Arizona State Poker Championship Canceled in Wake of Storm
A massive storm that caused a loss of power for thousands in the Phoenix area has forced the cancellation of the Arizona State Poker Championship, host casino Talking Stick Resort announced.
Only Day 1a of a scheduled three starting flights had been completed.
"We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to resume at Talking Stick Resort to the level of excellence that our guests have come to expect," a company rep wrote.
The $1,100 Arizona State Poker Championship is an event that has gained popularity in recent years as a post-World Series of Poker tournament attended by many in the Western U.S.
First held in 2005, the event has more than doubled in size over the past 10 years and now boasts an "estimated prize pool" of $1.5 million after turnouts north of 1,510 and 1,691 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Players who have cashed big there over the years include past champions Joe Kuether and "World Famous" Pat Lyons, as well as Kelly Minkin, Jeff Fielder, Dylan Hortin, Matt Affleck and Jake Balsiger. Another big field was expected in 2018.
How it Happened
The 2018 edition was scheduled for Aug. 10-14, with three starting flights and then two days of playing down to a champion. Things appear to have gone off as planned for Day 1a, with 553 entrants having been recorded and 90 advancing, and a prize pool beginning to build with $553,000.
However, the area experienced heavy storming, with local news outlets calling it a "monsoon." Desert locales are often poorly equipped to deal with such storms due to the light amount of rainfall they typically receive.
Around 2 a.m., power went out in the casino, with both the main and back-up generators going down.
"All guests were immediately evacuated and we initiated our temporary closure protocols," the company reported. "Reservations have been halted and all property events have been canceled until further notice."
One of those, of course, was the poker tournament. Initially, Talking Stick officials announced a postponement through Monday. Later on Saturday, it was announced that Day 1b and Day 1c would be canceled, with hope remaining that Day 1a survivors could play out the remainder of the tournament if crews could get the casino reopened by Tuesday.
No significant update arrived on Sunday, but clarity arrived today as it became clear the casino was in no shape to reopen anytime soon. A new target reopening date of Aug. 19 was announced.
"Multiple storms leading up to Aug. 11 contributed to the incident," a spokesperson wrote. "The water from the fourth storm flowed into the area where the main and back-up generators are located, causing serious water damage. Teams have been working on clean up non-stop while the operations team is assessing options for access to power and a phased reopening plan."
What It Means for Players
Unfortunately, that meant the tournament was cooked.
Plenty of displeased poker players have been left in the wake of the debacle. Not only do those who bagged big stacks miss out on the chance to compete for a huge prize pool that was likely going to exceed $1.5 million, but the players who booked and in some cases went through with travel are out airfare and hotel costs.
Those who made it through Day 1a will receive payouts based on independent chip model (ICM), splitting the $553,000. Players, including satellite winners, who reserved seats for Day 1b and Day 1c can receive refunds at sister property Casino Arizona, located about 10 minutes south of Talking Stick on Highway 101. They need only to present their ticket and valid ID.
Players who earned a cut of the $553,000 may have to wait a bit, as exact payouts will be announced "at a later date." Players not in the immediate area could also mail in their receipts and await payment in the form of a check. Further updates can be found via Twitter @AZStateChamp.
