2008 Borgata Poker Open Debuts with Record Breaking Success

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa continued to show why it is a preeminent poker destination on the East Coast, setting attendance records in the first week of the 2008 Borgata Poker Open, which boasts a USD $5 million guaranteed prize pool- the largest by a casino in history. The tournament will culminate with the USD $5 million WPT championship tournament, September 14 through 18, 2008.

The sixth annual Borgata Poker Open continued the momentum of its record breaking first day of play with a bevy of weekend action. Friday saw the start of the first of a series of larger buy-in events that will conclude with the $5 million guaranteed WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship event.

Featuring a USD $529,000 prize pool, the Borgata Poker Open's first USD $1,000 No Limit Main Event kicked off the weekend with play continuing through Saturday as the field of 529 players battled it out for the USD $150,712 first-place prize. In the end, it was Houston's Geffrey Klein, who snagged the sizable cash.

Saturday also saw the start of the first USD $1,500 No Limit Main Event. Thanks to a field filled with a number of notables, the action moved at a quick pace as 418 players took their shot at the USD $624,000 prize pool. Despite facing the toughest field of this year's Poker Open to date, Staten Island native, Advo Djokovic took down the USD $178,588 first-place cash.

2007 Borgata World Poker Tour Poker Open champion Roy "The Oracle" Winston arrived Sunday to get a piece of the action.

"I am finally back at Borgata and it feels like coming home," noted Winston. "Borgata always outperforms as far as players participation and I wouldn't be surprised to see a record crowd for the Main Event. With the industry trend showing signs of slowing, Borgata has the guts to offer a $5 million guarantee along with a great structure. The players in attendance can also count on great customer service as well. They will not be disappointed," he added.

Sunday also saw Esther Fedorkevich of Brentwood, Tennessee take home the USD $25,470 first place prize in the Ladies No Limit Hold'em event. The USD $300 + $50 ladies only tournament had 283 women participate and featured an USD $84,900 prize pool.

As Borgata moves into its second week players can look forward to such events as Seven Card Stud, USD $2,500 + $150 No Limit Hold'em, USD $5,000 + $200 No Limit Hold'em and the just added 'Guaranteed $100,000 Tournament,' taking place on Saturday, September 13. The USD $300 Buy-In + $40 Entry cash tournament will help jump start the action as Borgata gears up for the USD $5 Million Guaranteed Championship Event.

Other notable players already on property and arriving later this week include WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold, current final-table participant in this year's WSOP Main Event Dennis Phillips, JC Tran, Nam Lee, Josh Arieh, Kathy Liebert, Miami John Cernuto, Justin Bonomo, and Gentleman John Gale.

To view poker pro Lacy Jones hosting segments showcasing the Borgata Poker Open weekend recap and the 'Guaranteed $100,000.00 Tournament' Click here.

For more information on registration, times and hotel room availability, please visit www.theborgata.com. For schedule and up to date results, click here.

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