In poker\’s version of retiring a jersey number, the WSOP has officially given the $50k HORSE event some honorary name cachet by making it forever (?) the Chip Reese championship event.
From Harrah\’s:
World Series of Poker® To Award Trophy To $50,000 Event Champion
In Memory of Poker Great ‘Chip’ ReeseLAS VEGAS – December 12, 2007 – Future winners of the $50,000 buy-in event at the World Series of Poker – currently the HORSE World Championship – will receive a trophy named after the late David “Chip†Reese, according to Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker Presented by Milwaukee’s Best Light.
“A true gentleman and the youngest person admitted to the Poker Hall of Fame, Chip Reese was recognized by his peers as the most successful player in the biggest mixed cash games of all time,†Pollack said. “But he was also a great tournament player with three WSOP bracelets, including one for his historic victory in the inaugural $50,000 buy-in HORSE tournament in 2006.
“As a tribute to this great player who embodied the very best of our game, next year’s $50,000 HORSE World Championship will be played in Chip’s honor and memory,†Pollack said. “And the winner will receive the ‘David “Chip†Reese Award,’ as well as a WSOP bracelet, to commemorate their achievement.â€Â
More information about the World Series of Poker is available at the Web site www.worldseriesofpoker.com.
Hmm, attaching a name to a specific tournament … interesting concept.
I demand that any future Dallas heads-up tournament be named the Son of Sue Classic.
I retract my previous statements about Harrah’s. This was a great gesture.
I like the tribute. Several people – BJ Nemeth, Michael Craig – suggested it right away, and I think it’s a fitting way to remember Chip.
It may be the Chip Reese Tourney next year, but the year after it will probably be the Chip Reese memorial tournament presented by Milwaukee’s Best the year after that!
You just know that some marketing genius is trying to figure out a way to capitalize on this………..