Previewing the 2011-2012 World Series of Poker Circuit Harrah's Tunica

February 11, 2012

For the last week, the World Series of Poker Circuit has called Harrah’s Tunica home. The 12-event stop kicked off on Feb. 2 and culminates with the Main Event, which kicked off on Saturday, Feb 11. Of course the PokerNews Live Reporting Team will be providing coverage of the Main Event, but we thought we’d set the stage with a look back at the preliminary events.

As many of you know, Tunica suffered a devastating flood last spring and all nine casinos temporarily shut down because over eight feet of water crept through the properties. Harrah’s Tunica was one of the hardest hit, but bounced back admirably. The latest WSOP Circuit is proof of this, as numbers have surpassed expectations in every event, including the opening event which drew an startling 1,128 players. That event was won by Chip Ervin of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who took home $59,660 for his efforts.

Another impressive victory came a few days later when 24-year-old Matthew Weber of Sacramento, California, outlasted 359 players in Event #4: $345 No-Limit Hold’em to capture the $23,719 first-place prize. He eliminated poker veteran “Captain” Tom Franklin in eighth place when his pocket tens held against Franklin's A♣J♦. Weber also eliminated Richard Ricardo, Jesse Jackson, and Steve Melton on his way to victory. In fact, Weber eliminated seven of his eight opponents at the final table. A remarkable feat indeed.

Here's a look at the WSOP Circuit Tunica events that have been completed thus far:

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #1: No-Limit Hold’em Re-Entry

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #2: No-Limit Hold'em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Event #3: No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #4: No-Limit Hold’em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Event #5: No-Limit Hold'em

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #6: No-Limit Hold’em Six Handed

WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica Ring Event #7: No-Limit Hold’em

With several events yet to be determined, the race for the WSOP Harrah’s Tunica Casino Champion is undecided. Whoever captures that title, along with the eventual winner of the Main Event, will automatically qualify for the Second Annual $1 Million National Championship. That event is limited to 100 players, and so far only a handful of players have qualified:

National Championship Qualifiers

In addition to the qualifiers, players who earn enough points on the National Leaderboard will be able to buy-in to the National Championship:

WSOPC National Leaderboard Top Ten*

*Leading up to the WSOP Circuit Harrah’s Tunica stop.

Don’t miss your chance to qualify for the National Championship. There are still plenty of opportunities to play, including any of the remaining stops on the WSOP Circuit schedule.

Remaining 2011-2012 WSOPC Schedule

Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook today! In the meantime, see who qualifies for the National Championship this week by following our Live Reporting Team’s coverage from Harrah’s Tunica.

_{*Photo courtesy of Eric Harkins and ImageMasters.}

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PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.

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