In late October, I took my annual trip to Vegas with friends to hang out and play lots and lots of poker. Traditionally I stay downtown at Binions because its affordable, I love downtown and the old Horseshoe is historic home of poker. It’s always good to see the dealers again like Rick, Joe and Renee and play a little cards.

So I’m sitting down with my buddy, Dougie-poo, to play at the Sunday night 8pm poker tournament and who else sits down at my table but Dennis Phillips, chip leader for the World Series of Poker, which continues play today. What I love about him is that, he devoted his free time to developing a hobby, to have fun, and perfect a game that he loves. And he finds himself at the pinnacle of the game’s premier tournament.

In that tournament, Phillips finished fourth, I finished third when my pocket queens ran into Dougie-poo’s pocket kings and Dougie took the whole ball of wax.

Dennis was as nice and down to earth as he comes across on Television. Playful and cool, it appears he really loves playing poker. Plus the brotha is from Missouri . . . Mad props to the old man showing all the kids how its done.

Bring it home to Missouri, Dennis . . .

** Updated ** Dennis finished third and for his trouble, took home over 4 million dollars.  Nicely done, sir . . .