2022 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida
Event 8
$400 Omaha 8/Stud 8 (Re-Entry)
Entries:  81
Prize Pool:  $27,135
July 29, 2022

“The camaraderie of players in mixed games is why I quit hold’em years ago.”

That quote came from Chris Labrie of Tampa, Florida, after winning the $400 Omaha 8/Stud 8 (OE) event Friday night in a five-way deal. It was the first trophy of Labrie’s poker career.

“I really appreciate all the guys I’ve played with over the years that have really helped me improve my game,” said Labrie. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without them. I’ve just been blessed.”

A game like OE has a much different vibe than the hold’em events that attract massive fields, and that’s part of the appeal for Labrie.

“When you play in a hold’em field, you can sit at a table and not know half the players,” said Labrie. “But in these kind of games, you know everybody. You may not know their names, but you’ve at least played with them before.”

On the flip side, those same factors often lead to stronger competition.

“It was a really tough final table,” said Labrie. ” The lead changed many times, and I was very impressed with everybody at the table. I didn’t think I was going to end up here, because I really wasn’t near the top in chips until the end.”

Labrie called out one of his opponents as particularly tough — runner-up Miami John Cernuto, a poker legend with three WSOP bracelets and more than $6 million in career earnings.

Labrie also praised Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.

“The staff and dealers here are fabulous,” said Labrie. “To win here for the first time is as good as it gets. I just got back from Vegas, but far and away I love coming down here.

“Hopefully this is the first trophy of many to come,” said Labrie.

Final Results:

* Indicates results of a five-way deal.