Stop the Presses!
Former WSOP Gold Bracelet Winner Gavin Smith to Compete in San Diego Championship Event
Rincon Reservation, CA (March 21, 2012) – It’s a breaking news flash that’s certain to knock the U.S. presidential election, high-gas prices, and tensions in the Middle East off the front pages of every newspaper and website.
Gavin Smith, the bombastic barrel-waisted bad boy and former World Series of Poker gold bracelet winner, announced to the world today that he is attending the latest WSOP Circuit Main Event championship, which is slated to begin on Saturday, March 24th. The $1,600 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em tournament will last three days, concluding on Monday, March 26th.
Smith’s announcement was met with confusion and indifference by just about everyone currently in attendance at Harrah’s Rincon, host of the “12 Rings in 12 Days” poker series.
“Who’s Gavin Smith?” asked a befuddled John Sebastian, Director of Casino Operations, when pitched by Smith's “agent” for a free room via telephone. “I mean, we certainly like to roll out the red carpet for our best players. But what’s Gary (sic) Smith ever done? Can’t we get Jerry Yang to come instead?”
Players who are in the midst of competing for gold rings in the 11 preliminary tournaments currently taking place at Harrah’s Rincon had similar reactions to the news that Smith will participate in poker events over the next several days.
“If he has any money -- bring him on!” said one middle-stakes cash game player. “I hear that guy is great to have in the live games.”
Smith has accumulated nearly $6 million in live tournament winnings (including $1.38 million in WSOP events) during his poker career, which dates back the last ten years. The former golf course greenskeeper from the Canadian wasteland began playing poker seriously around 2003. He luck-boxed his way to a million-dollar win at the Mirage Las Vegas before finally capturing what had been the most elusive prize – a WSOP gold bracelet in 2010. Smith finally earned his career breakthrough victory in the $2,500 buy-in Mixed Hold’em Event. With tears in his eyes as evidence, Smith’s victory was one of the year’s most emotionally-wrenching memories.
When Smith was contacted to elaborate on his travel plans between his home in Las Vegas and the casino North of San Diego, he was intentionally vague. Gone are the days when a two-minute phone call from Smith or his entourage of sycophants could trigger offers limousine rides and full RFB from the casino and staff. Now, Smith is reduced to hitching rides to try and make it to the tournament.
“Can I get a ride with you?” Smith reportedly texted to an anonymous source. “I can give you some gas money – that is, if I am lucky enough to cash.”
No matter what happens in the Main Event, Smith is certain to make a major impact at Harrah’s Rincon. Two extra bartenders and three additional cocktail waitresses have been hired for the occasion. The credit manager has also been put on alert.
More information about the WSOP Circuit at Harrah's Rincon can be seen HERE.