prezzee
Prezzee provides digital gift cards from top brands to reward loyal guests and employees.
Rymax Marketing Services, Inc.
Leader in creating award winning player & employee loyalty programs & events proven to increase ROI
Slot Machines Unlimited
Imagine This
Slot Machines Unlimited
Exporter of IGT, Williams, AVP, Trimline, Aristocrat, Konami, Bally, & parts over 20 yrs experience
Imagine This
Imagine This #1 Source for Player Gifts. Over $50 million in stock ready to ship! Let us serve you!
Casino Network
Casino City Press
Casino Network
20+ years experience selling refurbished slot machines, parts & glass for all major brands
Casino City Press
A leading publisher and distributor of casino and gaming business data and market research reports.
REDW Business & Financial Resources, LLC
Regulatory Management Counselors, PC
REDW Business & Financial Resources, LLC
Improve Your Odds of Success: Trust in REDW’s Tribal Casino Operations & Audit Experts!
Regulatory Management Counselors, PC
Over 45 years of experience serving the legal and regulatory needs of casino industry clients
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference
TribalHub
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) Conference
The biggest little show in Indian gaming! Save the date: July 14-16, 2025 Oklahoma City
TribalHub
26th Annual TribalNet Conference Sept 15-18, 2025 at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada
Texas Slots & Gaming
Betson Imperial Parts & Service
Texas Slots & Gaming
Wholesale gaming reimagined. Texas Slots & Gaming is your sustainable gaming partner.
Betson Imperial Parts & Service
Your one stop shop for all your gaming and OEM needs!
Casino Schedule Ease
Casino Schedule Ease
Full Featured & customizable for the complex scheduling needs of table games & other casino depts


Your Guide to 14,985 Gaming Industry Suppliers