The Latest Full Tilt Bracelet Winner: Lee Watkinson

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of catching up with Lee Watkinson, the newest member of the Full Tilt team and its latest bracelet winner. When I spoke to him, he was standing in front of the cashier’s cage waiting for the $655,746 check he’d earned for winning the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event. Checks of such size aren’t produced quickly, allowing us plenty of time to talk.

SR: What’s it feel like having won your first World Series bracelet?
LW: It’s great. When I was losing these heads-up matches I was saying, “It doesn’t make a difference between first and second; it’s no big deal,” but now that I’ve actually won one it really feels ten times better than coming in second. It’s a whole different feeling.

SR: Are you wearing your bracelet now?
LW: No, my fiancée has it on her wrist.

SR: What was the pivotal hand at the final table that turned the tide for you?
LW: The one where I was all in. It was actually the only time I had all my chips at risk, where I could have gone broke. I had aces and queens double suited and Jani [Vilmunen] made a full house with a card that gave me a flush after he moved all in on the flop, and on the river I had to hit the queen for the full house. He was the chip leader so that made me the new chip leader. He busted shortly after that.

There was also a big hand where I took out Rafi [Amit]. He was a real concern because he’s a real tough player.

SR: What inspired you all to take a shot of Vodka when there were seven players left?
LW: Rafi wanted everyone to take a shot before the thing started, but by the time they brought the drinks Mickey Appleman was already gone and maybe somebody else. They must have thought it would be better for TV if everyone was loosened up. I don’t know what Rafi’s motivation was.

Lee’s friend: Rafi drinks, Lee doesn’t. That was his motivation.

LW: One shot’s not going to kill me. [Laughs] I might have to take a shot before every final table now.

SR: That might have to become a new tradition for you. How does it feel to be part of the Full Tilt team?
LW: It’s great. They’re a real class act. I am really happy to be an official member of the team. I can’t wait to represent them again, hopefully at another final table.

SR: Are you now going to ramp up your tournament schedule a little bit?
LW: I’m not sure. I still have a lot going on [outside of poker]. And I really don’t like the small buy-in tournaments. I only play main events except at the World Series. I think I’ll stick to that. I’m not fond of traveling. I like to stay in California and Nevada.