Borgata Winter Open

One of the biggest poker tournament series on the East Coast of America, the Borgata Winter Open in Atlantic City, New Jersey is underway.

The World Poker Tour main event kicks off on Friday 26 January, but preliminary tournaments are already in full swing at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.

A big crowd saw players took their seats at the Final Table of the $2,500 buy-in event.

The final table featured expert play from some of the best players in the world. However, it was Jack Schanbacher of Pittsburgh, PA, who won the event taking home $192,975.

Schanbacker outlasted several renowned players to capture the title. Jon "Pearljammed" Turner of Henderson, Nevada, finished third taking home $59,138.

Turner is known as one of the top internet players in the world and was disappointed with his finish; "I am still surprised at my last hand, and know I could have won this event."

Richard "Knucklehead" Friere of Miami Lakes, Florida, finished in second with $108,937 in prize money. Friere is an up and coming pro who played exceptionally well throughout the final table.

Friere commented: "It was an exciting two days of poker. I can’t complain about second place because I am still taking home over $100,000 from Borgata."

Tuesday morning at the Borgata Winter Open featured the start of the $5,000 buy-in event.

The field features well known professional players such as Barry Greenstein, Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi, "Wild" Bill Edler, Eric Lingren, Ted Forrest, Steve Danneman, Amnon Fillipi, and many more, and will serve as a good warm up for the more serious business of the big tourney at the end of the week.