Santiago Sees Something
We just saw the conclusion of an interesting hand involving Andy Santiago. Santiago had gotten our attention already, actually, even before the tourney began. Allow us to explain.
Yesterday evening, Santiago stopped by the media desk to deliver what he called an "affidavit" -- a hand-written note that began as follows: "Call it a proclamation, prediction or a premonition! I will win the Main Event!"
The statement went on to relate details of Santiago's previous best WSOP Circuit finish, a runner-up to his friend Frank Panetta in a $300 NLH event in 2008 here in Atlantic City for which he earned $42,824. He adds how he's especially focused and with the support of his children and girlfriend believes this year's Main Event is his for the taking:
"The big one this year... IT'S MINE!"
Santiago got off to a good start today, and had already built up an above-average stack when the hand we witnessed took place. With about 6,000 in the pot and the board showing 
, his opponent fired a bet of 2,000 and Santiago called. The river then brought the 
and a 6,500 bet from the other side of the table.
"6,500?" Santiago asked aloud. "I really don't know where I'm at," he added. "Queens? Kings?"
Suddenly he had made his decision. "I call," he said, waiting to see his opponent flip over 
. Santiago showed 
and took the pot.
Steeled by the power of positive thinking, Santiago appears to know exactly where he's at. And with more than 50,000, we know where he's at for the moment, too -- atop the chip counts.