As the Elite Tampa Bay WSOP Poker League in Tampa Bay, Florida – playing at Win Derby- enters its final stretch with just three weeks remaining, the anticipation is high to see who will secure their seats in the upcoming tournament. Surprisingly, it is only Ray Mancini who has emerged as the only unbeatable player, having already secured his spot. However, the competition remains fierce as numerous players are separated by just a single point or a slight margin. In this blog, we delve into the thrilling account of this week’s intense battle on the poker tables.

At the feature table at 100/200 blinds, Shawn O’Brien opened 2100, Mike Ozer called and Marv “The Duckman “ Karlins put it all in. Shawn said “He could have anything!” And folded, Mike Ozer went all in too. Marv flipped over QQ, Mike A2o. In the end Marv hit a flush & Mike was sent to the rail.

After a raise and call of 800, David Smith changed the action going all in. Matt Trizis called. David’s AQ was best over Matt’s TT sending Matt to rebuy (there will be lots of rebuys these next few weeks).

This time, at 300/500, Andra Zachow raised to 3500 after a few 1k bets. The players folded to Shawn who asked “Why so much?”. Andra stated that she could win more when he called if she bet bigger. Shawn disputed that she would win. The flop was 8 high rainbow. Shawn had checked dark & Andra jammed. Shawn asked if she had AQ and Andra said “uh oh”. Shawn said she was going to lose and called with A8. Andra showed QQ and doubled up.

Ed was all in short and Joe Steur called… with AA

At the outer table Ryan Luker had a Straight Flush > Tom McDonald to bust him right before reg closed

Back at the feature table, Shawn was all in after Dugg opened. Dugg called with the best hand sending Shawn to the rail.

In a dangerous hand, Ann Arey, a recent arrival at the feature table with a big stack, opened 3500 at 300/600. Marv, with more heaps, snap jammed. Ann was torn as she said she had the best hand but also didn’t want to lose a race. Finally Ann folded JJ and Marv showed QQ.

Marv then proceeded to get pairs at least 2 Call more times betting chips to match his pair – 3k for 33, 7k for 77 etc.

Down to 18 players there was a new feature table. Joe Steur doubled through the Duckman with KK!

Matty Ice raised all in but Evan Vancavage got the knockout.

Joe Steur flopped a set of twos and turned a Full House while Ray Mancini thought his J was good. The river improved Ray to a better full house.

Joe Steur got the knockout sending Karl Man the rail.

Joe Steur’s QQ were quite good (turned DH, rivered quads) vs Andra’s AK to send her home.

The Duckman’s KK>Evan’s QQ

Bob Scholz flopped a straight doubling through Jason Barnett who flopped a set (though all in pre flop)

Evan Vancavage finished 9th after Jason hit his straight blind vs blind

A double for Jason Barnett through Ray Mancini with 66!

And then Ray doubled through Jason with KK!

Juan Rodriguez’s JJ was good and he doubled through the Duckman!

Jason rivered the A to knock out Ann 8th.

Duckman’s QJ bested Juan’s KK for a double

Marv 55> Joe S JJ
Joe Steur 7th

Ryan jammed AK and Juan looked at 1 A and called then turned over AA

Juan AA> Ryan AK
Ryan Luker 6th

Juan K9 > Bob 94
Bob Scholz 5th

With a sick runout, Juan has Aces again and it’s AA>Jason Barnett’s K5
Jason Barnett 4th

Juan AT>Marv AQ
Juan Doubles & Marv is Short

Marvin “The Duckman” Karlins finished 3rd.

Ray AQ> Juan AJ
Ray doubled. At that point they agreed to a chop.

Congrats to Juan Rodriguez & Ray Mancini!

The final table in order of finish was:

Week 17

1. Juan Rodriguez & Ray Mancini

2. Chop

3. Marv Karlins

4. Jason Barnett

5. Bob Scholz

6. Ryan Luker

7. Joe Steur

8. Ann Arey

9. Evan Vancavage

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The top 3 have not changed & with this win Ray Mancini has solidified his Main Event seat and Bob Scholz has moved up to 9th bumping Billy McPhillips down 1.

Juan Rodriguez finally stoped letter his partner Aaron Thivyanathan play so they could maybe have a chance.

Everyone else is not 100% safe or 100% out of it. These next three weeks are going to be a MAJOR BATTLE!!