Matthew Weber Wins the Third Annual Punta Cana Poker Classic | IXGAMES

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – October 19, 2012 – The third annual Punta Cana Poker Classic (PCPC) is in the books and Californian player Matthew Weber took home the championship along with $135,475. The final nine players of the starting 380 played down the final table on Wednesday of the $552,900 guaranteed no-limit Texas Holdem tournament. “We’d like to congratulate this year’s winner for a job well done and the great accomplishment of taking home the first prize in such a competitive field,” commented Punta Cana Poker Classic’s Spokesperson Michael Harris. “The third annual PCPC has been a huge success and has proved to be our biggest tournament to date. Word is getting out that this is a “must play” event for any poker player looking to play some poker in the ultimate beach location.” Weber is no stranger to tournament success preceding this impressive cash. He has a total of $204,864 at various live tournaments according to Weber’s player profile at www.pokerpages.com. He has had solid cashes in bigger tournaments including a 2nd place finish at the WPT Legends of Poker as well as another first place finish at the World Series of Poker Circuit Event for $23,719. Weber held a strong position throughout the tournament as he dominated play throughout. He was the big stack of the day on Day 1B, as well as Day 2, and continued pressing his advantage throughout the final day to finish atop of the field. Weber clinched the victory after just 30 minutes of play against fellow ACR player Kelly Kellner. Kellner raised from the button to have Weber re-raise from the big blind. Kellner moved all-in and Weber made the call for all the chips and the tournament. Kellner showed Ac 2c and Weber showed 5c 5d for a dominating 66% chance of clinching the tournament. The flop came 3s 6d 5h giving Weber the set and leaving Kellner with only four outs of making a wheel straight. The turn and river gave no help and Kelly Kellner finished runner-up with an impressive $81,830 for his efforts. The Punta Cana Poker Classic also did its part to help create awareness for breast cancer this year. The online poker site teamed up with the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in the Dominican Republic and added a special tournament designed to raise money for the worthy cause. The event allowed players to purchase extra chips for $10 for which the proceeds were donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Organizers from ACR decided to add the special tournament when learning about the Hard Rock’s yearly campaign that runs every October dubbed “Pinktober”. The campaign is in its 13th year and has raised millions towards breast cancer research through donations as well as the Caron Keating Foundation by live music events and merchandising. Musicians play at Hard Rock venues and pink ribbons and memorabilia are sold in order to raise funds. “We’ve received great feedback from all of our players on this year’s tournament,” continued Harris. “The camaraderie and great sportsmanship from all the players throughout has left everyone feeling great about this year’s event. ACR is proud to be a sponsor of such a well-organized and fun tournament for which we can send our players.” The Punta Cana Poker Classic is in its third year and growing in popularity and attendance each year. Its focus remains on offering a big money tournament for an affordable buy-in for the recreational player who wants to enjoy not only a great week of poker, but an all-inclusive fun packed setting as well.