\u201cIt\u2019s been amazing,\u201d Burkhart said, in an interview. \u201cI\u2019ve started every day with the goal of just having fun, and just playing my best and each hand as it comes. I\u2019m playing it like it\u2019s a freeroll because it is. A min-cash isn\u2019t life-changing money from me, but clearly there\u2019s some life-changing money up top. I sold a little bit of action, so I\u2019d love for the people who believed in me to get some money back.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In honor of her mother\u2019s battle with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease, Burkhart will donate 10 percent of whatever she makes in the tournament to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.<\/p>\n
For Burkhart, the trip has been about more than just poker. She, her husband, and their 9-year-old son arrived in the Bahamas<\/strong> four days before the tournament began.<\/p>\n\u201cWe did every single water slide multiple times,\u201d she said. \u201cWe saw the dolphins, (and) did about everything they have here.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Unfortunately, Burkhart\u2019s dream ended shortly after play began on Day 4. However, she\u2019ll have 86,400 reasons to smile after visiting the payout window.<\/p>\n
Sheaves says the PSPC feels different than other tournaments<\/span><\/h2>\nWarren Sheaves<\/strong> won his Platinum Pass through PokerStars ambassador Jen Shahade<\/strong>\u2019s unique #mychesspokergame challenge. His combination of poker and chess skills have led to a nice score this week at the Atlantis Resort and Casino<\/strong> in the Bahamas.<\/p>\nSheaves, who hails from Asheville, North Carolina<\/strong>, began playing poker full-time in 2006. He has been playing ever since, although he took a couple years off in 2011 to work full-time as a tree worker and landscaper.<\/p>\nWith a mixed field of pros and lesser experienced players who won their way into the tournament, the PSPC has a unique dynamic. Sheaves felt the vibe in the room was different than other tournaments<\/strong> he\u2019s played \u2013 there was\u00a0a spirit of fun and enthusiasm. Even though it took over two hours of hand-for-hand play to reach the money, there were plenty of smiles and laughter around the room.<\/p>\n\u201cI think there\u2019s a lot of extra buzz in the air because of all the Platinum Pass winners and this is the largest $25K in history,\u201d he said. \u201cIt makes it a little bit special and you can feel the energy in the room.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sadly, Sheaves\u2019s tournament ended sooner than he would have preferred. He found himself out of chips in 121st place on Day 3. However, he received a $35,000 payout for 3 days of work.<\/p>\n