ClubWPT qualifier Jerry Tucker talks about his experience in the WPT World Championship

When the Poker World Tour announced a record-breaking $15 million guarantee by the end of the season WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas, there were many wondering how the event would avoid an overlap. Instead, the tournament drew nearly 3,000 players and nearly doubled the guarantee!

One of the reasons the event proved to be such a success was the sheer number of players who won their seats. Not only did the Wynn poker room host frequent qualifiers, but so did the tour free ClubWPT online site he also sent an army of players.

In total, ClubWPT has awarded 27 players with a win rate of WPT World Championship package worth $12,000. This is in addition to the 22 players who have won a WPT First championship ticket and seven other players with a special event package.

“Since launching in 2008, ClubWPT has been a great way to get players from all walks of life more involved in poker,” he said. WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “[These] the packages are the most prestigious prizes we have ever awarded on ClubWPT and we are proud to host qualified players at our 20th anniversary celebration.”

A wide variety of ClubWPT players showed up to face the best in the world during the $10,400 main event, including 32-year-old Joseph DiTomasso, a PE teacher and soccer coach from Concord, New Hampshire.

Also there was 78-year-old retired architect Richard Hill. The Paso Robles, Calif., resident said he was checking out a wish-list item from him playing in the tournament.

Card player was able to talk to another ClubWPT qualifier in Jerry Tucker, who survived his initial flight on day 1B to progress to day 2.

Tucker, a 48-year-old from Florence, Kentucky, explained how he won his seat.

“I was playing on ClubWPT, the membership site, and ended up beating 1,450 players,” Tucker said. “It was a winner-takes-all tournament, and when there were five of us, I was short stacked and had every last chip. But I was able to come back and win it.

Tucker’s chip and a chair story earned him a trip to Las Vegas, where he was treated to a four-night stay at the Wynn Las Vegas. His $12,000 passport package included the buy-in to the $10,400 main event, plus $1,000 in cash. ClubWPT players also got access to vip lounge and a meeting with WPT brand ambassadors and talent.

His first starting table was rough, and Tucker saw his stack drop from 100,000 to just 15,000 relatively quickly. The short-stacked ninja was still able to fight back to end the day with 104,000.

“They treated us very well and it was a fun experience. The way I busted out was a bit annoying though, on the very first hand of day 2.”

Tucker had just sat down when he decided to isolate a short-stacked player all-in, only to have his pocket sevens run into another player’s pocket jacks.

“I have no regrets,” Tucker said. “I think I would play the same game again. Overall I had a great time. There was a world champion to my left and I got to play with other good players as well.”

Even if he didn’t get a win that changed his life al WPT World championsTucker was able to book a win at the cash game tables during his time in Las Vegas.

“I feel so much better about my game,” Tucker admitted.

You can check out ClubWPT here.