Yukoners Making a Name for Themselves in Poker Tournament Circuits

Yukoners have been making their mark in the poker scene recently. Just last June, noted professional poker player Brad "Yukon" Booth, made his hometown proud after hitting big at the World Poker Tour's Mandalay Bay Championship.

James Lopushinsky, another Yukoner, also did Yukon proud just months before the aforesaid win by Booth. Lopushinsky cashed in at the 2006 Canadian Heads-up Poker Championship held in Calgary.

The latest Yukon poker protege is Derrick Law, who finished second at the $2 million No Limit Texas Holdem event at the River Rock Casino Resort in Vancouver. On November 26th, Law pocketed $290,000 in the largest poker tournament ever held in British Columbia.

"The audience watching the final table of play was filled with Yukoners and they were all fired up. I couldn't have asked for better. They were easily the loudest group there," Law said of his audience.

In order to reach second place, Law beat almost 800 players. The tournament's participants hailed from Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Yukon, and even from the states of Florida, Texas, Nevada, California and Washington.

"The response we received from players and spectators at this year's tournament is truly remarkable," said Brian Lynch, Vice President of BCLC's Casino Gaming.

"This week, we've witnessed some of the best poker players in Canada and the U.S., playing their best game. It's a testament to the first-class gaming experience we offer at B.C. casinos."

December 19, 2006
Michael Orwell