WPT Parx Open Poker Classic wrapped up on Wednesday when Anthony Gregg hoisted the WPT Champions Cup for his first time and for the first time a Campion was crowned at the Parx Casino, located just outside Philadelphia. We caught up with WPT Host Mike Sexton yesterday to get his final thoughts on the WPT event, Parx Casino and shooting dice.
WPT Blog: The WPT Parx Open Poker Classic just wrapped up after an exciting 6 days. What will be your favorite memory from the event?
Mike Sexton: Well, for me personally, it was how good the $300/600 cash games were. I love PARX!
In the end it was 25 year old Anthony Gregg who became the latest WPT Champions Club member. While young, he’s been pretty successful as a live tournament player with more than $2 million in winnings. How would you characterize his style of play and what would you attribute his success to in this event?
Anthony Gregg was VERY impressive! His demeanor and focus at the table was superb and his feel for the game & understanding of where he’s at in a hand is excellent. He’s the real deal.
This was the first time the WPT held an event in Pennsylvania. What is like for you and the WPT Team going into a new state and new city for the first time? Do you look forward to it just as much or more than, say, a tour stop you’ve been going to for the past 10 years?
It’s always fun to go to a new stop because the electricity & excitement is higher. It was great going to Philly. It was my first time at PARX and I was thoroughly impressed – not only with the facilities & poker room (one of the biggest in the country) but with how management & staff went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. I can’t wait to go back to PARX.
Was there anything unique about the experience at the Parx event compared to other WPT stops?
The tournament area they set up for the WPT was great – and of course, Vince loved having the racetrack right there. And me, Vince, Matt & Marianne Savage, & some WPT staff shot some dice one night after dinner & had a great time – obviously because we won! They’re just giving money away at PARX!
You tweeted that you loved the Parx Casino. What did you enjoy most about the casino? Did you have the chance to eat at any of the restaurant and if so, did you have a favorite?
I ate four times in the PARX Grill and would recommend it to anyone. The filet was terrific and make sure to order the corn if you go. And if you like jitterbug & swing dancing like I do, check out PARX 360 bar every Wednesday – lots of fun.
Did you get to play some cash games while there? What stakes and how did it go for you?
The cash games were the best part of the trip for me. I played $300/600 mixed games & $300/600 Stud 8 or better. They were as good as any games I’d been in for quite a while. I only wish I’d had time to play more. 🙂
Any final thoughts on the WPT Parx?
I think they were only expecting 300-350 for their main event so everyone was happy to see 500 entries. Every player I talked to said they were treated well and enjoyed the tourney. This event at PARX will only get bigger.