Poker Game Tips

While there are plenty of interesting people and stories on the 2011 WSOP Main Event final table, perhaps the most intriguing tale belongs to Eoghan ODea (second in chips with 33,925,000).

Now this isnt to say that ODea has some incredible back story involving how he used to be a gigolo or trapeze artist, then suddenly found his calling with professional poker. Instead, the unique thing about ODea is that his father, Donnacha ODea, also boasts some pretty impressive poker accomplishments.

In fact, Donnacha is a legend in Ireland for his excellent live tournament career, which includes a second place finish in the 1983 WSOP Main Event (Tom McEvoy won), and a gold bracelet win in a 1995 WSOP tournament. As you can see, the ODea name was already pretty big in poker before Eoghan joined the 2011 November Nine.

Now the 26-year-old has a great opportunity to further that reputation with a strong performance on this years final table. As mentioned before, he is currently second in chips, and has a strong chance to take down the title based on his previous success. Some of Eoghans big finishes include taking second in the 2009 WPT Marrakech tournament, and second in the Poker Million VII.

Even if he has a total meltdown in the Main Event and busts out in 9th place, ODea is still guaranteed at least $782k, which will double his career tournament winnings. Plus he’s adding to the prestige of his family’s name when it comes to the poker table.