Wilbur Futhey(credit: World Series of Poker - Official Web Site)
The World Series of Poker Circuit Championship came to a close late on Monday night with Wilber Futhey, a retired carnival prize salesman, taking the top spot in the event. 117 people paid to play in the $5,000 WSOPC Main Event, driving up the prize pool to more than $556,000. Beth Shak and 2007 WSOP bracelet winner Robert Cheung also played part in the marathon event. Shak, who plays online at Full Tilt Poker, took the 16th slot and earned $6,677 for her efforts. Cheung came in 11th.
By the time the final table was finished, Futhey, age 62, and the tournament’s runner up, Steven Merrifield, a 23 year old college graduate residing in Fairmont, WV, had played poker for a total of 27 of the prior 35 hours. Wow!
The two men dictated much of the action at the final table so it was no surprise that they battled it out for the title, the ring and the $10,000 seat to the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event. The duo each had more than enough chips to make the match last well into the wee hours, however, they got ‘er done in about twenty heads-up hands.
In the end, Futhey was the victor.
These are the results:
1) Wilbur Futhey – $180,289
2) Steve Merrifield – $94,596
3) Dale Poynter – $55,645
4) Doug Carli – $44,516
5) Benjamin Hock – $33,387
6) Jason Mann – $27,822
7) Giovanni Marcacci – $22,258
8) Jerry Martin – $16,693
9) Michael Iacovone – $11,129