Texas Hold'em (Pot Limit)

$1,500 Buy-in
Entries: 278
Total Prize Money: $417,000

1995 Champion: Peter Vilandos

1996 Champion: Al Krux

• The Winners.
• The Showdown.

1. Al Krux                          $156,375
Syracuse, NY
2. Gherardo Crespi                   $79,230
Milan, Italy
3. John "Miami" Cernuto              $39,615
Las Vegas, NV
4. Pat Callihan                      $27,105
Las Vegas, NV
5. Dave Crunkleton                   $18,765
Las Vegas, NV
6. Dr Phillip Earle                  $14,595
Houston, TX
7. Brian Myers                       $10,425
Las Vegas, NV
8. Mike Laing                         $8,340
Franklin, PA
9. Herb Potter                        $6,255
Stateline, NV
10. Steve Melton                      $5,004
Noble, OK
11. Billy Thomas                      $5,004
Long Beach, MS
12. Gene Fisher                       $5,004
El Paso, TX
13. Cesare Poggi                      $4,170
Milan, Italy
14. Ken Flaton                        $4,170
Henderson, NV
15. Joe Macchiaverna                  $4,170
Las Vegas, NV
16. Allen Baker                       $3,336
Houston, TX
17. Jason Lester                      $3,336
New York, NY
18. Fred Gasperian                    $3,336
Downey, CA
19. Tommy Grimes                      $2,085
Houston, TX
20. Gary Hutteball                    $2,085
Las Vegas, NV
21. Tom Franklin                      $2,085
Gulfport, MS
22. Kassam "Freddie" Deeb             $2,085
Long Beach, CA
23. Ray Kline                         $2,085
Portland, OR
24. Jeff Pierce                       $2,085
Las Vegas, NV
25. Jeff Norman                       $2,085
Aptos, CA
26. Hans "Tuna" Lund                  $2,085
Sparks, NV
27. Mel Silva                         $2,085
Ignacio, CA

This is the first World Series of Poker title for Krux, who through the years has finished in the money in numerous major poker tournaments, including four previous World Series competitions. A former diamond merchant, Krux has been playing poker for 25 years.

Placing second in the pot-limit Hold'em event and winning $79,230 was Gherardo Crespi of Milan, Italy. A 46-year-old retired businessman, Crespi has won several European poker tournaments, but this is his first time to finish in the money at the World Series.

J.C. "Miami John" Cernuto of Las Vegas captured third place and $39,615. A 52-year-old professional player, Cernuto won the $1,500 buy-in limit Seven Card Stud High-Low Split (Eight or Better) event held April 26 and now has 11 in-the-money finishes at the Horseshoe's annual poker tournament.

The 1996 World Series of Poker continues at the Horseshoe through May 16. The $2,500 buy-in limit Seven Card Stud High-Low Split (Eight or Better) competition begins today at noon, followed by the $5,000 buy-in no-limit Deuce-to-Seven draw event at 5 p.m. The $2,500 buy-in limit Omaha High-Low Split (Eight or Better) event is scheduled for May 3 at noon.

More than 4,000 entrants - representing at least 20 countries - are expected to participate in this year's World Series, and the total money distributed is anticipated to be in excess of $11 million.

©1996, Binion's Horseshoe. Some portions ©1996, ConJelCo. All Rights Reserved.