Event #2: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em
Day 3 Completed
2024 World Series of Poker
Event #2: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em
Day: 3
Event Info
Final Results
Event Info
Level Info
Players Info - Day 3
2024 World Series of Poker
Buy-in
$500
Prize Pool
$499,380
Entries
1,189
Level
34
Blinds
200,000 / 400,000
Ante
400,000
Players Left
1
Level 34
: Blinds 200,000/400,000, 400,000 ante
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.
Level 34
: Blinds 200,000/400,000, 400,000 ante
Stay tuned for a full tournament recap coming soon. Congratulations to Jose Garcia, the first bracelet winner of 2024!
Level 34
: Blinds 200,000/400,000, 400,000 ante
After some back and forth between Richard Rothmeier and Jose Garcia, Rothmeier decided to go all in pre-flop, and Garcia snap-called.
Richard Rothmeier: K?9? 
Jose Garcia: K?Q?
Rothmeier needed help, but the board showed 8?4?Q?6?K?, which didn't provide it as they both hit a pair of kings but Garcia made two pair. As a result, Rothmeier was eliminated.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
29,725,000
13,675,000
|
13,675,000 |
|
||
|
Busted | |
Level 34
: Blinds 200,000/400,000, 400,000 ante
Richard Rothmeier started the action with a raise to 1,000,000 from the small blind. Alexander Green went all in from the big blind, and Rothmeier called without hesitation.
Alexander Green: J?10?
Richard Rothmeier: K?J?
The flop came A?9?5?, providing no help for Green, who was at risk. Despite leading, Rothmeier kept asking the dealer for a king. The turn brought the 7?, still no help for Green. Rothmeier��s wish was granted on the river with the K?. Green was sent to the rail and Rothmeier moved a step closer to the bracelet.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
9,460,000
6,145,000
|
6,145,000 |
|
Busted |
Level 34
: Blinds 200,000/400,000, 400,000 ante
Alexander Green was sitting with a short stack at 1,510,000 and Richard Rothmeier moved all in from the small blind and Green called with authority.
Alexander Green: J?J?
Richard Rothmeier: 5?5?
Rothmeier called for a five but the board did not oblige with 10?4?9?3?A?. Green doubled again.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
3,315,000
-6,390,000
|
-6,390,000 |
|
|
3,020,000
-890,000
|
-890,000 |
Level: 34
Blinds: 200,000/400,000
Ante: 400,000
Level 33
: Blinds 150,000/300,000, 300,000 ante
Jose Garcia initiated the action on the button with a raise to 700,000. From the big blind, Alexander Green went all in for 1,730,000, and after a brief consideration, Garcia called.
Alexander Green: A?7?
Jose Garcia: 9?6?
Garcia shouted for a six on the Q?10?2? flop, then the K? turn and 10? river also offered no help and Green doubled.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
16,050,000
-4,150,000
|
-4,150,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
3,910,000
-370,000
|
-370,000 |
Level 33
: Blinds 150,000/300,000, 300,000 ante
Jose "Placido" Garcia raised to 1,100,000 from the button and Lang Anderson immediately called all in for 1,030,000.
Lang Anderson: A?J?
Jose Garcia: 9?10?
The board looked promising for Anderson until the turn paired him but gave Garcia a straight Q?K?Q?J?K?.
Anderson played a strong game to make it to the final four.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
20,200,000
9,200,000
|
9,200,000 |
|
|
||
|
Busted | |
Level 33
: Blinds 150,000/300,000, 300,000 ante
Alexander Green went all in from under the gun with 1,765,000 and was called by Jose Garcia on the button.
Alexander Green: K?10?
Jose Garcia: 5?5?
The flop came 4?9?A?, offering no help to Green. However, the turn brought the K?, giving Green the better pair. The river 4? didn��t change the outcome, allowing Green to double up and take a few chips from the chip leader.
| Player | Chips | Progress |
|---|---|---|
|
|
11,000,000
-1,795,000
|
-1,795,000 |
|
|
||
|
|
4,280,000
265,000
|
265,000 |