Card Sharks shuffle, deal at Camp Buehring

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

04.11.2011

Story by Sgt. Debra Richardson 

201st Field Artillery

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait— The 2011 Persian Gulf Poker Tour’s entourage arrived at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 11. Soldiers from all walks of life braved a Kuwaiti sandstorm to meet, watch and compete with poker professionals Annie Duke, Tom Dwan, Phil Hellmuth, Howard Lederer, and Huckleberry Seed.

Service members received signed autographs from the professionals and took the opportunity to pose for pictures. Perhaps the most memorable moment was when soldiers and poker celebrities played together during a tournament hosted that evening. “I was so happy to be at the final table,” exclaimed Sgt. Tyler Ellis assigned to 1/201st Field Artillery, West Virginia Army Guard, the subsequent winner of the poker tournament.

“I get to tell the tale of when Annie Duke dealt me cards and I sat next to Phil Hellmuth,” said Ellis.

Like many of today’s pros, Ellis, from Huntington, W.Va., learned to play at a very young age. “Trying to remember when I didn’t know how to play poker is like trying to remember when I didn’t know how to walk,” Ellis said.

Throughout the tournament, soldiers were eliminated and tables were combined. After two hours the final table was reduced to eight soldiers and thanks to a generous donation by the card sharks, the first place prize stakes were raised to $500.

“I was nervous at the final table,” said Sgt. 1st Class Julian Hughart from Rupert, W.Va. Hughart finished the tournament in seventh place.

“I didn’t want to make a stupid mistake in front of all those people and especially not in front of any of the pros,” he said.

Hughart said, “Annie Duke was great because she gave all of us lots of advice throughout the night.”

While poker is restricted in many states and banned in others, the pros and soldiers alike say the game has developed a bad reputation that is undeserved. “My grandparents tell stories about me sitting on their laps as early as four years-old playing various kinds of card games,” said Ellis. His family views poker and other card games as a way to get together and have good quality family time.

“I’m sure they will all be proud to see that the “Gamblin’ Smiths” are making a mark internationally,” he said.

At the conclusion of the event service members applauded the poker stars which marked another successful USO supported production. While poker may not be everyone’s game, the card sharks captivated the entire crowd with their fun-loving and humorous personalities. This event left an impression that will surely be remembered for years.

• Date Taken: 04.11.2011
• Date Posted: 04.19.2011 02:51
• Story ID: 68956
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW