Bodog Beat

Poker pro Michael Binger won the WSOP Circuit event in Tahoe. (Photo from Flickr)

The WSOP Circuit has been making its rounds through the US over the past couple of months but really hasn't provided any worthwhile storylines, until now. In fact, it seems like the WSOP Circuit event in Tahoe always features a well-known pro hoisting the trophy. In the event's first year Jeff Lisandro took home the grand prize, last year that pro was Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and this year it was Michael Binger's turn.

It was no easy road for Binger either. On top of the fact that the final table included fellow pros Allen Kessler and Scott Clements and Chris "Jesus" Ferguson just barely missed joining them there, Binger went into his heads-up match against Ty Stewart with an 8.5 to 1 chip disadvantage, or 1.7 million in chips to 200,000. Then, displaying the talent that got him to the final table of the 2006 WSOP Main Event final table, Binger stoically and determinedly clawed back to even, the overtook Stewart and finally put him away.

Binger earns $181,379 for the win along with the coveted WSOP Circuit gold ring and a buy-in to the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event, plus $1,000 in spending money. As the runner up, Stewart received $112,675.

The WSOP Circuit rolls into Atlantic City for the next event and if you really enjoy AC in December (weirdo) then the Bodog Player's Choice package will get you there and get you a buy-in….if you so desired. Check out how to qualify online for major poker tournaments and get yourself one of the $12,000 Player's Choice packages.