Poker Mentor Tommy Vinas Takes One Down

[user197301]

We spotted Dmitri Nobles hovering close to the rail and sweating a player in our Seniors Championship field. When we asked Nobles, who is best known for his loud and lucky run to become chip leader at the 2006 Main Event, who he was here to support he quickly told us that his poker mentor is playing on Day 2.

Tommy Vinas taught Nobles the game and has helped guide him through his poker career, and today Nobles was here to return the support. Apparently Vinas' wisdom is worth listening to, as he as already made a deep run in this year's WSOP, finishing in 5th place in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Hold'em Championship.

While talking with Nobles along the rail, we both stood to watch as Vinas found himself involved in a hand. Another player pushed all-in for his last 5,700 chips and Vinas insta-called with {A-Clubs} {A-Diamonds} . The opponent was in bad shape with his {A-Spades} {J-Diamonds} and the board of {7-Clubs} {3-Clubs} {6-Spades} {4-Clubs} {2-Clubs} offered no help and Vinas won with the nut flush.

Standing along with Nobles during the hand we couldn't help but notice that the bond between teacher and student was as genuine as it gets. We will keep watching to see if Vinas can launch a repeat of his protege's infamous run through the 2006 big dance, as he tries to capture a gold WSOP bracelet.