Andy Philachack - Winter 2007 champion

The Winter Bayou Poker Challenge WSOP Satellite series kicked off Monday, December 1st at Harrah's Casino in New Orleans. Preliminary events, single-table and mega-satellites will be running daily through Sunday, December 7th. View the complete schedule and results here.

Last December's event, which was an official WSOP Circuit event, was won by Dallas chiropractor Andy Philachack, who bested a field of 160 players to take down the $247,860 first prize. Two-time WSOP bracelet winner Josh Arieh had to settle for second place and $130,050.

In May 2008, the Bayou Poker Challenge WSOP Circuit Championship was won by Nick Ceci, a contractor from Peachtree, GA. Nick topped the field of 249 players to earn $382,928.

	Lou 'the Big Easy' Esposito

The one to watch, however, will be Lou 'the Big Easy' Esposito, who has earned his nickname by appearing at the last three championship final tables in New Orleans. In May 2007, Lou took the top prize of $516,801. In December 2007, Lou made the final table again, finishing 9th for $15,300. Then in May 2008, Lou finished 6th for $59,833. If Lou decides to make the trip south from his home in New York, he could extend his streak to four consecutive championship final tables.

I will be there bringing you all the main event action live, so set your browsers on PokerPages.com.

	Kaelaine in the 2006 WSOP Main Event

Kaelaine Minton Reporting

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