Mirage Poker Showdown - Season 5 - May 17, 2006
The World Poker Tour ushered in its fifth season with the
Mirage Poker Showdown, a $10,000 event hosted by The Mirage
casino in Las Vegas, NV. Up from 317 entrants in 2005, the
tournament drew 384 players, of which several acquired their
entry fee via satellite, including the tournament’s
eventual champion, Stanley Weiss.
Weiss parlayed a $60 investment into just over $1.3 million,
overcoming a solid final table that saw a number of improbable
river cards influence the eventual outcome. One such hand
saw an unraised pot between Weiss and ultimate runner-up Harry
Demetriou go the distance. Weiss bet T200,000 holding J-5
offsuit when the flop came K-5-2. Demetriou called, holding
the 10-2 of diamonds. Weiss moved all in when a 2 came on
the turn and Demetriou called, leaving Weiss drawing dead
to a 5 with one card remaining. Sure enough, the 5 of hearts
came on the river, doubling up Weiss and propelling him to
victory.
Young tournament professional Devin Porter reached his second
televised World Poker Tour final table, finishing 3rd behind
Weiss and Demetriou. Adding to his already impressive resume,
at just 24 years of age David Williams made his 3rd WPT final
table appearance, taking home 4th place prize money. Robert
Mizrachi and Steven Frederick, both new to a World Poker Tour
final table, rounded out the final table.
