By Sean Chaffin
With only two events remaining on the Season XVII schedule, A new, second stop at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, should be a popular addition this year. Not only will the WPT Choctaw spring event play a critical role in the Hublot WPT Player of the Year standings, but offer players an additional opportunity to add their names to Champions Cup as well as a $1 million guarantee.
Durant is located a bit over an hour north of Dallas, and this is an extension on the property’s already successful stop in August. The $3,700 event plays out May 17-20 with the final six players heading to Las Vegas to play to a winner on May 31 atHyperX Esports Arena at Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Players can take in a great southwest getaway and take advantage of the great Oasis Pool scene. The facility features multiple indoor and outdoor pools offering great relaxation and fun for adults and families. The venue shows off palm trees, pristinely manicured grounds, private cabanas, food and drink options, and much more. Players can even head to the swim-up bar for a refreshing cocktail.
The property also features great dining options – from delicious steaks to tacos and fajitas to numerous quick food options. For a flavor of the Southwest, Gilley’s offers plenty of drinks and beer, music, and even a mechanical bull. Choctaw is also a place to bring the family. The District entertainment center features a movie theater, bowling alley, video arcade, food court, and more.
In August, Brady Holiman (pictured) notched a special win at the property. The 38-year-old recreational player from Athens, Texas, topped a field of 755 to take home $469,185 and a seat in the season-ending WPT Tournament of Champions.
Before the win, the married father of four had only $42,000 in live tournament winnings. Despite being a recreational player, Holiman always believed he had the skill to accomplish big things in poker. Now he’s a WPT and still looks back at his accomplishment in awe.
“To be able to sit and play with some of the caliber of players these events bring out means so much,” he says. “I always thought I had the game to be competitive, I just never really took many shots at something like this. It has been a dream of mine ever since I began playing seriously years ago.”
The night before the final table stands out in his mind and is an especially big memory.
“Poker is viewed by most away from the community as kind of taboo, and it was in my family because most consider it gambling and not so much a game of strategy,” he says. “My parents, of course, were following the updates online, but once I called and actually told them I made the final table – just to hear their voices and pride they had will never be a feeling I will ever forget.”
“Then once the final hand played out on the last day, I felt completely on cloud nine. It wasn’t the feeling I expected but almost a feeling of relief that after years of wishing for that moment, it had finally come true.”
The reaction from family and friends was overwhelming – with texts and calls blowing up Holiman’s phone within minutes after the last hand playing out.
“I felt like I had all of East Texas following me online – so much love and support from everyone and it meant the world to me,” he says.
Holiman plans on playing the spring event as well and give it a shot at doing the Season XVII Choctaw double.
“I think Choctaw is one of the best stops in the country,” he says. “It always draws a good crowd and the Dallas poker scene is huge. It is so nice to be so close to home and have such a wonderful event to attend only a couple hours away. As far as the WPT goes, the events are top notch.”
A second title will be a nice addition to the property, Holiman believes, and he hopes for another deep run. The win seemed like a dream and he encourages more players to give a WPT Main Tour event a shot.
“I encourage more people to take a shot if this has been a dream of theirs,” he says. “Whether it be to try and satellite in or if they can buy in directly without it putting them in a bind, try it. I was a longshot compared to these other guys, but this dream I had came true.”
“It will be a memory I’ll always cherish, and I feel so blessed that I was able to accomplish this and have my name engraved in the Champions Cup. Anyone has a chance – and I’m living proof of that. I want to wish everyone good luck and hope to see many new faces at Choctaw in May.”
For more information on the spring WPT Choctaw, click here. For a complete schedule of preliminary events, click here.
Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer in Crandall, Texas, and his work appears in numerous websites and publications. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions.
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