2018 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, FL
Event 19
$2,200 Turbo No-Limit Hold’em 
Entries: 53
Prize Pool: $106,000 
April 16, 2018 

Not all poker pros are fans of the turbo format since it dilutes a bit of the skill involved in slow structured, multi-day poker tournaments.

Paul Domb isn’t a professional poker player. He has a day job and made the most of taking a vacation day on Monday night by taking down the $2,200 turbo no-limit hold’em. He took the better end of a heads-up chop with Anthony Utnage to defeat a field of 53 entries and earn $33,450.

“It feels great,” said Domb after his win. “Everybody at the table was talkative and it was really great to spend the day here.”

Domb works in corporate real estate, which takes up most of his time. For somebody as high-powered and as successful as him, he enjoys the turbo format simply because it’s a more efficient use of his time.

“It’s way better for someone like me who works,” said Domb. “I got to get up early tomorrow morning. I took the day off. So, a one-day event is perfect for someone like me. I don’t have the staying power like some of these kids.”

The event drew some top notch poker players that were trying to get one last score before the series comes to a close on Wednesday. Despite the final table featuring players as talented as Ankush Mandavia, Joe Elpayaa and Eddie Ochana, Domb still enjoyed a light and fun atmosphere while playing for tens of thousands of dollars.

Domb came in near the top of the chip counts at the redraw for the final table, but only the top seven players would leave with a cash. Domb wasn’t short and he needed to go with his gut in one crucial hand to propel him to victory.

“I made a good call,” said Domb. “My neighbor there tried to bluff me. I decided it was do or die and I guessed right. From there, I just ran good.”

Results:

1st: Paul Domb – $33,540*
2nd: Anthony Utnage – $29,000*
3rd: Joseph Elpayaa – $14,310
4th: Eddie Ochana – $10,070
5th: Omar Zazay – $7,950
6th: Gavin O’Rourke – $6,360
7th: Carlos Rodriguez Rojas – $4,770

*Adjusted payouts to reflect a heads-up chop