The 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour Las Vegas $5,300 Essential Occasion attracted 895 runners, of which 115 had gained PokerStars $10,000 Gold Passes by way of totally different routes corresponding to Path to the NAPT Satellites, supporting reside occasions, and companion promotions
Of these, 20 managed to make the cash cashing for a mixed $241,600! Sadly, Houston’s Luis Rivera, who has gained his Gold Go by way of a PokerNews Podcast giveaway, was not one in every of them.
Regardless of not cashing the occasion, Rivera and his spouse had a fantastic week-long expertise at Resorts World Las Vegas and the NAPT, which was simply his second-ever reside poker match.
PokerNews caught up with Rivera, who primarily performs on-line, to speak a bit about what it was like being a Gold Go winner on the 2024 NAPT.
Making His Strategy to Vegas
The 35-year-old Rivera, initially from Florida and now works for a software program firm, needed to modify some plans after being randomly chosen within the PokerNews Podcast Gold Go giveaway.
“We had journey plans to see her household just like the week of all the NAPT, and so we needed to reduce that quick,” Rivera advised PokerNews on the NAPT Participant Get together. “We nonetheless went to see them however needed to reduce it quick so we might hop again to Houston after which to Vegas. However oh my god, it’s been so thrilling each single day figuring out I used to be coming right here. I can not imagine this occurred, and I can not imagine we’re right here.”
“I bluffed Toby Lewis a few occasions. I did not know who the man was till I appeared him up.”
He continued: “It has been unimaginable. All of the individuals I’ve met, I bought to hug Jennifer Tilly. She’s nice. I like her. She’s so candy. She is one in every of my favourite individuals. I actually wish to do the go-karting and the karaoke nights.”
What may Rivera sing at a karaoke night time?
“Generally Queen’s Don’t Cease Me Now,” he shared. “That’s one in every of my go-to songs.”
Sadly for Rivera, his precise NAPT taking part in expertise, which bear in mind was simply his second-ever reside match, didn’t go in addition to he’d hoped.
“I used to be card lifeless virtually all the time. I bought pocket kings as soon as, however everybody folded after I simply minimum-raised, you recognize, like you possibly can’t do something about that. I bought pocket eights a few occasions, however the flop could be like 10xJxAx, so it was a mixture of being card lifeless and simply not hitting. I can not do a lot about that. I bluffed Toby Lewis a few occasions. I did not know who the man was till I appeared him up and I am like, ‘Oh, he is made like virtually $10 million.’”
His Ultimate Hand
Rivera performed within the Day 1b flight and sadly bowed out in Degree 6 (300/600/600). That’s when reporter Brett Slezak picked up motion on the flip in a hand between Rivera, who was within the cutoff, and Alexander Greenblatt within the huge blind.
With the board studying Okay♠8♥5♦J♣, Greenblatt led for 3,000 and Rivera known as.
On the 7♥ river, Greenblatt led for six,200 efficient to place Rivera in danger. Rivera contemplated for about 30 seconds earlier than he introduced that he would name.
Luis Rivera: J♠10♦ Alexander Greenblatt: Okay♦4♦
Greenblatt had prime pair and Rivera known as down with second pair placing an unceremonious finish to his NAPT match.
Regardless of not cashing the 2024 NAPT, Rivera was grateful for the expertise the Gold Go afforded him, every week filled with reminiscences he and his spouse will always remember. Oh, he’s additionally eager to proceed his poker journey within the reside realm.
“Yeah, I’ll see what’s left, what different occasions,” he mentioned when requested if we’d see him in future tournaments. “If it is like a $500 buy-in you may see me in these.”
Rivera additionally chatted with PokerNews Ambassador Keith Becker after busting the match and you’ll watch that phase within the newest episode of the PokerNews Podcast (which additionally contains one other giveaway):
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