Season 1 Ends - Bearded Mike Takes TOC

The TOC went almost four hours before the first player busted out (Chris with aces-up in five card draw). Side game action started at the same times as the tournament and built a following throughout the day, until it faced competition from beer pong. Tim pulled double duty as both dealer and chef, cooking up a hearty pile of pork ribs. Oh, and some drinking went on now and then.

Sean went out on the bubble, barely missing his fifth cash of the season. Bearded Mike called both Sean and Baklava's all-ins in deuce-to-seven TD and hit the nuts after one draw. GPT Spring 2006 Player of the Year Hank Silf took third, cashing for the 11th time this season.

Heads-up was a back-and-forth battle between Phil McGroin and Bearded Mike. The tournament nearly ended on hold'em when Bearded Mike called Phil's all-in on the flop, but Phil caught a two on the river to beat 7s. Bearded Mike then went AI short-stacked in Omaha and amazingly won when a pair of tens stood up. Finally, both got AI in hold'em - AQ vs. KQ - and ace-high took it for Bearded Mike.

Thanks again to everyone who made the season a great success, and to those who brought stuff and contributed to the party atmosphere at the TOC. See ya next season...