This article first appeared in the Mar/Apr 2012 issue of World Gaming magazine.
Wynn Macau’s poker room manager AJ Brock has proven that his knowledge of poker is just as good on the table as it is off it, by taking down the Resorts World Manila super high roller event.
AJ has been great friends with poker idol Johnny Chan for many years. There is no doubt that Chan along with Scotty Nguyen represent Asia’s two greatest poker exports. Even though dual world champion Chan made his name in the US, the 10 time World Series of Poker bracelet winner is often seen in Asia playing and promoting the game he loves.
“I have known Johnny from all those years ago when I was pitching cards myself at the Bellagio in Las Vegas,” said AJ. “When he invited me over to Manila I was thrilled to get away for a few days.”
AJ had always enjoyed playing poker himself so this was the perfect time to catch up with some friends, check out Resorts World Manila and play some poker.
“I want to start by saying the hospitality shown to me by Resorts World and the Avia Group was fantastic. It went above and beyond my expectations and I would like to personally thank them.”
The Resorts World Manila Super High Roller tournament indeed provided a luxurious setting for the 101 players entered. Held from December 26 to 28 in the casino’s Genting Club, the 200,000 peso (approximately US$5,000) buyin event attracted some of the best in the world to the Asian poker scene.
AJ took his seat and found Johnny Chan on his table. While Johnny is well known for being a great guy off the felt, no matter how good a friend you might be, he is not someone you want to be sitting next to on a poker table. AJ was also drawn with two well-known Macau locals, Phil Choi and Harold Tsakmaklis.
Day 1 represented a rollercoaster ride for AJ and he had moments when he was flying and others when he had to guts it out and fight. The most important thing was that he moved his stack around well and gave himself the opportunity to amass chips.
“I got lucky against Harry. I hit a set to bust his overpair and I actually felt pretty bad about it at the time. I had to get over that because I bled away a few chips after that. You have to keep your focus at the table.”
Another notable scalp he took out on the first day was the Asian Poker Tour cofounder and industry heavyweight Tom Hall, one of the best-credentialed poker players in the region.
“Tom was unlucky and he ran his pocket ladies right into my aces and I was lucky enough to hold on. Tom is a great bloke and I would like to thank him for his kind blogging of me on the final table.”
In a three day tournament, day 2 is always a hard grind. AJ remembers waking up and feeling focused and ready to do his best, but he openly admits that much of the day is a blur.
“I am one of these superstitious gamblers. For some reason, I just felt that things were starting to align the right way for me. When I was being moved to tables I saw numbers like Jordan’s famous 23 (table 2, seat 3) and my anniversary which is February 3. At one stage I even drew my birthday (the 15th) table 1, seat 5. This must sound strange to some people but it’s just a way some poker players like to equal out the pressure and give them another focus.”
AJ says just making the money alone was a big thrill. He also said that the best part of the day was the joy of bagging up his chips for the final table the next day, knowing he was going to be battling it out for the title.
The final table was one that featured some quality international and local experience. AJ was always going to have to be at his best.
“I didn’t fear anyone on the final table. You can be wary of players and of chip stacks but you have to back your own ability.”
AJ was more used to railing his patrons in big tournaments around the world, so it was a nice change for the shoe to be on the other foot, with a big group cheering for him back home in Macau. Although AJ is American, these days he is also flying the flag for the local Macau poker scene.
Not only was AJ a great ambassador, he came away a triumphant victor after a long final table battle. With the win came the title of Resorts World Manila Super High Roller Champion and a payday of 6 million pesos (approximately US$140,000).
We would like to leave the final words to AJ who is one of the nice guys of poker. It is a refreshing change to have a champion that is more interested in supporting the game than building his own ego.
AJ and his stunning fiancée Jane
“I’d like to thank Avia Group and Resorts World for such a well run and successful tournament. I’d like to thank my fiancée Jane for all her support as well as all my friends and family that were following and supporting on Facebook. I’d also like to give special thanks to Tom Hall and Poker Portal Asia for their support and encouragement at the final table, which helped me keep focused, and my head in the game. Last, but certainly not least, thank you World Gaming magazine for the opportunity to share my story.”
