7 News Belize

Bob Bou Nahra Exits WSOP In Grand Style
posted (November 7, 2011)
Tonight, Belize's name is known in Las Vegas after Bob Bou-Nahra and a buff Belizean contingent represented in the truest sense at the World Series of Poker Main Event.

As we've reported, Bou-Nahra made it into the November Nine from an original field of almost seven thousand participants. He is the first Belizean to do so and the only amateur in the field of nine.

But on Sunday when the cards were drawn he showed that he was a professional at promotion from his robust Belizean fan base:..

Jules Vasquez reporting
The world series of poker from the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. From the Belize Flags draped across the upper deck. The passionate flag waving crowd up front - the Belize crowd quickly earned a reputation:

Indeed the Belize fans, their volume and their loyalty generated much comment throughout the tournament - even the empty seat for Bob's deceased brother, Ben.

And it's clear from the coverage that Bou-Nahra - the only amateur had his own crowd-pleasing style his distinctive way of staring down some of the best players in the world - and rolling a cigar in his mouth, he was the only amateur at the table - and the only person from a Third World country

Bob Bou-Nahra
"I am Bob Bou-Nahra from Belize and I am here to take the world series main event bracelet to Belize."

And Bou-Nahra cheered along the crowd and when he went on a good run - they cheered him along - a mutual admiration society which was shared by the show's producers who even presented a feature on Belize.

But eventually those slender odds got the best of him and it became clear he would not get the bracelet - even as the fans cheered on.

He fell behind in the chip count and after about three and a half hours - he made an all - in bet and left the table to hear his fate form his supporters on the rail.

He lost on that hand and gracefully exited:

Reporter
"You certainly brought Belize here to the world series of poker. Do you think that your appearance on this final table will give poker a boost in your country?"

Bob Bou-Nahra
"It's already boosting over there and next year is going to be better. We are going to bring more people to play the World Series next year."

Reporter
"What's the experience been like for you to have such a loud rail and so many people cheering you on?"

Bob Bou-Nahra
"I came here to have fun. I will have fun tonight no matter what. So everybody is going to have fun."

He left in 7th place with 1.3 million US dollars

As a foreigner, Bou-Nahra's winnings of 1.3 million US dollars are subject to an automatic 30% tax. He entered the final table in sixth position and came out in seventh.

The final three will play for the WSOP bracelet and the 8.7 million dollar pot tomorrow night.


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