Last night, Joe Beevers cemented his position as one of the legends of the UK scene by becoming the latest Ladbrokes.com Poker Million Champion. Broadcast on Sky Sports in front of millions of viewers, the live final commenced at 8pm and didn’t conclude until after midnight.
As well as those watching from the comfort of their own armchairs, 450 guests filled the Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square to dine on a three-course meal and watch the drama unfold live in person.
With an entry fee of $25,000, the Ladbrokes.com Poker Million VI became the most expensive tournament ever to hit Europe, and with a massive $500,000 added to the total prize pool, it was of no surprise that names such as Phil Laak, Liz Lieu, Roland DeWolfe, Patrik Antonius and WSOP finalist Jon ‘Skalie’ Kalmar were attracted to the tournament.
However, only six could make it through to the final table, and what a line-up it was with a WSOP finalist and Irish Open Champion joining the likes of esteemed Hendon Mobber Joe Beevers and the legendary Professor of Poker, Howard Lederer. As Matchroom’s Jesse May said, “We have had great Poker Million finals before, but none of them has even pulsed in comparison to the potential for this year’s final table.”
With players taking their chip counts into the final table, the starting stacks were as follows:
Howard Lederer -- 306,000
Marty Smyth -- 254,000
Joe Beevers -- 225,000
Julian Gardner -- 202,000
Liam Flood -- 121,000
Ian Cox -- 92,000
When six had been whittled down to two, we were left with a heads-up encounter between Joe Beevers and Irishman Marty Smyth. A see-saw battle eventually culminated in an all-in with Marty’s K-5 suited looking to hit a King against Joe’s dominant Pocket Nines. A King failed to arrive and Joe was the champion, and one million dollars richer.
Not one to show his emotions at the table, Joe was cool in victory and calmly shook the hand of his defeated opponent. If anything, Joe’s wife appeared more nervous than him, as she watch anxiously from the crowd.
Joe Beevers has been a familiar face on the circuit for many a year, and remains one of the most popular. Teaming up with Ross, Barny and Ram, Joe and his long-time friends erupted onto our screens amid the Late Night Poker hysteria, before going on to create a highly successful website, thehendonmob.com, and then, most recently, earning themselves a fully deserved sponsorship deal with Full Tilt.
Nicknamed by friend and fellow poker player, Vicky Coren, The Elegance can often be found suited and booted, but don't let this fool you as Joe is one of the kindest and most softly spoken players on the circuit with a demeanour as laid back as anyone.
blonde poker would like to take this opportunity to congratualte Joe for his incredible triumph. As many observers commented, it’s one up for the good guys.
Joe Beevers -- $1,000,000
Marty Smyth -- $500,000
Julian Gardner -- $250,000
Liam Flood -- $175,000
Howard Lederer -- $125,000
Ian Cox -- $100,000
Images courtesy of ladbrokespoker.com