MAIN EVENT

The Vegas Invasion Main Event was the feature tournament for the Free Poker Network where 94 qualifiers from all over the country participated, with (8) $2,500 grand prize winners.

Minnesotans dominated the final table (7 out of last 10) and ended up with 6 of the final 8. 

The last hour of the tournament was excruciating for Gina Bushey, who was the short stack and survived several all-in situations.  For more details read the live blog.

Grand Prize Winners (pictured left to right front row):

Ben Blecker from the American Legion in Albert Lea, MN, Dennis Karlsrud from Marie's Casual Dining in Red Wing, MN, Erin Schlusser from Flicek's Bar in Lonsdale, MN, Gina Bushey from Mr. G's in Fargo, ND, and Troy Sjostrand from Champp's in Eden Prairie, MN.

(Pictured back row, left to right):

Reuben Sufka from Ultimate Sports Bar in Waite Park, MN,  Thomas Eaglestaff from the Bismarck VFW, and Dave Halverson from Sharkees in Luverne, MN,   Mitch Witteman from the Riveria in Minot, ND lost on the bubble. 

PRIVATE TOURNEYS

Scott Eckert from Fargo, ND stole the show in the private tournaments.  The private tournaments ranged from $60 to $200 buy-ins and each event usually had between 100-150 players.  Scott went on a tear, winning the BetUS NL Holdem Event for $1,975, took 2nd place in the Gladiator Bounty Tournament for $1,500, and won the High Stakes Championship for another $2,300!  Everyone knows Scott is a great player, but that is what you call, "running good!"  Scott (pictured right) received an award for his accomplishment at the final party.

JC Rowan from Bayside Bar & Grill in Excelsior, MN had a great trip.  He won the "Jager Early Strikers" tourney for $1,900 and then teamed up wtih Kent Olson (from Champ's in Eden Prairie, MN) to take down the "Tag Team" event for another $1,600!  Ironically, JC qualified for the World Tavern Poker Championship while playing at a bar in Maryland while on a work trip earlier in the year.

The final tournament, the "Inter-League Challenge" $2,500 WSOP Bonus was open to all badge holders and FPN main event players.  Dave Halvorson, Larry Haus (from Z103 in Fergus Falls, MN), Erin Schlusser, and Tomi Hamilton all made the final table.  

Erin Schlusser from Flicek's Bar in Lonsdale, MN had a heck of good trip too.  Not only did she end up as one of the 8 grand prize winners in the Vegas Invasion Main Event, she also got to play poker with Scotty Nguyen on the set of "Real Deal"...dressed in Toga!  She got a great shot of her and Scotty Nguyen and Phil Hellmuth.

THE PARTIES

What set this championship promotion aside from all the rest were the parties.  All party badge holders were invited.  The parties were the arranged by Mike Matsinger and the World Tavern Poker team, and featured song parodies, team games, and hilarious skits.  Each party had a theme and included food & drinks. 

For more videos from the parties, visit World Tavern Poker.