West Tisbury's Jesse Sylvia Wins Second Place in World Series of Poker
Jesse Sylvia, a 26-year-old West Tisbury native, took second place in the World Series of Poker Main Event on Tuesday night.
Jesse Sylvia, a 26-year-old West Tisbury native, took second place in the World Series of Poker Main Event on Tuesday night.
The contest took place in Las Vegas and was televised on ESPN.
The contest took place in Las Vegas and was televised on ESPN.
Mr. Sylvia, above, won $5.29 million in prize money.
Mr. Sylvia, above, won $5.29 million in prize money.
The contest began in early July, initially narrowing the field of 6,598 players down to nine, with Mr. Sylvia in the lead when the tournament took a two-month hiatus. On Oct. 29 play resumed and Mr. Sylvia secured a spot as one of the three finalists.
The contest began in early July, initially narrowing the field of 6,598 players down to nine, with Mr. Sylvia in the lead when the tournament took a two-month hiatus. On Oct. 29 play resumed and Mr. Sylvia secured a spot as one of the three finalists.
Dozens of friends from the Vineyard made the trip to cheer him on. Here, ESPN interviews Vineyarder Adam Lipsky and other Island fans.
Dozens of friends from the Vineyard made the trip to cheer him on. Here, ESPN interviews Vineyarder Adam Lipsky and other Island fans.
Throughout the nearly 12-hour final match, his fans remained exuberant. “To have that much love. It was something we’ll never forget," said Mr. Sylvia's mother, Marlene DiStefano.
Throughout the nearly 12-hour final match, his fans remained exuberant. “To have that much love. It was something we’ll never forget," said Mr. Sylvia's mother, Marlene DiStefano.
Mr. Sylvia's fans were boisterous and out front in their support.
Mr. Sylvia's fans were boisterous and out front in their support.
The cheering section hoisted a large cutout of their champion's head.
The cheering section hoisted a large cutout of their champion's head.
A large group of friends and fans traveled to Las Vegas this week to watch West Tisbury native Jesse Sylvia compete in the 2012 World Series Poker Wednesday. Following an all-night marathon session, the 26-year-old came in second place, winning $5.29 million in prize money.