Former Clifton Park Resident in Final Four of World Poker Game

A former resident of Clifton Park and graduate of Shenedehowa High School is one of four finalists in the World Series of Poker.  26-year old Matt Giannetti was in second place late Sunday night.  More than 6,800 players entered this year's tournament while each participant had to throw down $10,000 to play.

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The 42^nd annual World Series of Poker Main Event is the largest card tournament in the world.  You won't believe this, but first place, pays out $8,711,956.  Second place pays $5,430,928 while third place pays $4,019,635.  Now, even Giannetti ends up fourth, which is the lowest place he could receive this far along -- the guy will take home $3,011,665 for fourth.  Are you kidding me?  I didn't know Texas hold'em could be so profitable.

As for midnight last night, Giannetti was holding 53 million chips.  He was only about 30 million behind the current leader on the board, Pius Heinz, of Germany, but 7 million ahead of World Series of Poker Player of the Year, Ben Lamb of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Let's wish him the best of luck!