1. Stephen Emery – Sneyd Arms, Stoke-on-Trent

2. Mike Connelly – Baffitos, Warrington
3. Gareth Owens – Red Lion, Manchester
4. Robert Wibberley – Sneyd Arms, Stoke-on-Trent
5. Gregory Heaton – George VI, Atherton
6. Haydn Strong – George, Morecambe
7. Marcus Redmond – Royal Oak, Manchester
8. Mel Smallman – Fox & Goose, Lancaster

The fabulous and spacious Grosvenor Casino in Manchester welcomed our North West region to battle for another trip to Las Vegas. 7 UK National Final seats were awarded along with 2 crystal glass trophies and the usual £500 cash.

The team trophy was awarded to the Sneyd Arms who had 2 finalists in Robert Wibberley and Stephen Emery. Martyn Pritchard and Simon Harvey also represented the winning venue.

Final Table Seating

219,000 Mike Connelly – Baffitos, Warrington
186,000 Gareth Owens – Red Lion, Manchester
83,000 Robert Wibberley – Sneyd Arms, Stoke-on-Trent
80,000 Marcus Redmond – Royal Oak, Manchester
70,000 Paul Oldbury – Hoop & Mallet, Warrington
61,000 Mel Smallman – Fox & Goose, Lancaster
57,000 Gregory Heaton – George VI, Atherton
48,000 Haydn Strong – George, Morecambe
47,000 Stephen Emery – Sneyd Arms, Stoke-on-Trent

The final table got underway with no real short stacks in play. Paul Oldbury was the first player to be eliminated in 9th place, therefore bubbling the days prizes! Mel Smallman finished in 8th place with a cash prize and a UK National Final seat. As did Marcus Redmond in 7th, Haydn Strong 6th, Gregory Heaton 5th, Robert Wibberley 4th and Gareth Owens in 3rd. Gareths elimination left the big stack and the short stack from the start of the final to battle for the fantastic prize of a free trip to Las Vegas. The final hand brought the tournament to an explosive finish as Mike held 6s-9h to Stephens 7s-3s. A dream flop of 6h-6c-10h for Mike looked to have turned the tide in his favour, even more so as the 5h hit the turn. With only 3 outs left for Stephen there was a big shock when the 4d hit the river to complete the runner-runner straight in his favour. With Mike at risk he was eliminated in 2nd place as Stephen Emery lifted the North West regional final trophy!