Kristy Arnett Among Seven Players Selected for WPT's Season XIII Ones to Watch
The World Poker Tour is well into Season XIII, but heading into the new year the WPT has decided to announce a new crop of Ones to Watch, a roster of up-and-coming poker players they expect to make some noise on the tour. Among the seven players selected is a familiar face around PokerNews – former hostess Kristy Arnett.
“I'm ecstatic because it really is a dream come true. I am so privileged to be part of such an amazing group,” said Arnett, who according to the WPT has $30,622 in live tournament winnings. “I honestly feel a bit out of my league as far as live tournament scores go, but I guess I have to start somewhere.”
Arnett may not have the most exhaustive résumé, but she certainly brings one-of-a-kind experience to the table having interviewed the biggest names in poker over the years. Arnett, who made the decision to leave PokerNews early this year, recently relocated to San Diego and plans to ramp up her tournament schedule.
“My schedule right now includes WPT Borgata Winter Poker Open, WPT Bay 101 Shooting Stars, and WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown,” Arnett told PokerNews. “I can't wait to play my first WPT and be reunited with my sister from an Aussie mister, Lynn Gilmartin.”
Gilmartin, another former PokerNews hostess, now serves as the anchor for the WPT. She too is excited to see her close friend selected as a member of Ones to Watch.
"Kristy has always been, and always will be, one to watch," Gilmartin told PokerNews. "She is admirably passionate about continuously being the best version of herself at the table and in life, and has so much to share with the world. Receiving this recognition is exactly what she deserves and I couldn't be happier to be by her side along WPT Season XIII."
The Ones to Watch concept, which is a segment on WPT broadcasts, was introduced back in Season IX and has included such notable players as Jason Somerville, Shaun Deeb, Amanda Musumeci, Aaron Massey, and Jeff Gross, among others. According to the WPT, here’s how they make their selections: “Our dedicated and knowledgeable production team aims to select a diverse group of young up-and-comers that haven’t had that major score yet, but are on the cusp of reaching that pinnacle and breaking through.”
Here’s a look at the WPT Season XIII Ones to Watch:
| Player | Hometown | Tournament Earnings | WPT Cashes | WPT Final Tables | Best Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Greer | Helmet, CA | $780,596 | 5 | 1 | 6th in Season XII WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star |
| Vlad Mezheritsky | Brooklyn, NY | $319,330 | 3 | 1 | 5th place in the Season XII WPT Borgata Poker Open |
| Candace Collins | Redding, CA | $142,260 | 1 | 0 | 14th in the Season XII Bay 101 Shooting Star |
| Jose Serratos | Detroit, MI | $504,394 | 1 | 1 | 3rd at the Season XIII WPT Borgata Poker Open |
| Justin Zaki | St. Petersburg, FL | $1,213,529 | 10 | 1 | 3rd in the Season IX WPT Seminole Hard Rock Showdown |
| Daniel Strelitz | Torrance, CA | $859,160 | 3 | 0 | 33rd in the Season XIII WPT Legends of Poker |
| Kristy Arnett | San Diego, CA | $30,622 | 0 | 0 | - |
What do you think of this year’s Ones to Watch roster? Do you think anyone was left overlooked? Let us know in the comments section below.
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PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, Podcast host & 2013 WSOP Bracelet Winner.
