button in SafariCatching Up with RGPS Passport Pennsylvania Main Event Champ James Cloutier
Among the notable faces in the Main Event field at The Barrel Social Club was James Cloutier, who took a shot in the opening flight after participating in other ring events this week.
The Pennsylvania resident made his way down to Kentucky this week, searching for another RGPS ring after taking down the RGPS Passport Pennsylvania $800 Main Event back in April. When Cloutier found out about the series, it was an easy decision to visit the Bluegrass State.
"The Barrel is the second favorite place I have ever played at," Cloutier explained to PokerNews. "So once I saw that RunGood was coming here, I literally snap booked my trip."
The victory in his home state has enabled Cloutier to make more of an impact elsewhere, including an area that he is passionate about.
"I have done a few things in the poker scene since then, not necessarily because of the ring, just some things I had in the works. I did a giveaway with the Women's Poker Association when Phil Hellmuth did Queens and Cards down at Champions Club just a couple of weekends ago. We got over 140 people who applied through Facebook in order to do the drawing, so it was a huge turnout for it. That event, by all accounts, was a huge success [in Texas]. I try to promote that event as much as possible because I am very invested in the women's poker scene. I think it's one of the ways the poker community can grow is to get more women in the game."
Cloutier continues to enjoy his time at RunGood stops, and appreciates the value of the series whenever he has the chance to participate.
"I just feel like they run a very good product for the most part. I think smaller tournaments kind of have fallen, especially in the casino scenes. Smaller tournaments really need to be run well for the consumer base to have a place to come out, and play live and have a good experience. And I think Tana does a really good job of making sure his personnel are in place now, so that people can come and play at a very good price point and have a very good experience."
"The vibe is always more upbeat. And when you're trying to grow a product like poker, I think this is a good starting point."
RunGood players can expect to see Coutier again this fall, including an enticing first visit to the season finale.
"I'm actually going to go down and play at National Harbor when RunGood is there for a couple of events. I may go to Borgata when RunGood is there as well, time permitting. I'm definitely showing up when they go to Thunder Valley. I have that on my schedule since they're releasing the information about that, but I will be there and looking forward to that very much."
