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#750 – WSOP 2009 #8 – Seen & Heard #3 – Vitaly Lunkin is Officially the Coolest Guy on Planet Earth
How awesome is this?
While I was gloating at Andy Bloch’s 40th birthday party about having actually won TWO $525 satellites in four days, Vitaly Lunkin was posing for this picture.
In one of the most remarkable days in World Series of Poker history, nobody has the right to feel more proud that Vitaly Lunkin. Vitaly, 38, grew up in the Soviet Union where, as he said, “we did not have poker.” He won his first bracelet in 2008, winning a 2,700+ player $1,500 NLHE event. Now, in his first event on the return tour, he takes down possibly the most elite NLHE field in poker history. After four grueling days – I know how grueling because I was winning TWO $525 satellites during that period – and a punishing final table, he peeks at his hole cards and finds pocket aces. A couple minutes later, he is $1,891,018 richer, a multiple bracelet winner, and the envy of every poker player in the world.
In the 1960s, I wanted to be Denny McLain. In the 1970s, I wanted to be Carl Bernstein. In the 1980s, I wanted to be Michael Milken. In the 1990s, I wanted to be Bill Clinton. Now, I want to be Vitaly Lunkin.
Congratulations to Vitaly on a hard-fought, well-earned victory. His first bracelet, a year ago, was news. His second is history.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
That has to come as relief to:
– Denny McLain
– Carl Bernstein
– Michael Milkin
– Bill Clinton
Of course we, your faithful reader’s all aspire to be you. But, there is a suspicion it is only gas.
June 5th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Michael,
It was a PLEASURE to meet you Sunday evening and thank you for the jacket, it fit perfectly.
I owe so much to Full Tilt and with the quality people I have met no wonder it is a success.
I got to meet my favorite player at Andy Bloch’s party ..Howard and I even met Andy and told him he was my Idol.
take care sir, I hope to make it back this year.