Last weekend saw the second ever Blue Square Poker 6 once again hit the sunny shores of Bolton, a unique 6 handed shoot-out style Main Event that differs from anything on the circuit. However, whilst the event may win awards in the ‘originality’ stakes, numbers were unfortunately lacking, just 72 players turning up to what is commonly regarded as a superbly structured tournament.With everyone singing the praises of the clocks, blinds levels and starting stacks, not to mention the £21,000 added to the prizepool (including £100 consolation entries to all participants and £1,000 to anyone who shared a starting table with the eventual champion), many were left scratching their heads as to why so few paid the initial £1,000 entry fee.
Jamier-host, a representative of Blue Square, provided some of the answers, the most prominent of which being the clash with the World Series and the GBPT in Bournemouth, the incredible and ongoing success of the GUKPT and the absence of James ‘Royal Flush’ Dempsey – some were even suggesting that Father’s Day might have added to the problem, but personally, I’d be surprised if this was a significant factor.
However, 72 is still a decent field in today’s jam-packed poker calendar, and the event is widely respected, so it was of no surprise to see the likes of Liam Flood, Lucy Rokach, Ash Hussain, Mickey Wernick and reigning Poker 6 Champion Steve Reid all take their seats ready for action.Unfortunately, none of the aforementioned would overcome their table and advance to Day 2, that accolade going to the likes of Kevin O’Connell, Matt Tyler, Dave Smith (right), Jim Reid and 7 other single table victors, Danielle Allen’s performance perhaps being the most impressive due to seeing off a tough combination of Liam Flood, Mick Fletcher and Mickey Wernick.
Whilst 78 players (45 of the 60 Main Event participants plus 33 direct buy-ins) were battling it out for the Grosvenor Plate, which was last year won by Claire Smith, Day 2 of the Poker 6 was under way with 12 players aiming to be whittled down to a final table of 7 – all safe in the knowledge that they were already guaranteed £2,000 for the previous Day’s triumph.
As we lost O’Connell, Reid, Chris Canelliere, Balvinder Nijjar and John Simms, the final table looked as such:
Danielle Allen -- 79,400
Mark Emery -- 74,200
Dave Smith -- 73,900
Carol Cotterill -- 62,400
Lee Atherton -- 59,800
Ramazalini Abbassi -- 58,500
Matt Tyler - -24,100
After a long fought out battle in which we saw circuit regulars Matt Tyler (J-7 vs. Q-Q) and GUKPT Brighton winner Dave Smith (K-6 vs. A-9) both hit the rail early doors, it was online qualifier Lee Atherton who took the title, defeating Mark Emery heads-up to take the title and 17k (+ 4k added) 1st prize.After the event, a jubilant Lee complimented his opponent: “I can honestly say that I was owed a lot of luck live and unfortunately Mark was on the receiving end a couple of times, but he took it superbly and has my full respect.”
With regards to the Festival, Atherton continued, “This tourney is a cracker, hence me making a rare direct buy-in. It was superbly run and I would like to thank Jon, Jamie and everyone at Blue Square, and all the staff at Grosvenor. The day had started perfectly with my adorable Alfie Atherton and wonderfully understanding wife Emma and finished with a trophy I’ll always treasure.”
Congratulations to blondeite Lee and to the other 5 lucky players who received their entry fee back as a result. The Poker 6 is a great event, let’s hope it returns next year, whatever the numbers.