Wayne McGregor of Wasilla has earned money in three events at the annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas to lead a group of at least 19 Alaskans who have cashed in at the world's largest, most prestigious tournament.
McGregor, who cashed three times at the 2016 WSOP and has 11 career cashes in the tournament, has racked $6,703. He won $4,174 for his 418th-place finish in a No-Limit Hold 'em event that drew more than 7,700 players — the biggest haul by an Alaskan at this WSOP — and added winnings of $1,696 and $833 in two other No-Limit events.
McGregor, who last year won more than $26,000 at the WSOP, is the only Alaskan with multiple WSOP cashes this year, according to the WSOP's website. He also remains alive in THE GIANT, a No-Limit event that began play earlier this month and picks up again in early July.
The World Series of Poker features more than 70 different events — more than half have been completed — and runs for about a month and a half at the Rio in Sin City. It culminates with the World Championship No-Limit Hold 'em event that requires a $10,000 buy-in, or entry fee, and lures thousands of players from throughout the world.
The second-biggest cash by an Alaskan came from John Leman of Anchorage, who pocketed $4,072 for his 231st-place finish in a No-Limit game that drew nearly 1,800 entrants. Just behind him in winnings is Robert Davis of Eagle River, who won $4,030 for his 110th-place finish in a No-Limit tournament that attracted more than 5,000 players.
The tournament that Davis cashed in, the Seniors No-Limit event for players 50 and older, featured five Alaskans who cashed. The other three, besides Davis and McGregor, were Kim Everett of Anchorage (414th, $2,430), Amarante Fitzgerald of Anchorage (432nd, $2,191) and David Templeton of Anchorage (489th, $1,993).
Five Alaskans, including McGregor, cashed in the No-Limit COLOSSUS III tournament that featured more than 18,000 players. The other four Alaska cashers were William Johnson of Eagle River (366th, $3,780), Alex Lilagan of Anchorage (925th, $1,551), Charles Lawson of Anchorage (1,470th, $1,156) and Prasad Dobbins of Anchorage (2,199th, $888).
The MILLIONAIRE MAKER No-Limit game in which McGregor earned $4,174 included three other Alaskans in the money — Carol Harmon of Seward (714th, $2,861), Cameron Mitchell of Juneau (1,026th, $2,357) and Gerald Miller of Anchorage (1,061st, $2,357).
Patrick Ronan of Girdwood led four Alaskans in the Super Seniors No-Limit tournament for players 65 and older with his 83rd-place finish worth $2,512. Nancy Hersha of Anchorage (123rd, $2,025) and Gary Waid of Juneau (144th, $1,856) also cashed.
Other Alaska cashers, in separate No-Limit tournaments, include Ryan Ferguson of Anchorage (65th, $2,308) and Michael Akers of Anchorage (218th, $1,678). Also, William Fierro of Fairbanks partnered with a Minnesotan to win $495 in a Tag Team No-Limit event.