Update: SOLD OUT, Thank You!!
Note: I received permission from Druff to make this thread.
The event: So if you haven't been living under a rock, you probably know that the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida is having a $10,000,000 guaranteed tournament with a $5,300 buy-in. So they need a staggering 2,000 players in order to reach the guarantee. But you know what? I think they're going to smash it. They're running satellites like crazy at all the Seminole properties (they have five). They're giving away tons of tickets through promos. The satellites and seats they're giving away are "must play". Meaning if you win a satellite in Hollywood right now, you're forced to play the event (you can't sell the ticket). And if you win 3 tickets, you're forced to play all 3 starting days. The event is generating a lot of buzz, so I really think it could be realistic to get 3,000 entrants. Because of all this, I think the field will be the softest ever for a $5,000 tournament. And it's a really good value because the rake is only $150 (3%) with another 3% going to the dealers (it's $5,000 + $150 + $150, with all $5,000 going to the prize pool). This is actually much lower than the industry standard.
Why buying a piece is good value: I've decided to sell pieces at just 1.09 mark-up (meaning just 9% above face value). I do this because when I sell pieces I feel that the person buying is doing me a favor. I've already seen people selling pieces for this event at 1.40, which I think is pretty gross. I am selling them above face value because I will have travel costs that I have to pay for. My background: I've been playing poker full time for a little over 3 years now. I started off playing 2/5, but quickly moved up to playing 5/10 and 10/25. My hourly in 5/10 has consistently been just under $100/hr. I have had limited exposure to tournaments (mostly playing low buy-in events) and have had some limited successes. During the PCA I played a $300 turbo and ended up winning after making a deal 3-way and taking home around $6,700. During the WPT Jacksonville I played a $340 with over 600 entrants. I made it to the final 7 where I was around average in chips. Unfortunately I went out in 7th place taking home around $5,300 (1st place was $42k). This will be the first tournament I've played with a buy-in of over $1,500. But because I play high stakes cash games all the time (multiple times I've had $10k in front of me in 5/10 and 10/25), I believe I will feel very much at ease playing in the tournament.
I only plan on selling 50-60% of myself. I sold some pieces on twitter last night and have already sold 29% of myself. I plan on selling out pretty fast, so don't get shut out.
Here's what it costs:
3% = $173
5% = $289
10% = $578
20% = $1155
Note: You can buy odd amounts as long as it's 3%+. Just take 5,777 and multiple it by the % you want and round to the nearest dollar. For instance 7% would be 5777 x .07 = $404.
I wanted 3% to be the minimum, but if you'd like to buy a 1% sweat, I'll allow it for $60. Multiple people will walk away millionairs from this event. 3% could get you back over $50,000 if I win!!
Updates will be posted on my twitter (@KidWithDream). The structure of this event starts out fast (only 40 minute levels), but then gets really good. I actually prefer this type of structure, but as a result many people will bust even before dinner break. Less than 30% will make it through to Day 2. There's a good chance that I don't make Day 2, and a high chance that I don't cash. Of course I'm hoping to make it deep, but please only buy a piece if you can afford to loose what you invest. I've been told that the final table will be live streamed.
Payment: I can accept Paypal, BOA transfer, WF Transfer or cash in person if you buy 10%+ and are in the central/south Florida area. Sorry, but I cannot accept payment from any online poker sites. Paypal is my preferred payment method. The event starts on August 22nd, though I will probably play Day 1c on Saturday August 24th, as I feel it will be the softest starting day. You can reserve a piece now and send any time between now and August 15th. Please do not buy a piece and then later back out. If you'd like, you can even escrow to Druff by sending to his paypal and then he can send me the money (or re-imburse you if I cash) after the event is over and it has been verified how I finished. Since I'm fine financially I can front the money myself and be re-imbursed later.
Who has a piece:
Anon. (friend) = 10% (picking up in person, Saturday)
Anon. (friend) = 3% (Received)
@bmifsud = 4% (Received)
@DougLeePoker = 1% (received)
@spurrierFTW = 3% (received)
@FishAyePoker = 3% (recieved)
@mfwakefield = 5% (recieved)
Varys: 3% (Received)
Marco Esquandolas: 1% (Received)
Anon PFA member: 10% (Received)
CMONEY: 16% (Received)
Rollo: 3% (Picking up in person)
Sold: 62%