Have you ever said, 'I could probably fold my way into the money'? One player tested that out, though he was miles away from the card room at the time.
Yesterday, I wrote that one of the best feelings in poker was running deep in a massive World Poker Tour tournament. Big cash at the top, the best of the best in the field, and adrenaline-pumping action with every card that falls.
Well, Daniel Garcia went and showed me that there is definitely something better.
Garcia bagged Day 1a on Friday with a massive stack of 270,000. Yet, when Sunday's Day 2 rolled around at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, Garcia was nowhere to be seen. His stack slowly blinded down, his empty bag by its side, while rumors and wonderings circulated among everyone.
A great reason after all
If you're also wondering what could keep someone from a huge moment in their poker career, Garcia himself cleared it up later in the day.
Garcia's wife went into labor early on Day 2 morning, so Garcia was by her side while cards flew on the other side of the city.
Big moments like deep runs in major tournaments don't come around very often. But, monumental life moments like welcoming a child into the world by your wife's side are on an entirely different level. Garcia knew the right play, no need to check the charts on this one.
In the card room, the bubble burst yesterday evening, to the celebration of everyone left in the field. That is, everyone but Garcia, who likely didn't even know it happened.
But for those wondering, yes Garcia did fold his way into the money. Not only was his stack still in play when the bubble burst at 287 players, but he also secured a pay jump before eventually being eliminated at 236th place for $5,850.
No matter how long his stack lasted, Garcia was already a winner. But, a little extra WPT cash is a great present for a celebrating parent.
You won't see an asterisk next to this Hendon Mob result. But, for Garcia, something tells me this one will be extra special.
