GPI First Look: WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open

After an extended stay in cold Atlantic City, the WPT makes its way to warm and sunny Florida for the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open in Coconut Creek:

YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART!

Matt Giannetti (GPI#279) won his second ever WPT title at this time last year when he picked up the win at the WPT Lucky Hearts, defeating Lily Kiletto (GPI#587) heads-up for the title. Darryll Fish (GPI#265) and eventual WPT Season XI Player of the Year Matt Salsberg (GPI#44) also final tabled the event. For Salsberg, it was the second of back-to-back WPT final table performances; he had also finished sixth at the WPT Borgata Winter Open the week previous to his deep run in Florida.

This year’s event features reigning WPT Jacksonville bestbet Fall Poker Scramble Champion Jared Jaffee (GPI#55) who is seeking his second title in the State of Florida this season on the WPT. WPT One to Watch Aaron Massey (GPI#81) is also part of the field, as is WSOP bracelet winner David Diaz (GPI#232). WPT Borgata Winter Open runner-up David Paredes (GPI#64) is also on his way to Coconut Creek.

CHANGE OF VENUES

This year’s edition of the WPT Lucky Hearts Poker Open will be presented at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, Florida. The event used to call the famed Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood home but with an already busy WPT schedule at the Seminole Hard Rock, the move to Coconut does make perfect sense.

The good news for players travelling to the event is that the venue is only about thirty minutes north of Hollywood so the new location is practically next door to the old one.

NOTE: Giannetti tweeted earlier this week that he will not be in Coconut Creek to defend his WPT title due to a prior commitment:

I have decided I will not defend my #WPT title this weekend due to a commitment I have made, will be playing WPT Fallsview and the LAPC

— Matt Giannetti (@MattGiannetti) February 3, 2014

DEFENDING MAIN EVENT CHAMPION

›› MATT GIANNETTI 

Born ›› Clifton Park, NY
Resides ›› Las Vegas, NV
Team ›› Free Agent
Twitter ›› @MattGiannetti

GPI# ›› 279  |  PoY# ›› NR
GPI Score ›› 1544.48

Career ›› Wins: 2  | Cashes: 37  |   Top 10: 12
Earnings ›› 2014: –  |  Career: $4,356,886

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