Two WSOP Bracelets For Mark

Published: Saturday, July 02, 2005 Online-Casinos.com

TWO WSOP BRACELETS FOR MARK

Seif in the money and the glory

Professional poker player Mark Seif produced a highly creditable performance this week to become the first person at the World Series of Poker to win two championships this year, placing him second in the money and first in the running for the WSOP's "Player of the Year" award.

Seif, who is currently ranked number 10 globally according to Card Player magazine won his first gold and diamond WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 Limit Hold'em Shootout on June 17 for $181,330 and collected his second bracelet last Friday in the $1,500 NL Hold'em event where he bested 2,013 players, the third largest field in WSOP history.

Seif's victory, which included beating defending world champion Greg "Fossilman" Raymer, netted him $611,145. Earlier in the month he placed 53rd in the $1,500 No Limit Hold'em winning $7,475 bringing his 2005 WSOP winnings to date to $799,950.

An ex-lawyer who switched to pro poker playing in 2001after winning half a million dollars, Seif said, "This has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my life -- it's really just starting to sink in that I've done so well. For the last five years, I've been trying to win a bracelet at the WSOP so this is a significant accomplishment for me. It's also a big deal for my mom who maybe will start saying I'm a pro poker player instead of a lawyer!"

Nine players competed in last Friday's event to win the WSOP bracelet and the $611,145 top prize. Mark Seif won and took home $611,145 with Minh Nguyen in second place on $329,975 and Bill Gazes at third with $202,790.

Nolan Dalla, WSOP media director, said, "Mark Seif has paid his dues in this game. For years he has done it all. He's won several tournaments, made several final tables and finished high in the money several times. Up to now, the only thing that has eluded him has been the gold bracelets at the WSOP. Mark has not only fulfilled that dream, but he did it twice. He now joins an elite group of poker players who have won twice. It is an honor well deserved."