MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Thirty card players from around the depot came together for the Single Marine Program’s Texas Hold ‘em No Limits Tournament Championship at the Recreation Center, May 21.
Almost every player of the championship tournament placed within the top 10 in at least one of the three preliminary tournaments, said Kelly Sitar, Semper Fit deputy director.
The event began with 30 players competing on four separate tables with nearly non-stop elimination style play until the top finishers went head-to-head at the last table.
All top five finishers were able to choose from prizes starting with: a movie ticket bundle, a poker set with chips, a mini DVD player with two movies, a PS3 entertainment system or a poker table and chip set.
The entirety of the no limits tournament proved that winning a game like Texas hold ‘em can’t be done with skill alone, according to Jesus Salomon, winner of the tournament.
“I have been the first one out for the last three or four tournaments,” said Salomon, material handler for Marine Corps Community Services. “The competition really knew how to play, but I guess luck had finally built up from all of my past losses and I was able to win. It’s great!”
Although the prizes were the highlight of the event, Sitar said they weren’t the only purpose behind the championship.
“They had to play a qualifying tournament and then the championship so bragging rights were well earned and also pretty important,” she said. “It also helps get Marines out of the barracks so they can meet some new people they might not have met otherwise.”
The no limits tournament may be over, but there are still going to be opportunities to practice ones skills and test their luck at other MCCS events coming up, said Sitar.
“Our next event like it is the Casino Night scheduled to take place, July 29,” Sitar said. “That will give a broader set of games for people to play like Texas Hold ‘em, craps, blackjack and roulette.”
For those looking for a more competitive atmosphere, the next Texas Hold ‘em only tournament is slated to begin, Oct. 22, Sitar added.
For more information on Single Marine Program and MCCS events, visit their website at MCCSMCRD.com.