World Series of Poker Champion Youngest Ever

Anthony Curtis’ weekly syndicated Vegas column.

November 11, 2009

Does this headline sound familiar? It should, given that this is the second consecutive year that the record for youngest WSOP main-event winner has been broken. Barely legal Michigander Joseph Cada outlasted Maryland logger Darvin Moon to win $8,545,435 and become the youngest World Series of Poker champion ever at just 21. Last year’s winner was 22. Moon took home a little more than $5 million for second. On the final hand, Cada’s two pair, 9s and 7s, beat Moon’s pair of 7s. Similar to last year, the final was played after a four-month delay, in order for it to be aired closely after the event’s conclusion.

B.B.’s Blues: B.B. King’s Blues Club, the much-anticipated new live-music venue at the Mirage, has opened. The intimate venue with seating for just 558 features four bars, a stage, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 4 a.m. on weekends.

Viva Elvis: That’s the name of the new Elvis-tribute Cirque du Soleil show that will debut at CityCenter’s main hotel-casino, Aria. Aria opens December 16 and it’s believed that “preview” shows may be ready to go by then.   

High Society: Encore’s Society Cafe has been named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire magazine. It’s the only Las Vegas restaurant to receive the accolade this year. Society Café is essentially the casino’s coffee shop, so it’s more convenient and reasonably priced than its sister restaurants.

Question: Last week you included Bette Midler in your list of big-name performers who have ongoing shows in Las Vegas, but I’ve heard she’s gone.

Answer: She’s not gone yet, but she is leaving soon. Bette Midler’s final performance of The Showgirl Must Go On will be Sunday Jan. 31, 2010. The final performance will mark the end of her two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. There’s no word as yet as to who will fill her shoes.

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