Ultimate Poker Classic - Season 2 - Oct 18,
2003
On the island nation of Aruba, 436 players either bought
in for the full $4,000 or qualified online to play in this
World Poker Tour Event. With the internet playing such a prevalent
roll in the development of young players, combined with the
lowered gambling age in Aruba, many of the players were 21
or younger, including Daniel Larsson of Sweden.
The table was highlighted by future WPT player of the year
Erick Lindgren and publisher of Card Player Magazine, Barry
Shulman. Joining them were Anthony Fagan, Ted Harrington and
Rick Casper. Casper had promised to wed his fiancé
if he came in the top three, but still made good with his
promise when he busted out in 6th place.
It was Larsson and Lindgren that survived the final table
to face off heads-up. Lindgren sat with an absolute mountain
of chips in front of him against the internet star. Lindgren
continued to pressure Larsson with a series of all-in bets.
Finally, Larson found big slick in the small blind and simply
called, and Lindgren again went all-in. Larson called and
was in good shape against the Queen-3 of diamonds that Lindgren
held. Unfortunately for Daniel Larsson, Lindgren hit a queen
on the flop and a three on the turn, outdrawing his opponent
to win the tournament. Lindgren walked away in the sunset
of Aruba with $500,000 and a World Poker Tour title.
