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Copyright 2005 WorldNow, WTNH, and Associated Press

November 19, 2005

HEADLINE:
Inside the World Poker Finals

Author: by News Channel 8's Matt Scott

Body:
The room is quiet now, but soon the cameras will go on, the lights go down, and the tension will go up.

"It does get tense, people are playing for millions of dollars -- life-changing money," says Mike Sexton.

Over $7 million in life-changing money is up for grabs at the World Poker Tour. A this final table $2.1 million goes to the winner in this ultimate psychological card game.

"You're always thinking about what he's thinking, that you're thinking, that he's thinking, that your thinking," says Sexton.

Now, as serious as the action is here at the final table, the tension is shared with the fans who fill the seats. Some of the biggest diehard poker players, come here not just for the entertainment, but to study the players' every move.

"Feverish is a very good way to put it. We love an excited crowd," says Sexton.

How excited? Bill Potts has been on line for a seat in the audience since 5:00 a.m.

"The event doesn't start until 4:00 p.m. You are the only person on line here," says the reporter.
"That's okay. It's well worth the wait," says Potts. "I get the adrenaline rush watching them live. I can imagine how they feel holding the cards."

When he's not playing cards, he plays electronic cards, and when hes' not playing, "I drive my family nuts flicking the TV, changing the channel to all of the poker games."

He's met the stars of the game

"I have Doyle Brunson, Phil Hellmuth," says Potts as he described the autographed brim of his ball cap.

And looks for the answers to the biggest question a poker fan can ask.

"How can I win? How can I get to the final table on the World Poker Tour?" says Sexton.

For now, he watches. Next year, if he's lucky, people will be waiting on line to see him at the final table at Foxwoods.

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