Spring 2024

Sweet Victories and Important Deadlines: Ray Mancini Triumphs! Elite Tampa Bay Poker League’s Week 3 Roundup!

August 21, 2024August 21, 2024

The Elite Tampa Bay Poker League’s third week was a thrilling mix of skill, strategy, and sweet celebrations, with Ray emerging as the star of the show.

Topping the leaderboard and claiming first place, Ray showcased the form that earned him a Main Event seat last season. With this week’s victory, he’s making it clear that lightning can indeed strike twice. Ray’s ambitious goal of securing another Main Event seat is off to a promising start, putting his competitors on notice. Will this be the beginning of a dominant run, or will the league’s other sharks rise to the challenge?

Celebrations were in order beyond just Ray’s win, as the league honored its summer birthday players in style. League member Chrissy Holubeck went above and beyond, treating everyone to delicious cupcakes. Her thoughtful gesture added a touch of sweetness to the intense poker action, reminding us all why our community is so special.

As we settle into the rhythm of the season, it’s time to take care of business. League Treasurer Jason Barnett is now collecting the full $300 league fee. If you haven’t squared up yet, make sure to bring your payment to next week’s games. Remember, a smooth-running league depends on timely contributions from all members.

Attention potential players: the clock is ticking! Week 4, scheduled for 8/22, marks the final opportunity to join this season’s roster. With the requirement to play or have a sub for 16 out of the 19 weeks, this is your last chance to get in on the action. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be an incredible season.

The competition is heating up, and the stakes are high. Based on current projections and attendance patterns, we’re looking at a thrilling race for 7-9 seats at the final table. Will you be one of the skilled (and lucky) few to make it?

As we move forward, the Elite Tampa Bay Poker League continues to prove why it’s the go-to destination for poker enthusiasts in the area. With a perfect mix of friendly faces, intense gameplay, and exciting prizes on the line, every week promises to be a full house of entertainment.

Stay tuned for more updates, and may the flops be ever in your favor!

It was level 3 when Ed VanLandingham couldn’t shake David Smith through the flop, Ed put it all in on the turn and Dave snap called chasing an open ended straight – he did not improve and Ed won a nice pot!

David Smith was out next when he was all in for his last 1300 ,and after that Rob Cotto was out for his last 6k when Andra called his short stack jam with her K8hh. K8x flop was good!

A triple up for Anthony Dagostino shortly before break!

Right before break Mike Robinson jammed into Andra’s AA nut flush draw! Oops!! Aces held!

The league took a cupcake break at the first break to celebrate all the pre-league & August summer birthdays!

Jimmy 6/12
Ron 6/17
Gascard 7/17
David Smith 7/24
Rob 7/25
Jason 8/6
Ed 8/11
Walt 8/25

In a HUGE hand Jim Meyer, who was new to the table bringing his huge stack after a table break, was all in on a ♥️♥️♥️ flop! Jim was all in, Ed V was all in & Dennis Mceleny joined in. Ed & Jim had flopped flushes & Dennis had QQ with Q of hearts. Jim’s 2nd nut flush was best and he covered the other two! MONSTER POT!!

A double for Evan Vancavage through David Smith! Evan + lots of chips = danger!

A double for David Smith through Jim Meyer!

Two pair for Tony D sent Sean Carmichael to the rail. We were down to two tables.

A double for Evan Vancavage through Mike “Gascard” Collins

A big double for Ray Mancini through Gascard

…and he got some back

Ron Grollier doubled through Ray Mancini

Mike Robinson doubled twice!

A double knockout for Ray with JJ! Mike R & Evan were out!

Our final table bubble was Ron Grollier

Jim Meyer was out 9th when Eddy Compton woke up with AA

Mark Miklos who was a sub for Dave Bennett <Eddy C – out 8th

Anthony Dagostino’s AK<John “Muscles” Gordon’s AQ! Anthony out 7th

A nice chip up for Andra thru Gascard!

Andra Zachow’s KK< Ray’s JJ Ouch!

Andra out 6th

John Gordon sent Gascard home 5th

Down to the final 4!

Ray>John Gordon, John out 4th

Janice Hulbert doubled through Ray with a straight

And another Janice>Ray

…. But Janice was out 3rd when 3rd time wasn’t a charm vs Eddy!

Ray Mancini took it down in a huge hand vs Eddy Compton.

Eddy 2nd

Ray was our 1st Place winner week 3! Ray won a Main Event seat last season and is aiming for another one! With his 2nd place finish Eddy Compton actually laddered up to 1st on the season leaderboard!

The Final Table in order of finish was: