Bartender Uses Day Off to Win First Ever Poker Tournament in San Diego
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It was a wild ride at the final table of the RunGood Poker Series Passport Season San Diego $600 Main Event, and Stefan Isensee was happy he had the day off from work to make it memorable.
The local bartender was playing his first ever RGPS at Jamul Casino Resort, and improbably came out on top from a field of 368 entries to earn his first ever live tournament win.
"It's insane, man," Isensee told PokerNews moments after clinching the title. "It's insane."
The final 45 players returned in the money for Day 2, looking to grab the largest share of the $191,360 prize pool. Isensee navigated his way through the day, entering the final table as the shortest stack before ultimately reaching a three-handed deal with William Wolf and Saba Golshan to adjust the payouts and battle for the RGPS ring.
"My first thoughts are I don't even, I don't even believe it. I mean, I showed up at the final table with the smallest chip stack, and, you know, I grinded. I picked my positions, played them well, and now I'm here. Pretty crazy."
RGPS Passport San Diego $600 Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stefan Isensee | United States | $29,110* |
| 2 | William Wolf | United States | $29,380* |
| 3 | Saba Golshan | United States | $27,535* |
| 4 | Mike Zion | United States | $14,600 |
| 5 | Michael Souza | United States | $11,005 |
| 6 | Michael Farrell | United States | $8,390 |
| 7 | Aviram Parsha | Israel | $6,471 |
| 8 | Alan Jimenez | United States | $5,049 |
| 9 | Kristopher Ferrara | United States | $3,986 |
*Denotes three-way deal
Day Off Work
The local cash game player had played just a few tournaments, but shoulder surgery last year saw Isensee seeking out more opportunities to satisfy his love of poker while he was unable to work.
This week at his home casino, Isensee registered for the RGPS Main Event knowing he was scheduled to work the final day. Thankfully, he received some help to get the day off, and used it to his advantage.
"The first few hours, I was not getting any hands, not hitting any cards, and it wasn't until I made the final table that all my luck turned around."
Isensee worked his way through the pay jumps, but was among the shortest stacks as the field narrowed down. By the time the final nine were set, Isensee had just ten big blinds to work with.
Final Table Action
After the first elimination at the final table, the remaining eight players looked at the numbers but ultimately decided not to strike a deal. That was the turning point for Isensee, who began to work his way up the counts.
"I started hitting cards, making plays, finding positions. It's just, I mean, I'm like almost lost for words. I mean, it's just they call it the run good tournament and apparently it lives up to its name."
By the time the final three were left standing, they ran the numbers once again. This time, a deal was reached to adjust the payouts while leaving an extra $9,000 to divide up between the top two spots.
When play resumed, Isensee survived four separate all in moments and was left with his first chip lead of the tournament. Fatigue was setting in for all three players, and Isensee picked up his agression to earn the final two knockouts.
"I was tired this morning. I was tired this afternoon. I was tired when I made the final table with no blinds. Obviously there's the swings, the ups and downs. But, you know, I'm just glad that this, this hill's going up right now and it's, yeah, it's just, it's awesome."
Isensee intends to play more tournaments, and is already looking forward to his next one despite the fatigue.
"I'm, I'm ready for the next tournament now, I guess. This is such a cool experience. This whole, this whole event was, was really amazing. Don't know if I'll ever top this, but I'm gonna try."
