The Hollywood Poker Open is a tournament that has regional qualifying events at various Hollywood Casinos around the country. The winners of these regionals get a free trip to Vegas (free room and $1,000 cash for air fare) to compete in a guaranteed $500,000 prize pool biggie in late June. The $2500 entry fee is included if you win a regional.

I played today at the Hollywood in Tunica. The entry was $130 which was cheap enough considering the prize. Unfortunately, I was second, but the good news is that I lost to my poker buddy Sim. When we began heads up, he had a 2.5 to 1 chip advantage, so I was pushing whenever I could. On the busto hand, I flopped two pair, but he had a flush draw that got there on the turn. I still had four outs to make a full house on the river, but you know how those things work.

Good luck Sim and win a biggie in Vegas!