The most recent stop of the Heartland Poker Tour (HPT) in Gary Indiana, netted two Wisconsin men big paydays once they successfully outlasted a total field of 457 players in this, the 10th HPT stop at Indiana's Majestic Star Casino.

Former house painter Bob Whalen from Cudahy, WI, claimed the top prize of the nationally televised tournament worth $129,967, perhaps showing some wisdom in his earlier decision five years ago to abandon his brush and bucket for chips and a chair, by becoming a professional poker player.  Bob claimed the victory after defeating Middleton, WI, native Zachary Sheline, who now plans on heading to Vegas himself on a similar career path.

The "Top Six" finishers for the Majestic Star Casino Heartland Poker tour August event were as follows:

1st.  Bob Whalen (Cudahy, WI)- $129,967

2nd.  Zachary Sheline (Middleton, WI)- $64,984

3rd.  Nick Andricopulos (Palos Park, IL)- $38,990

4th.  Mike Farah (Grand Rapids, MI)- $30,326

5th.  Bonnie Ravetto (Glendale, IL)- $25,993

6th.  Bryan Schultz (Carpentersville, IL)- $21,661

For more information on this event or the rest of the Heartland Poker Tour, visit www.HeartlandPokerTour.com.


Story by Mark Anderson