WSOP Field Narrows Down to Around 200With just over 200 left in the 2007 WSOP (World Series of Poker), the top 10 chip holders was filled with individuals who either have never won in professional tournaments or have won meager amounts compared to the average pro.
One lone exception: Lee Watkinson. The Washington-born economics graduate has won just over $1.4 mil during his lifetime of playing on the professional poker tournament circuit according to Bluff Magazine.
At the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP), Watkinson finished 2nd in the $5,000 pot limit Omaha event. He also finished in the money of that year's $10,000 no limit Texas hold 'em main event, finishing 113th.
Watkinson made back-to-back World Poker Tour (WPT) final tables during its third season. The first time he finished 2nd to Eli Elezra, and the second time he finished 2nd again, this time to Doyle Brunson.
Watkinson made back-to-back WSOP main event cashes at the 2005 World Series of Poker (WSOP), finishing in 45th place out of 5,619 entrants for a $235,390 prize. He also made the final table of a WSOP circuit event in November 2005, finishing 3rd.
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At the 2006 WSOP, Watkinson won a bracelet and the $655,746 first prize in the $10,000 pot limit Omaha event.
Lee is a humanitarian, working with the Cortland Brandenburg Foundation to rescue retired chimpanzee test subjects. His poker nickname among Vegas pros has been Lee "Sandwich" Watkinson for his tendency to trap players by using a "sandwich raise" with or without a good hand.
Toby Maguire, who WickedChopsPoker likens to a lemur, whatever the hell that is, busted out in 292 place, banking $39,445. Godsmack singer Sully Erna just busted as well, earning his second straight Main Event cash.
"For what it's worth, if we didn't know that was Tobey Maguire, and we saw this guy in a dark alley, we'd f***** run," report the boys from WCP.
"He tried to dodge every photograph, even as his deep run increasingly became a legitimate news story. He also turned down requests (via his publicist) for interviews. It's unfortunate for poker, as Maguire's celebrity and skills could bring the game a bundle of positive media attention and credibility."
Here were the top 10 chip leaders as of Friday night:
Paul Spitzberg 2,800,000
Adam White 2,750,000
Rep Porter 2,600,000
Richard Harris 2,500,000
Kevin Farry 2,500,000
Jon Kalmar 2,010,000
Dag Martin Mikkelsen 2,000,000
Tom Peterson 1,984,000
Josh Evans 1,850,000
Lee Watkinson 1,815,000
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Ace King, Gambling911.com
Originally published July 13, 2007 11:26 pm ET
