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The 2024 PokerStars North American Poker Tour Las Vegas $5,300 Major Occasion attracted 895 runners, of which 115 had gained PokerStars $10,000 Gold Passes by way of totally different routes reminiscent of Path to the NAPT Satellites, supporting dwell occasions, and accomplice promotions
Of these, 20 managed to make the cash cashing for a mixed $241,600! Sadly, Houston’s Luis Rivera, who has gained his Gold Cross by way of a PokerNews Podcast giveaway, was not one in every of them.
Regardless of not cashing the occasion, Rivera and his spouse had an important week-long expertise at Resorts World Las Vegas and the NAPT, which was simply his second-ever dwell poker event.
PokerNews caught up with Rivera, who primarily performs on-line, to speak a bit about what it was like being a Gold Cross winner on the 2024 NAPT.
Making His Strategy to Vegas
The 35-year-old Rivera, initially from Florida and now works for a software program firm, needed to alter some plans after being randomly chosen within the PokerNews Podcast Gold Cross giveaway.
“We had journey plans to see her household just like the week of the whole NAPT, and so we needed to reduce that brief,” Rivera informed PokerNews on the NAPT Participant Get together. “We nonetheless went to see them however needed to reduce it brief so we may hop again to Houston after which to Vegas. However oh my god, it’s been so thrilling each single day figuring out I used to be coming right here. I am unable to imagine this occurred, and I am unable to imagine we’re right here.”
“I bluffed Toby Lewis a few occasions. I did not know who the man was till I seemed him up.”
He continued: “It has been unbelievable. All of the folks I’ve met, I acquired to hug Jennifer Tilly. She’s nice. I like her. She’s so candy. She is one in every of my favourite folks. I actually need to do the go-karting and the karaoke nights.”
What may Rivera sing at a karaoke evening?
“Typically Queen’s Don’t Cease Me Now,” he shared. “That’s one in every of my go-to songs.”
Sadly for Rivera, his precise NAPT enjoying expertise, which bear in mind was simply his second-ever dwell event, didn’t go in addition to he’d hoped.
“I used to be card lifeless nearly the whole time. I acquired pocket kings as soon as, however everybody folded after I simply minimum-raised, , like you possibly can’t do something about that. I acquired pocket eights a few occasions, however the flop could be like 10xJxAx, so it was a mix of being card lifeless and simply not hitting. I am unable to do a lot about that. I bluffed Toby Lewis a few occasions. I did not know who the man was till I seemed him up and I am like, ‘Oh, he is made like nearly $10 million.’”
His Remaining Hand
Rivera performed within the Day 1b flight and sadly bowed out in Stage 6 (300/600/600). That’s when reporter Brett Slezak picked up motion on the flip in a hand between Rivera, who was within the cutoff, and Alexander Greenblatt within the huge blind.
With the board studying Okay♠8♥5♦J♣, Greenblatt led for 3,000 and Rivera referred to as.
On the 7♥ river, Greenblatt led for six,200 efficient to place Rivera in danger. Rivera contemplated for about 30 seconds earlier than he introduced that he would name.
Luis Rivera: J♠10♦
Alexander Greenblatt: Okay♦4♦
Greenblatt had high pair and Rivera referred to as down with second pair placing an unceremonious finish to his NAPT event.
Regardless of not cashing the 2024 NAPT, Rivera was grateful for the expertise the Gold Cross afforded him, per week filled with recollections he and his spouse will always remember. Oh, he’s additionally eager to proceed his poker journey within the dwell realm.
“Yeah, I’ll see what’s left, what different occasions,” he stated when requested if we would see him in future tournaments. “If it is like a $500 buy-in you may see me in these.”
Rivera additionally chatted with PokerNews Ambassador Keith Becker after busting the event and you’ll watch that section within the newest episode of the PokerNews Podcast (which additionally consists of one other giveaway):
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