2017 Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open 
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 
Hollywood, Florida 
Event 17
$100 No Limit Hold’em 
Entries: 221 
Prize Pool: $20,000 
November 29, 2017 

Antonio Campbell took credit for the win in a 10-way chop in the final event of the 2017 Rock ‘N’ Roll Poker Open.

He wasn’t going to chop unless he got credit for the win and a trophy. The money was secondary for the New York native. This win was personal.

The 36-year-old came out on top of a field of 221 entries to win $2,006 in the $100 no limit hold’em. He wanted to win the event in honor of his father, who passed away earlier this year.

“The win means everything,” said Campbell. “I lost my dad in February, so I’m pretty emotional right now, but I’m blessed and happy to win. I enjoy the game and I’ve taken some bad beats over the last couple of months, but to get a trophy here at the rock, it feels awesome.”

This is Campbell’s second trophy. His first trophy came with his father supporting him from the rail. He didn’t technically win the tournament with pocket eights, but the hand has sentimental value.

“My dad was with me when I won my first trophy ever at [Coconut] Creek,” he said. “I had the pocket eights just like I had now, so that was really important for me to take this down. I’m pretty emotional right now, but I know he’s smiling down on me.”

Campbell was born and raised in Brooklyn, but ended up leaving after joining the Navy. He spent a decade in the armed forces before leaving active duty and doing work for the federal government.

It wasn’t until after he was finished with his active duty that he picked up poker. He got his first cash here in the Sunshine State, which gave him the confidence to stick with the game and try to improve.

“I didn’t learn how to play poker until 2012,” said Campbell. “I took a risk. I was living in Oklahoma and I flew out here for the WSOP Circuit. I played the one milly guarantee. I said to myself that if I just  cash in it, I’m going to take poker serious.”

Campbell finished 119th and was in the money on just one bullet. From there, he put in the effort to work on his game. So far, he’s got two trophies to show for his hard work.

“There were a lot of ups and downs, but to get a couple trophies under my belt feels pretty good. Especially tonight.”

Final Table Results:

1st: Antonio Campbell – $2,006
2nd: Jermaine Phang – $1,891
3rd: Adan Hernandez – $1,845
4th: Peter Fellows – $1,593
5th: Luis Mantilla – $1,564
6th: Francisco Milanes – $1,377
7th: Yigal Hen – $1,343
8th: Karen Duffy – $1,214
9th: Errol Massey – $1,001
10th: Francisco Pulido Castillo – $976

**Payouts were adjusted to fit the final table deal 

• Download: Final Results (PDF)