2006 World Series of Poker MBA Championships
Mike Tsai, George Kopp
Issue date: 2/8/06 Section: Johnson News
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More than 500 MBAs from 49 schools made the trek out to Las Vegas over winter break to compete in the third annual 2006 World Series of Poker MBA Championships sponsored by Harrah's Entertainment--think college jeopardy with an edge. The stakes were raised as combatants battled for their share of over $150,000 in cash along with a number of prizes donated by generous sponsors, including a $15,000 Gevril watch. The event also raised $20,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.
The Cornell team, which consisted of 20 players made an excellent showing, finishing 7th out of 49 schools and besting the champs of the last two years (Chicago and UCLA) in addition to Wharton, Stanford, Kellogg, Columbia and Duke.
Cornell came out of the corner swinging hard as George Kopp, MBA'06, bested 482 players to take third place and just under $6000. George has had some recent success in large tournaments on campus, making the final table of last year's Cornell Poker Championships (280 players) and winning this year's Red Cross Charity Poker Tournament (146 players), taking home an iPod Nano , (which he keeps in his pocket for good luck but never listens to when playing in tournaments). In addition, on day one of the tournament, Jacob Krayn, MBA'04, finished in 25th place and scooped up $364 for Cornell's team score.
Day two of the tournament was not as kind to Cornell. Only one Cornellian, Bao Do, MBA '06, finished in the money at 32nd place, earning $331 toward Cornell's score. Unfortunately for Cornell's future teams, Bao, an accomplished player who will be working for Harrah's in the fall, will not be permitted to play in any future WSOP events, per Harrah's policy..
Scott Jackson, the Johnson School Poker Club President, stated, "It's a shame he won't be able to play on the team next year, but we have some excellent players in the first year class who couldn't make the trip this year due to the conflict with their immersions. I expect next year's team to be even stronger." The team's only first year player was Jeremiah Goldman, MBA'07, who didn't cash in the MBA WSOP but had some success a few days prior, finishing second in the MGM Grand's daily tournament (96 players), and taking home $1200. "Too bad we can't add that to the team score," joked Larry Keane, MBA'06.
Overall, the weekend, which doubled as a recruiting event for Harrah's, was a smashing success, with more than 750 MBAs participating in the events, which included several company presentations, social events, and networking opportunities. A welcome reception kicked off the weekend in style with celebrity guest speaker Phil Gordon and a speech from Gary Loveman, Harrah's chairman, chief executive officer, and president.
On a more immediate note, the Cornell Poker Club has been organizing the campus-wide Cornell Poker Championship for the past few years. This year's event will take place on campus in February and should feature 300 to 400 players, so be on the lookout. Until then, may all your flops be monsters and your aces never get cracked.
The Cornell team, which consisted of 20 players made an excellent showing, finishing 7th out of 49 schools and besting the champs of the last two years (Chicago and UCLA) in addition to Wharton, Stanford, Kellogg, Columbia and Duke.
Cornell came out of the corner swinging hard as George Kopp, MBA'06, bested 482 players to take third place and just under $6000. George has had some recent success in large tournaments on campus, making the final table of last year's Cornell Poker Championships (280 players) and winning this year's Red Cross Charity Poker Tournament (146 players), taking home an iPod Nano , (which he keeps in his pocket for good luck but never listens to when playing in tournaments). In addition, on day one of the tournament, Jacob Krayn, MBA'04, finished in 25th place and scooped up $364 for Cornell's team score.
Day two of the tournament was not as kind to Cornell. Only one Cornellian, Bao Do, MBA '06, finished in the money at 32nd place, earning $331 toward Cornell's score. Unfortunately for Cornell's future teams, Bao, an accomplished player who will be working for Harrah's in the fall, will not be permitted to play in any future WSOP events, per Harrah's policy..
Scott Jackson, the Johnson School Poker Club President, stated, "It's a shame he won't be able to play on the team next year, but we have some excellent players in the first year class who couldn't make the trip this year due to the conflict with their immersions. I expect next year's team to be even stronger." The team's only first year player was Jeremiah Goldman, MBA'07, who didn't cash in the MBA WSOP but had some success a few days prior, finishing second in the MGM Grand's daily tournament (96 players), and taking home $1200. "Too bad we can't add that to the team score," joked Larry Keane, MBA'06.
Overall, the weekend, which doubled as a recruiting event for Harrah's, was a smashing success, with more than 750 MBAs participating in the events, which included several company presentations, social events, and networking opportunities. A welcome reception kicked off the weekend in style with celebrity guest speaker Phil Gordon and a speech from Gary Loveman, Harrah's chairman, chief executive officer, and president.
On a more immediate note, the Cornell Poker Club has been organizing the campus-wide Cornell Poker Championship for the past few years. This year's event will take place on campus in February and should feature 300 to 400 players, so be on the lookout. Until then, may all your flops be monsters and your aces never get cracked.