Tuesday, November 10, 2009

By Isaac Kuhlman

  In what can be considered one of the biggest comebacks in the World Series of Poker's Main Event final table's history, Joe Cada of Shelby Township, Michigan became the youngest player to win the Main Event by overcoming a 25 to 1 chip count deficit in day one to grab the chip lead going into day two. As the proceedings for the heads up commenced, Cada had Darvin Moon outstacked about 2 to 1 in chips. Moon was the overwhelming chip leader at the start of the November 9, but suffered two big losses on day 1. Cada said of being down on day one, "I was not worried. You can't stress out when that happens. You just have to continue to play your best poker." And that's what Joe Cada did.

  After eventually overcoming his deficit, Cada took his heads-up experience into the final day against Moon who claimed to rarely play heads-up poker. Moon's lack of experience didn't really show, however, as the day lasted over 2 hours and 87 hands. For being a 2-to-1 underdog, Moon held his own in the heads up battle. Cada referenced his online play and the multiple backers he had at the Penn and Teller Theater inside the Rio Hotel and Casino as the keys to his success.

  Cada said, "They meant everything to me. They cheered me on when I was very low on chips (2 million at one point the previous day). Then, I got down by 3 to 1 tonight, and they were still sitting there cheering and going crazy. That helped me to get back in this and focus. Momentum is a big thing in poker. A lot of these people took off of school and work and came out here just to support me, and I am so grateful."

  Tournament favorite and local Las Vegan, Phil Ivey, was knocked out in 7th place earning 1.4 million dollars while other local pro, Jeff Shulman earned close to 2 million dollars for his 5th place finish.

  Moon's historic run was heavily chronciled, but, in the end, the younger (but possibly more experienced) Cada was the victor. Moon's 5-million-dollar, 2nd-place prize was a great consellation as the Maryland logger can head back to his home with his head held high.

  Cada, on the other hand, plans to play in many more tournaments and work to help make poker a legitimitized past time in America. This was Cada's first live tournament win as he was unable to compete until this year due to his age, but Cada, who turned 21 just last year will be able to celebrate an early birthday as he heads home with over 8.5 million dollars in winnings.

  The victory makes Cada the 3rd highest paid winner of all time behind Peter Eastgate and Jamie Gold, and, with his gold bracelet, Cada can now boast for the rest of his life about his big win. Although, as he says the goal is "to win it again next year...to win back to back."