“Elwart’s Return: A Strong Finish and a Seat at the TOC”

It was another thrilling night of No-Limit Hold’em at The Mayfield Tavern, as twenty-four of the area’s best and brightest players gathered for another round of cards, competition, and camaraderie on the felts.

Coming off last week’s double points night that shook up the overall standings, everyone was eager to climb the leaderboard—especially with our current points leader off up north hunting Bambi instead of chasing chips!

Game One came out of the gates hot, moving at a furious pace and wrapping up quicker than usual. When the dust settled, it was Jason Owen, Rick Hoag, and Dennis Beck who each took down their tables to grab early leads and momentum.

Game Two saw some familiar faces rise back to form. Jim Elwart, shaking off a few quiet weeks, came roaring back with a table win, while the husband-and-wife duo of Mike and Amber Soper each added victories of their own—proof once again that the Sopers are a force to be reckoned with at any table.

As a few players called it a night, the field consolidated to two tables of ten for the final showdown. Riding the strength of a win and a second-place finish, Elwart entered Game Three holding the overall lead by three points, with four other players close behind.

But in poker, consistency wins championships—and Jim Elwart sealed the deal. By finishing third at his table, he mathematically locked up the nightly victory and secured his seat in the next Tournament of Champions.

When the chips were counted, “Raisin’” Rick Hoag edged out Cliff Jones on a tiebreaker to finish second, with both joining Elwart in earning seats to an upcoming FPN National Online Qualifier.

Updated Season Standings

George Pethers – holds onto the overall points lead
Rick Hoag – climbs into second
Amber Soper, Jim Elwart, and Steve Thomson – round out the top five

We’re now five weeks into the Fall Season—and with five different nightly winners, it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive Maverick campaigns yet. Every point counts, and every hand could be the difference between a seat at the TOC or the rail.

Until next week, Mavericks—
We’ll see you on the felts!