Is living the life of a professional poker player in your cards? The answer for some Central Yorkers and others across the country may change a bit as the American Poker Tournament continues at the Turning Stone Casino.

Some of the best poker players from all over the country have come to the Oneida County casino to try their luck, as a country that seems to be getting more caught up in poker mania watches.

How big has it become? There is a push to make it an Olympic sport.

"It's really taking over the country...Even Joe Schmo has a shot because there's luck [and] skill involved, said Bob Borter, a spectator at the tournament.

advertisement
Party Poker
The biggest online poker room with thousands of players.
Choose one of the following games:
Texas Holdem Poker, Omaha Poker, Omaha Hi,
Seven Card Stud, Stud 8 or Better.
Receive a 20% bonus of your first deposit up to a $100!!!
Party Poker

One guy who isn't exactly a Joe Schmo is Al Krux, from Fayetteville, one of the top players in the country. He placed sixth in the world competition, and this week was among the players to advance to the next round.

"I lasted the final 36. I wish I had more chips, but it's a super, super tournament, the best I've ever had," said Krux.

Unfortunately for Krux, his luck, and his chips, finally ran and he was eliminated in the next round. Tensions started to mount as more players got eliminated, and then there were just two left, dueling over a $30,000 pot. Player 1 puts 10,000 chips on the table, leaving player #2 to agonize over whether to go all in (betting all his chips), or fold. After several tense seconds, he decides to dive in, and luckily he swims, winning the game and taking thirty grand.

Though most players are playing for the enjoyment of the game and for bragging rights, it's different for Joseph Desanto. He's playing for his grandson.

"He has muscular dystrophy. By the time he's 70, he won't be able to walk anymore," said Desanto.

Though he didn't take home anything for his 5-year-old grandson, Desanto says if there's another opportunity to play, he just might try again.

It cost $10,000 to get in to the tournament, but it gives players a chance to win $1 million.

The final round will be televised live Wednesday.

Source: NBC

Sponsor: Pacific Poker