Morford Wins HPT Open Championship at the Majestic Star
The Heartland Poker Tour is a tournament series for the amateur player. It features low buy-ins and hits casinos that aren't traditionally found on the major circuits. With low buy-ins and a televised final table, the HPT makes the game accessible to many Americans who love tournament poker and want to play at the highest levels but don't have the bankroll to afford the often-hefty buy-ins. Recently, the HPT pulled into Gary, Indiana and the Majestic Star Casino. From December 1- 10, they held their Championship Open, thus ending quite a successful third season. At the end of the event, retired engineer, Leon Morford, a resident of Rockford, IL, was the last man standing. Leon modestly claimed that he “just rode the wave.” Entering the final table as the chip leader, the 'sailor', as his friends like to call him, nearly busted in fourth place. He sailed right through the storm, recovering nicely, and taking the title, the championship and more than $200,000. He quipped that after his “wife gets her cut of course,” he'll use some of his winnings to “play more poker next year.” Sounds like a great plan to us! Here are the final table results: 1) Leon Morford - $233,016 2) Christopher Brand - $116,508 3) Jason Glass - $74,898 4) Richard McMahan - $56,174 5) Tom Stambaugh - $45,771 6) Nicholas Woolworth - $39,530