Week 1: Season Opener Sets the Tone: Robinson and “The Duckman” Strike First
The Elite Tampa Bay Poker League launched its expanded 20-week season on Wednesday night, and if Week 1 was any indication, we’re in for one spectacular ride to the World Series of Poker Main Event seats.
Mike Robinson claimed the inaugural victory of the season in dramatic fashion, navigating a competitive final table to take down the week’s top honors. For Robinson 1st and Marv Karlins who was 2nd in an agreed upon chop, it’s the perfect start to what promises to be a marathon campaign. *The rule going forward will be chop all or just money but we weren’t clear that you can’t just stop and say 1st and 2nd.
A Night of Big Hands and Bigger Moments
The final table showcased the depth of talent in this year’s league, with familiar faces and hungry competitors battling for early-season points. The drama unfolded with several pivotal hands that shaped the evening’s outcome.
A double for Don Manns through Mike Robinson
Mike Robinson doubled through Marv “The Duckman” Karlins
A wheel for Tammy to double through Jack Bittker!
Tammy Leonard’s A6>Sean Carmichael. Sean 9th
Don Manns, substituting for Maribeth Hilliard, made a strong run but ultimately fell when his pocket Aces couldn’t hold against Mike Robinson’s King-Ten. The board brought no help for Manns, and Robinson doubled through to seize control of the table.
Mike Robinson continued his dominance, eliminating multiple players on his march to the title. He sent Jordan Joekel to the rail with pocket sixes, then knocked out Billy McPhillips when his Ace-Ten bested McPhillips’ Ten-Five suited.
But one of the night’s most memorable moments belonged to Tammy Leonard, who earned a crucial double-up through Jack Bittker with her A-6 against Carmichael, keeping her championship hopes alive deep into the final table. Leonard would ultimately finish in 8th place, while Sean Carmichael rounded out the final table in 9th.
The Final Table (January 8, 2026)
Winner winner! Marv “the Duckman” Karlins & Mike Robinson chopped the money &
1 Mike Robinson
2. Marv Karlins
3.Maribeth Hilliard (Don Manns substituting)
4.Jack Bittker
5.Saif Keshwani
6.Billy McPhillips/Joekel team
7.Jordan Joekel/McPhillips team
8.Tammy Leonard
9.Sean Carmichael
