2012 RRCSOP
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Ronin Ryder Cup Series of Poker. Tournament director Pat Smith made the arrangements with the original home of the World Series of Poker, Binion's Hotel and Casino, to host the event.
From the beginning, this event has been a hit with the players. 28 players participated this year.
Each player started with $5000 in chips, $25/$50 blinds, no antes. Blinds raised every 15 minutes. The tournament would pay out the top five positions.
Donald took on the role of Norman Chad in describing the events of the evening. Despite the many challenges and insults thrown around the room, everything was good natured. The laughter brought on-lookers from other tables and the casino to see what was happening.
Aaron Aalcides did not play in this year's event, so the first player out would be different. Eric Takanishi had the honor of that title this year.
Mark Kimura went out before winning a hand for the third year in a row. He bought back in and was able to win a few before busting out in 10th place on the final table.
Within a few hours, the final table was established:
Seat 10: Donald (2nd place last year)
Seat 9: Mitch Higa
Seat 8: Tom Ryono
Seat 7: Stan Kadohata
Seat 6: Corky Saruwatari
Seat 5: Mark Kimura
Seat 4: Craig Fuchino
Seat 3: Lincoln Tadios
Seat 2: Irvin Matsukiyo (last years winner)
Seat 1: Pat Smith
10th place: Mark
9th place: Lincoln
8th place: Stan
7th place: Corky
6th place: Donald (bubble)
5th place: Tom ($50)
4th place: Craig ($70)
3rd place: Irvin ($110?)
Play would continue for another hour before finalists Mitch Higa and Pat Smith were decided. Their showdown occurred one hand after eliminating Irvin. After a raise and a re-raise, Mitch would go all-in with a pair of 3's, Pat with A-K.
On the flop, Pat caught his K, but Mitch hit trips with another 3. Pat would need runner-runner to win.
The turn was a blank, followed by a river K, giving Pat trip K's and Mitch a full-house, 3's over K's.
2nd place: Pat Smith ($190)
1st place: Mitch Higa, ($240) 2012 RRCSOP Champion
Congratulations Mitch!
Later on that same evening, a few of us were approached by some of the poker players that were in the same room just to say they enjoyed watching/listening to the tournament.