BARRY SHULMAN WINS THE 2009 WSOP - Posted by KatA 

Barry Shulman, owner of Card Player magazine, has won the 2009 World Series of Poker Europe. Shulman is only the second American player ever to do so. Shulman beat out many of the world’s best players to win the coveted title, and according to the champ himself, it was no easy feat: “This tournament – because it was a relatively small field – attracted the best players in Europe and brought over the best players in the United States. There were no weak spots…at least at my tables.” The competition was so tight that no one was eliminated for five hours. However, after the first elimination (of James Akenhead), four more players were out within the next hour and a half. As the tournament progressed it looked as though Daniel Negreanu may take the title. However, eventually it came down to head-to-head play between Negreanu and Shulman. During a short break before their head-to-head began, Negreanu commented that "Playing against Barry (Shulman) is dangerous. There is no pressure on him. That makes him very difficult to play against, because I can't be sure where I am at. I've played a lot of hours with Barry and think I have him somewhat figured out. But he's got at least one advantage against me, which is having no pressure." Shulman concurred. He told reporters that he was really enjoying himself, and that the match was progressing exactly as he’d hoped: “This is exactly what I was hoping for. To be playing heads-up for the gold bracelet, especially with Daniel. It’s perfect. I’m on a complete free-roll. I’m having a lot of fun.” He had even more fun when the head-to-head play culminated with an epic hand of poker, one that fans will be talking about for years to come. Shulman went in holding pocket aces, but a jack came up on the turn, giving Negreanu three of a kind. At that point, everyone assumed the title was Negreanu’s and even Shulman says he had “pretty much given up.” But somehow, against all odds, an ace came up on the river. Shulman couldn’t believe it, and neither could the crowd. After releasing shocked screams they went silent, taking in the incredible turn of events. Shulman will now transition from star of the show to spectator as he cheers on his son at the WSOP’s final table in November. As one of the “November Nine’ finalists, Jeff Shulman will be doing his best to live up to his father’s big win. As his father said “I did my part. Now, you do your part. It's your turn to win.” And as for Negreanu, well don’t feel too badly for him. Although he suffered a crushing loss, he still walked away with £495,589 in prize money. It was just enough to put him at the top of the career lifetime earnings list.