London was once again hit by the Redtooth staff and players for yet another exciting and tense Regional Final at the Loose Cannon Club. The National Final was the aim as 167 players sat down for the next stage of their Las Vegas journey. Eight players would walk away with a share of £1,000.

With a punctual group of players, the tournament got under-way a little earlier than 2pm. The day didn’t go quite to plan for Roy Williamson and Frazer Lee Wright as they were eliminated before the first break along with a handful of others.

Last season’s Team Event winners, the Windsor, London couldn’t repeat the feat this time around. Although their representatives certainly weren’t done for the day as they once again went deep in the tournament. But the outstanding venue on this occasion was the Pilot Inn, London as Greig Gilmore, Seonad Leaford and John Townsend all made the top 40.

Chris Hood from the Windsor was looking for his 4th consecutive final table and another National Final invite, that was until he was eliminated in 15th place. The Windsor’s East London dominance still wasn’t over as Kevin Beaufils out scored Chris as he hit the final table, which lined up as follows…

Seat 1: Janice Bailey – Goat, Shirley (40,000)
Seat 2: Stephen Mukasa – Heathcote Arms, Leytonstone (125,000)
Seat 3: Karl Harvey – Eagle & Hind, Chelmsford (40,000)
Seat 4: Dean Mobley – Globe, Chelmsford (100,000)
Seat 5: Stefano Paganuzzi – Recreation Ground, Camberwell (90,000)
Seat 6: Paul Murphy – Wattenden Arms, Kenley (55,000)
Seat 7: James Grant – Rose & Crown, Wivenhoe (30,000)
Seat 8: Michael Latter – Black Horse, Biggin Hill (200,000)
Seat 9: Kevin Beaufils – Windsor, London (110,000)
Seat 10: James French – Nags Head, Welling (100,000)

James Grant was the first player out in 10th place which brought us onto the bubble. Karl Harvey and Paul Murphy were then both eliminated during the same hand which meant the bubble boy would be decided by chip count. Unfortunately Karl Harvey would be the player who misses out as Paul progresses through to next year’s National Final with £20 in his back pocket. Chip leader Michael Latter’s run came to an end in 4th place as we were now all but at the heads-up stage. Eventually only Kevin Beaufils and Stefano Paganuzzi would remain with Kevin looking to secure another win for the Windsor in his first Regional Final. With the remaining chips going in pre-flop, Kevin held a healthy advantage with JJ vs Stefano’s K5cc. A 989 Q A board was no help whatsoever to Stefano as Kevin secured his maiden Regional Final victory earning £500, a nice crystal glass trophy and the title of East London’s regional champion.

Cash Prize Winners
1. Kevin Beaufils – Windsor, London
2. Stefano Paganuzzi – Recreation Ground, Camberwell
3. Janice Bailey – Goat, Shirley
4. Michael Latter – Black Horse, Biggin Hill
5. Stephen Mukasa – Heathcote Arms, Leytonstone
6. James French – Nags Head, Welling
7. Dean Mobley – Globe, Chelmsford
8. Paul Murphy – Wattenden Arms, Kenley

National Final Qualifiers
Kevin Beaufils
Stefano Paganuzzi
Janice Bailey
Michael Latter
Stephen Mukasa
James French
Dean Mobley
Paul Murphy

Team Winners
Pilot Inn, London