Posted on 12/05/2005 7:46:41 AM PST by frogjerk
December 1, 2005 11:00 a.m. EST
Ayinde O. Chase - All Headline News Staff Writer
Basseterre, St. Kitts (AHN) - Juha Helppi risked life, limb, and drowning Wednesday, making poker history as he emerged from the ocean off the coast of St. Kitts the first InterPoker.com Extreme Poker Champion. Helppi outwitted his opponents at 30 feet below sea level in the first ever underwater poker tournament.
Helppi quickly defeated his competitors, including professionals Phil Laak and Kenna James, as well as Internet qualifier Louise H. from Denmark and InterPoker.com spokesperson Peter Marcus.
Snorkeling on the surface, a school of tournament spectators silently watched the tournament, among them WSOP Champions Kathy Liebert and Todd Whiteles.
InterPoker spokesperson Peter Marcus says, "I've been present at some of the most electric moments in poker history, but this one tops them all."
Marcus continues, "After Juha's amazing performance today, I challenge anyone to argue that poker is not a sport, and that Extreme Underwater Poker should not be admitted into the Olympic games."
The poker table was submerged using weighted anchors attached to the table's underside and traditional chips and waterproof cards were used during play.
Helppi had this to say after being awarded his winning seashell bracelet, "Without a doubt, this was one of the most challenging tournaments in which I have ever competed. Not only are Phil and Kenna two of the best poker players I have ever faced, I also had to overcome obstacles such as water leaking into my mask and staying away from the stingray. I feel like I truly earned this victory."
If you got stung and reacted it would be a serious tell according to Mike Caro...
Poker Ping!
Freepmail me to be put on the poker ping list.
"I knew I was in over my head but I came out on top (I mean the surface)."
The Unabomber played 30 feet underwater?
They should be betting "Air Credits", that would sure speed play. By the way, what is the decompression penalty for a 24-hour "Rounder Session" at 33 fsw?
LOL. OK this is a joke right?
Dealing from the bottom was allowed, obviously...
Did they encounter a shark?
Specifically, one to jump?
Does this mean we can expect velvet paintings of fish palying poker now?
Extreme Ironing
His ship came in.
extreme ironing! ... it's a strange world
When is the ladies tournament???
That is the dumbest thing i have ever heard. why not poker while surfing or skydiving?
or perhaps poker, Japanese gameshow style?
I don't want to go into what I first thought when I saw the phrase "underwater poker"... |
Did anyone else see the headline and read UnderWEAR poker? Its the only reason I clicked on this thread and I was so very disapointed : (
Now when Mike Sexton says,
"JUHA'S REALLY HEADING FOR WHITEWATER HERE VINCE!",
he really means Juha's really heading for whitewater.
Never believed that someone would actually dethrone perennial reigning champ...Ted Kennedy...
He won the final hand with a boat...
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