Four Winners Split Poker Prize

Photo by Peter French Tournament director Chester Chau, second from left, with winners of the 21st Poker Club tournament, Evan Lutz, Ken Hogenauer, John Romero and Brad Marr.

In a contest that lasted just under seven hours, 62 contestants battled for a $22,200 prize pool during the Laguna Beach Poker Club's 12th no-limit hold'em tournament earlier this month.

When the contest at the Laguna Beach Women's Club got down to the final four players, they made the decision to divide the prize pool equally. The chip count at that point showed that Ken Hogenauer of Laguna Beach in first place, followed by Brian Marr of Costa Mesa in second, Evan Lutz of Dana Point in third, and John Romero of Laguna Beach in fourth.

Winners in the fifth through ninth places were Gretchen Sheppard of Newport Beach, Dan Estreicher of Laguna Beach, Billy Larsson of Laguna Beach, (also a club founder), Claire Thomas of Laguna Beach, and Jeremy Garrett of Laguna Beach (a former firstplace winner), respectively. The "pop" or "bubble" prize, which is a free entry to the next tournament on May 3, went to Douglas Stacy of Laguna Beach.

Olamendi's Mexican Restaurant catered the event.

The Laguna Beach Poker Club is open to anyone who loves the game of poker. For upcoming events and information visit www. LagunaPokerClub.com.