Gafford wins poker championship

BILOXI - Dave Gafford of Denham Springs, La., bet aggressively to come from behind and win the IP Casino Poker Classic on Sunday night.

Josh McCallie of Dallas had a 6-to-1 chip advantage over Gafford when third-place finisher Brad Isbill of Foley, Ala., was eliminated from the final table around 6 p.m. It took Gafford about 40 minutes to take McCallie's chips.

Gafford hugged his wife, Rebecca, lifted his little girl into the air and traded high-fives with his young sons upon winning Biloxi's first poker tournament championship event. He won $51,122.80 in cash, a $25,000 seat at the World Poker Tour in Las Vegas and $3,000 in expense money.

Isbill, the youngest of the final three at age 27, said he drives over from Foley to play poker about twice a month in Biloxi. The IP Poker Classic was the first big tournament he said he had ever played in.

"I'm sick at my stomach," he said. "I played way too aggressive."

The final two played the game with different styles. Gafford kept his eyes covered with sunshades and showed little emotion except to stand up from the table when placing big bets. McCallie would rock his chair on its back legs, or put his head down on his wrist when deciding whether to wager.

McCallie, who lived in Biloxi for about two months in the summer of 2005, has played in several poker tournaments. His best finish was winning $210,000 at Bellagio. However, he said the IP Classic was the first one he's played in about a year-and-a-half.

The IP will host its second Poker Classic on Jan. 22 through Feb. 3.
Courtesy of Tom Wilemon

News Added: 30 October, 2006

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