The National Final - March 30th 2008

20,000 players had played in hundreds of pubs across the country with the top 2 from each qualifying for the regional finals. These had, on average, 100 players and the top 8 qualified for the National Final. So at 11am we welcomed 248 players plus 300 guests for drinks and buffet in the company of England cricketer and Question of Sport captain Phil Tufnell and Eastenders actor Michael Greco who were on hand for photos and autographs.

The event started at 3pm with a buzz of anticipation as Dusk Till Dawn’s host Simon Trumper announced “shuffle up and deal”. By 10pm, we were heads up between Mark Titterton and Adrian Vaughan, each player had over 30 x the BB but it was all over in one hand. Mark limped for 12,000, Adrian raised to 50,000 and Mark announced all in with Adrian calling. Adrian had KQ to Mark’s 72s! The flop and turn made a flush for Mark - the K of clubs meant Adrian still had a chance but this unfortunately didn't come. Mark from Surrey was eventually crowned Redtooth UK Pub Poker Champion, winning £1000, a crystal trophy and a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Congratulations to Mark Titterton from the Orchid Group’s Fox and Hounds in Carshalton who emerged as the UK Pub Poker Champion^TM.

Greene King were well represented at the final table with Adrian Vaughan from the Rose and Crown, Hereford was runner-up winning £300, third place Tim Palmer from the Hatherley in Cheltenham taking away £200 and Billy Jones from the Maggies in Birmingham receiving £100. Tracy Clark from the Wackum Inn in Bristol was the highest placed lady finishing in eighth place and she received a case of wine from Carlsberg. Damian Goodwin from Punch Taverns commented, “What a fantastic day! Well organised, great atmosphere, and a tremendous venue. I spoke to a lot of players and spectators all of whom told me what a great time they were having, even the people who went out early. The whole feel is what pub poker is about, great fun in a friendly atmosphere. Congratulations on a superb event.”

• Best Represented Pub was the Rose & Crown, Hereford with 5 players attending.
• Highest Ranking Woman = Tracy Clarke of the Wackum Inn, Bristol, finishing 8th
• Pub with the Longest Journey = Rashleigh Arms, St Austell. Paul Kersey & Andrew Pyle had a 572 mile round trip.
• Pub with the Shortest Journey = Crusader, Nottingham. John Baker made the easy 4 mile journey. Good job he was a local lad after being knocked out first!

Here are the full results from the tournament...