Emerald G. Parsons
ECB Publishing, Inc.
A large crowd turned out for the second Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 29. The poker tournament was held as a fundraiser for the chamber of commerce building fund; the fund that contributes to necessary repairs that take place at the chamber's building.
The tournament, which was held at Willow Pond, started promptly at 6 p.m., with approximately 45 poker players seated and anxiously vying for one of the top five winning spots. For an entrance fee of $50, players were given $4,500 worth of chips to begin their night plus an option to purchase a $1,000 chip for an additional $10. Anyone who busted-out before 8 p.m. had the option to rebuy back into the game for another $50.
As the participants began their night of poker playing, bystanders enjoyed standing by and watching the fun. There was a table of heavy hors d’oeuvres for the players and non-players to enjoy throughout the night, as well as a cash bar.
Approximately three hours later, the final nine players gathered around the final table to vie for the championship title, which then dwindled down to the top five still fighting it out, to be declared as the winner.
When the smoke cleared and the night ended, Sean Gray was the grand overall Monticello Texas Hold’Em Poker Champion. He walked away with a $1,900 value prize package consisting of: a two-night stay at the Golden Nugget in Biloxi, Miss., $100 gift certificate to Morton’s Steakhouse (donated by North Florida Abstract), two $100 chips at Golden Nugget (donated by C. Luther Pickels & Assoc.), and a one day/night free event rental at Willow Pond (donated by Willow Pond).
Coming in second place was Jearl Birdwell. Jearl won an $850 value prize package consisting of: a .357 Magnum 6 shooter (donated by Firebase Robert, Inc.), and a one-night stay at the Avera Clarke Bed & Breakfast (donated by Avera Clarke Bed & Breakfast).
Winning third place was Bryon Gregory. His $625 prize package contained: a 49” LED TV 4K (donated by Sheriff Mac McNeill), two show tickets for season 2019-2020 (donated by Monticello Opera House) and a $25 gift certificate (donated by Rev Café).
Fourth place was won by David Driggers. His prize package was valued at $375 and consisted of: two show tickets for season 2019-2020 (donated by Monticello Opera House), a $25 gift certificate (donated by Rev Cafe) and a $50 gift certificate (donated by Gellings Florist).
Winning fifth place was Raymond Bass. Raymond won a $115 prize package consisting of: a $50 gift certificate (donated by Mafia Pizza) and a mug filled with honey, satsuma jelly and chocolates and a $50 gift certificate (donated by Oh Happy Day Gifts).
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