Brad Owen at WPT Montreal

When the conversation turns to Meet-Up Games (MUGs) in the poker world, Brad Owen undoubtedly stands out as one of the trailblazers. Having participated in MUGs across various locations globally, Owen’s recent venture took him to Playground Poker Room during the renowned World Poker Tour (WPT) Montreal event, and it was anything but ordinary.

An Electric Atmosphere at Playground

On Monday, October 21, at 1 p.m., the atmosphere at Playground was electric, with numerous players engaged in intense $1/$3 and $2/$5 cash game action. The poker room was bustling, a testament to the popularity of the MUG format, with more than 40 tables actively in play. Owen, alongside fellow WPT Global Ambassadors and Canadian poker legends Patrick Tardif and Xuan Liu, took rotations around the tables every 30 minutes, mingling with players and sharing in the thrill of the game.

“I always have a great time at Playground,” Owen shared with PokerNews. “I’ve gotten to know a handful of the local players over the last few years. In addition to their hospitality, they continue to bring the energy at the meet-up games, which makes it fun for me to keep coming back. This event I got off to a slow start, but ending the day winning a $1,000 flip at the MUG’s most rambunctious table more than made up for it.”

A Fun and Friendly Environment

MUGs are designed to create a unique and inclusive environment for poker enthusiasts at all levels, allowing fans to connect with their favorite players. Liu expressed her excitement about these gatherings:

“MUGs are such a special way to connect with players at the grassroots level, even if they are mostly there for Brad,” she mentioned. “I always have fun and splash around a bunch, but I also kind of tried this time and booked a pretty nice win.”

Liu recounted an extraordinary moment when she showed one card at a crucial moment in the game, impacting the decision of her opponent—proof that every hand counts, especially in MUGs where fun meets strategy.

Amenities and Registration

Participants were treated to complimentary food and drinks while enjoying the action at the tables, reinforcing Playground’s commitment to creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience. Players could sign up through multiple platforms, including the Poker Atlas app, the Playground website, or in-person at the venue, making the event accessible to all.

Matt Savage playing in the WPT Montreal MUG.

Even Matt Savage, the WPT Executive Tour Director, joined the cash game festivities, affirming the event’s allure for poker professionals.

"I had a great time playing in the meet-up game. I played a little bit with Brad, ‘Egyptian’, and also with Xuan Liu. We had a lot of fun,” Savage told PokerNews. “I dusted off my chips a couple of times, but the cash action here is off the charts. It’s actually better than I’ve seen in most places. Happy to come back here and play that again."

Capturing the Moment

Throughout the MUG, talented poker photographer Alicia Skillman was on hand to capture the vibrant scenes and memorable moments. The following gallery offers a glimpse into the fun and camaraderie that defined the event.

Photo Gallery Highlights

A Continuous Journey

As the events at Playground continue throughout the week, PokerNews will remain on-site to provide updates and stories straight from the tournament floor. For players and fans alike, the WPT Montreal MUG was not just a gathering but a celebration of community, strategy, and, most importantly, fun.

Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman

With Owen leading the charge at MUGs around the world, there’s no doubt that the spirit of poker and its community is alive and thriving. For those interested in one-on-one experiences with some of the best in the game, the next Meet-Up Game might be just around the corner. Keep an eye out and be sure to join the lively gatherings that poker has to offer!

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The thrill of poker often peaks with pivotal moments that leave not only players but spectators buzzing with excitement. Such was the case just after midnight on a recent Saturday at Playground Poker Club, a notable venue just outside Montreal, Canada. On this night, the Bad Beat Jackpot was triggered, igniting celebrations and gathering momentum for the ongoing World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship.

The Moment of Glory: Bad Beat Jackpot

The night unfolded spectacularly as the CAD $964,471 Bad Beat Jackpot hit, shortly after the clock struck twelve. This incident came just three weeks following Playground’s remarkable CAD $2.2 million jackpot victory, which stands as the second-largest in poker history. Poker enthusiast Aymen Rhammaz emerged as the day’s hero, winning with an awe-inspiring straight flush. However, Chad Whittaker, the “loser” of the hand, also took home a substantial portion of the jackpot with his quad kings. This scenario not only showcased the unpredictability of poker but also underlined the camaraderie in the game, as fortunes can shift dramatically in the blink of an eye.

Splash of Hope: WPT Playground Championship

Less than twelve hours following this electrifying event, the final flight of the CAD $3,500 buy-in WPT Playground Championship commenced. With a guaranteed prize pool of CAD $1.5 million, the Day 1c session attracted an impressive turnout of 434 runners. When combined with the previous two flights—143 entrants on Day 1a and 229 on Day 1b—the overall attendance reached a significant total of 806 entries. The thrilling atmosphere of competitiveness enveloped the room, with players keen to make their mark and chase victory.

Chip Counts: Day 1c Highlights

As the tournament progressed through ten levels of play, 168 players managed to survive the day, and Jackson Oniske emerged as the chip leader with a formidable stack of 379,000 chips. Oniske’s leading position was a testament to his strategic gameplay and resilience amid fierce competition. However, he faced a challenging field, with notable competitors such as Day 1b’s chip leader Connor Daynard boasting 435,500 chips and Day 1a’s Giuseppe Corapi holding 401,000 chips.

Other significant players who bagged chips on Day 1c included:

• Duff Charette (319,500)
• Umut Ozturk (214,500)
• WPT Global Ambassador Patrick Tardif (204,500)
• Three-time WPT champion Eric Afriat (115,000)

Notable Eliminations and Redemption

Despite the competitive spirit, not every player could secure a spot on Day 2. Some noteworthy eliminations included Ori Hasson, Henry Tran, and Diana Shamshoum, who faced the brutal realities of poker. Yuan Yuan Li, for example, met his end during Level 8 when an all-in preflop with ace-king fell victim to Josh Silverman’s pocket jacks. The ensuing community cards favored Silverman, culminating in a flush and sending Li out of the tournament. However, the allure of poker remains strong, and many players, including Li, have opportunities to re-enter the tournament due to the ongoing registration until Day 2 begins.

What Lies Ahead

As Day 2 fast approaches, poker enthusiasts remain eager for updates and developments from the felt. The tournament is set to resume at 11 a.m. local time on Sunday, October 27, and with so many talented players still in the mix, the competition is sure to heat up.

Stay Tuned

With the WPT Playground Championship continuing to unfold, PokerNews is dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage throughout the event. Expect daily updates, stories, and insights straight from the tournament floor, ensuring that fans stay connected to the thrilling world of competitive poker.

Conclusion

In the unpredictable and vibrant world of poker, moments like the triggering of the Bad Beat Jackpot and the unfolding WPT Playground Championship serve as reminders of the game’s electrifying nature. As players navigate challenges and fortunes shift, the anticipatory buzz continues to build towards crowning a worthy champion.

Photos courtesy World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman
Written by Chad Holloway – PR & Media Manager

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Poker enthusiasts gathered at the Playground Poker Club, located just outside Montreal, Canada, for an electrifying weekend that marked a significant moment in the world of poker. Just after midnight on Saturday, the Bad Beat Jackpot was triggered, sending shockwaves through the venue and transforming the night into one of celebration and disbelief.

A Record-Breaking Jackpot

The recent jackpot, totaling an impressive CAD $964,471, came merely three weeks after an extraordinary CAD $2.2 million jackpot hit at the same location—making it the second-largest Bad Beat Jackpot in history. The thrilling moment unfolded when Aymen Rhammaz achieved a winning straight flush, only to be outdone by Chad Whittaker’s quad kings. Interestingly, it was Whittaker—the “loser”—who walked away with the lion’s share of the payout under the Bad Beat rules, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that such situations bring to the poker table.

World Poker Tour Playground Championship

Just hours following the jackpot frenzy, the third and final flight of the CAD $3,500 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) Playground Championship commenced. This noteworthy tournament boasted a CAD $1.5 million guaranteed prize pool and quickly attracted a strong field of 434 participants on Day 1c. This number, combined with the previous Day 1a and 1b flights which brought in 143 and 229 entries respectively, accumulated an impressive total of 806 tournament entries. However, the final participant numbers remained fluid due to the late registration option still being available until Day 2.

One of the standout players on Day 1c was Jackson Oniske, who emerged as the chip leader with an impressive stack of 379,000 chips. His performance was notable but slightly behind the leaders from the previous days—Connor Daynard with 435,500 chips on Day 1b, and Giuseppe Corapi’s 401,000 from Day 1a.

Day 1c chip leader Jackson Oniske.

Notable Players and Eliminations

As the tournament progressed through ten levels of play, a total of 168 players made it through to the end of Day 1c, with other notable chip counts including Gianluca Cedolia (326,000), Brady Spencer (325,000), and Duff Charette (319,500). Big names and WPT veterans such as Patrick Tardif and Eric Afriat also made the cut, showcasing their prowess in high-stakes competition.

However, the Day 1c play wasn’t without disappointment for some. Several prominent players fell short of survival, including Ori Hasson, Josh Frazer-James, and Diana Shamshoum. Yuan Yuan Li was among the participants who exited in Level 8 after facing a brutal elimination due to being outdrawn by Josh Silverman, who secured a flush with pocket jacks.

Registration and Future Round

With the action heating up, late registration remained open until Sunday, October 27, at 11 a.m. local time, allowing players the opportunity to re-enter if they wished. The WPT Playground Championship promises to deliver thrilling poker action and fierce competition as the tournament progresses.

A Week of Coverage

PokerNews, recognized for its commitment to delivering the latest updates and insights in the world of poker, will be on-site at the Playground for the duration of the championship event. Look for daily updates, player interviews, and exciting stories as the tournament unfolds.

WPT Global Ambassador Patrick Tardif bagged on Day 1c.

Conclusion

The Playground Poker Club has not only brought a palpable excitement to the Montreal area with its impressive jackpots but also positioned itself as a premier destination for poker tournaments. With a dedicated player base and a global audience taking notice, the events held at this venue underscore the enduring appeal of poker. As the World Poker Tour Playground Championship progresses, anticipation grows for what surprises and stories will unfold in the days to come.

Photos courtesy of World Poker Tour (WPT) / Alicia Skillman.

Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious observer, the recent events at the WPT Playground present a telling example of the highs and lows that can come in a game of skill, chance, and strategy. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the stories emerging from this exciting tournament!

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