Retired computer software developer is the WPT’s latest shooting star
Some succeed in poker quite quickly, while others could take much longer. This is a fact that Steve Drecher, 64-year old retired computer software developer from Reno, Nevada can most certainly attest to. It took him more than a decade of playing poker to secure his first major victory. But, since he has just nabbed a coveted WPT-title and collected just over $1 million in cool cash, we’re convinced that it must have been all worth it!
Steve’s instant millionaire status occurred at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship, which concluded on Friday, 20 March 2009. And giving him a run for his money during the final stages was none other than Kathy “PokerKat” Liebert. Kathy is one of the most formidable lady players on the poker scene, with 12 major first place finishes and close to $5million in live poker earnings behind her name.
After a gruelling heads-up session of almost 3 hours, the final hand went down like this: Liebert raised to 175,000, holding Qs-10S. Brecher went All-In, showing Ac-9h. When the board flopped 6h-6s-2s, the odds appeared to be in Liebert’s favour, as she was on a draw for a flush and Brecher’s hand has not improved at all. The tension was high as the turn brought a 4c though and things could go either way. But when the river finally flipped a 2c; Liebert’s fate was sealed and she was busted in 2nd place, nevertheless earning a handsome $550,000.
They say patience is a virtue… and for Steve Brecher, patience has definitely paid off!
