A thrilling night of poker unfolded at The Mayfield Tavern last night as 25 dedicated players gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the Maverick Poker League. With an exciting array of prizes, including a coveted seat at the Dash-for-Cash National Championship this January at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, the stakes were high, and the competition fierce.

The tournament followed a traditional structure, and the players wasted no time diving into the action. Unfortunately, the night began with an early exit for Steve Cooper, earning him the infamous "Donkey Award." As the game progressed, the field steadily thinned, leading to an intense final table showdown.

The Battle for Bonus Points

With 25 competitors in the mix, only the top eight would earn the essential bonus points for the league standings. Sadly, Jason Owen bubbled out in ninth, narrowly missing the points. The remaining players knew there was no room for hesitation as escalating blinds forced them to go all-in or fold under pressure.

A Rollercoaster Final Table

Early on, Michael Baker and Wes Jones seemed destined for glory, both amassing significant chip stacks. But as poker often goes, the tides turned dramatically. Short-stacked for much of the final table, Mike Soper began a stunning comeback. With Groth and Elwart bowing out, the bubble was set for the top three prize spots.

The turning point of the night came in a pivotal hand: Soper raised, prompting Wes Jones to shove all-in. Soper snap-called, revealing KK against Jones’s 66. The pocket Kings held strong, giving Soper a commanding chip lead.

The Final Showdown

After Mike Baker exited in fourth and Wes Jones in third, it was a heads-up clash between Soper and Lewis Iler. Despite Iler’s impressive showing, his A6 couldn’t outmatch Soper’s JQ suited in the final hand as he hit two pair.. With that, Mike Soper claimed the championship, sealing a remarkable victory.

Final Standings

Mike Soper – Winner
Lewis Iler – Runner-up
Wes Jones – Third place

League Standings Update

As the Fall Season heads into its final stretch, the league rankings remain tight:

Mike Baker retains the top spot.
Mike Soper leaps to second place with his victory.
Lew Iler, Cliff Jones, and Jim Elwart round out the top five.

Looking Ahead

With just one month left and another double-points night on the horizon, the league title is still up for grabs. Thanks to all the players for making this anniversary event memorable. See you at the next tournament – and may the cards be ever in your favor!

Maverick Poker League Anniversary Tournament Recap