By Sean Chaffin
As one of the hottest spots for poker on the East Coast, the Borgata once again becomes the center of the poker universe when WPT heads to town September 15-20 for the WPT Borgata Poker Open.
The premier property in Atlantic City offers players a great getaway with a chance at some big money. The event has featured some big names taking home the title through the years including Daniel Negreanu, Olivier Busquet, Anthony Zinno, and four-time WPT champion Darren Elias.
In Season XVII, Erkut Yilmaz (pictured) took the title and $575,112 after topping a field of 1,075. The property has hosted WPT events since Season II in 2003, and Yilmaz’s victory was part of the casino’s 15th-anniversary celebration. It was a special win, his first on the tour, and would kick start a big year as Yilmaz went on to another title at WPT Rolling Thunder and the Hublot Player of the Year title.
“The Borgata win was my biggest and it meant a lot to me,” Yilmaz says. “I’ve been a professional poker player for over 12 years and my tournament and cash game results have gotten better each year. This win has been what I have been longing for and I was very happy that I finally won a big prestigious event.”
When the action gets underway in Atlantic City, Yilmaz should be back in the field looking for another deep run and to defend his title. Not only does the Borgata stand out in his mind for his first major win, but he also had high praise for the staff and poker scene. He found it was a great way to begin his big season.
“The tournament was well organized and the staff did a great job,” he says. “After that win, I went on and won the WPT Thunder Valley in California, and won the WPT Hublot Player of the Year title. What a great year and it all started at Borgata.”
Along with the WPT event, the Borgata is hosting 23 events as part of its Borgata Poker Open series.
Beyond the poker scene, the property offers numerous amenities for poker players. That includes great dining choices, several bars with premium cocktails and beers, and plenty of entertainment options including major touring music and comedy acts. The property’s hotel rooms offer a quality stay in style with an indoor heated pool and two hot tubs. The Borgata’s sister property, the Water Club, offers even more luxury and amenities.
While in New Jersey, players can also check out BorgataPoker.com for some online poker action. The site has been hosting qualifiers leading up to the WPT Borgata Poker Open and several should be in the field.
For players busting out of the WPT championship event and or looking for some sports action, the Borgata recently added a new sportsbook facility – just in time for football season. The $12 million venue combines the Moneyline Bar and Book with the Level One Cocktail Bar and Lounge. The sportsbook area features a 40 by 11.5-foot video wall with 17 more 98-inch and 86-inch displays surrounding the 8,000-square-foot venue. Moneyline features a 35-foot bar with built-in slot machines under a light feature inspired by a coach’s playbook.
Bettors can take a seat in flex-back stools at the bar, or at high-top tables with device chargers, plush booths, or in the VIP lounge. The property features a high-end menu by executive chef Tom Biglan with numerous craft beers, cocktails, and nightly entertainment.
From poker to sports to gambling to entertainment, the Borgata certainly offers something for everyone and should make for another memorable event.
“The Borgata is a great casino and that event was great,” says Yilmaz, who now lives in Sacramento, California.
It certainly was memorable and produced quite a windfall for Yilmaz, who tries to be smart with his poker earnings. He notes: “I invest a large portion of my winnings into mutual funds, so life is good.”
For more information on the WPT Borgata Poker Open, 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.