We had two Nicks this week with Nick Zivolich substituting for Cecil Riddle this week. Nick had partnered with Cecil last year and represented the league in the 2023 Main Event and cashing. Nick Scholz is playing for his father/son team Scholz.

With only 2 weeks left and around 23 players still vying for 9 seats these last 2 weeks will be action packed!

Players must play 17 weeks of the 20 week season AND play 3 of the last 5 weeks to qualify for any seat, the right to part of the League 10% share, as well as to play in the “Losers Lounge” consolation tournament 5/23 if they do not win a seat.

Since it definitely could happen this season here are the league rules regarding ties for a seat:

“If at the end there is a tie in Weekly Points for the  Top Seat(s), the tie breaker will be determined in this order:

• Most 1st place finishes (including chops) , then if tied Heads up match (best 2 out of 3), or players may chop prizes, but one must play the $10K event.”

Following are some notable hands:

At the feature table 200/400 levels Nick Scholz 3bet an open and Jason Barnett called. Nick bet 3500 on the flop and Jason jammed. Nick found a fold showing an 8.

During Week 19 of the poker league, an exhilarating moment occurred at the outer table. A multiway all-in took place, and Shawn O’Brien emerged as the victorious player, winning it all. The intensity of the moment was evident as Shawn’s excitement overflowed, and he couldn’t contain his emotions, yelling out “F@&$ Yeah!!!”

This win had significant implications for Shawn’s position in the league. At the time, he was in 8th place on the season leaderboard. The victory not only boosted his chip stack but also propelled him closer to securing a seat with a win. Hitting the milestone of 100k in chips put Shawn in a strong position to solidify his seat and potentially climb up the leaderboard.

Shawn’s performance during this week showcased his skill and determination, as he navigated through a tough multi-way all-in situation and capitalized on the opportunity to accumulate a substantial chip stack. The league’s spectators and fellow players were undoubtedly impressed by his achievement and recognized his potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming games.

Back at the feature table it was Nick Scholz again this time busting Evan Vancavage after taking most of his chips earlier with straight over Evan’s AA.

It was AK vs AK for Nick Scholz vs Matt Trizis. Nick hit a flush sending Matt – who was in 9th place coming into this week – to the rail.

Mo Maher turned a set of tens and doubled through Nick S who had called Mo’s jam with QQ!

Billy McPhillips was all in vs Nick S. Billy’s trip Jacks were good for a double up!

Unfortunately, Shawn O’Brien’s poker journey took a turn for the worse after his earlier triumph. At some point, he experienced a significant setback when he lost a large portion of his previously mentioned huge chip stack. This unfortunate turn of events occurred when he was crushed by a set, a strong hand that proved to be too powerful for his cards.

To add to his misfortune, Shawn’s run in the game came to an end when he made a call with his AQo (Ace-Queen offsuit) against an opponent’s all-in bet, risking the remainder of his stack. However, luck was not on his side this time, as his hand failed to be a winner in the showdown.

This series of events was undoubtedly disheartening for Shawn, after displaying great promise earlier in the game. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of poker, where even the best players can face unexpected setbacks and challenging situations. Despite this setback, Shawn’s skills and determination are sure to keep him motivated for next week, as he aims to bounce back and regain his momentum in the league for a seat.

Andra Zachow, who had an amazing run prior to first break had a bad run after and was our final table bubble.

It was a tough blow for Andra, as she was only a few points away from solidifying her place in the tournament. Nevertheless, her current standing in the league is still commendable, as she currently holds the 6th place. Depending on how Clive and Nick, two other players in contention, finish their games, Andra’s position may hold and secure her a spot in the top 9.

A double for Karl Man through Mo Monir

A double for Billy McPhillips through Cy Frederick

A double for Mo through Karl Man – Mo had AA.

This final table was going slow – so many need points to get a Main Event seat so this week is crucial!

A double for Billy through Nick Scholz

Clive Gavin’s TT held vs Karl’s A5dd for the knockout. Karl out 9th, with this final table Karl should have his Main Event seat locked up.

Clive’s QK was not what Nick wanted to see vs his Q6….until Nick flopped Q66. A double for Nick Scholz.

Joe Steur jammed and Cy Frederick called for less. Joe’s 66 held and Cy was out 8th.

Ryan Luker >Tom McDonald

Tom out 7th. With the 7th place points Tom should have his WSOP seat locked up.

A huge double for Joe Steur through Nick

A double for Billy through

Mo Maher

Billy McPhillips <Joe Steur. Billy out 6th

At 4k/8k Ryan jammed short, Mo called and Joe Steur rejammed for about 55k more. Mo decided to call but regretted it when Joe hit a full house for heaps!

Ryan out 5th

Clive Gavin <Joe Steur

Clive 4th

And Mo Maher >Nick Scholz

Nick out 3rd

Mo Maher and Joe Steur were heads up!

Mo was the week 19 winner moving him up high enough to be in contention for one of the WSOP Main Event seats! Joe Steur may still be in contention but definitely needs a win plus the others not to final table next week. There are so many possibilities next week!

The final table in order of finish was:

1. Mo Maher

2. Joe Steur

3. Nick Scholz

4. Clive Gavin

5. Ryan Luker

6. Billy McPhillips

7. Tom McDonald

8. Cy Frederick

9. Karl Man