Cambridge Triumph in Varsity Poker

Cambridge Triumph in Varsity Poker

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

It may not have the pedigree of the University Boat Race but the competition was just as fierce (well maybe not quite as fierce) as Oxford and Cambridge clashed at the poker table.

Last weekend's Full Tilt Poker-sponsored Varsity Poker Match was the appetiser for the seventh annual Oxford Cup tournament and after two days of action it was the light blues that were celebrating.

“The Cambridge team played well, we deserved it,” said history student Mark Hammond who captained his side to victory. “Both teams gave a good account of themselves, but we led it all the way.”

The six person Cambridge team took a narrow lead after the opening day's shootout element of the contest before running away with it in the tournament proper.

The wonderfully named Oxford skipper Gabriel Tiplady wasn't too disappointed despite the result though.

“This has definitely been the highlight of leading the Oxford Poker Society, there’s something special about the rivalry between our two universities, the venue [Oxford Student Union] has been amazing, the interest and support from Full Tilt Poker – yeah, it’s been truly great,” said the languages student.

The Oxford Cup itself was won by Rick Hawkins who bested a field of 153 runners. Hawkins pocketed the bulk of the £4,500 prize money on offer, a great result considering he only entered the tournament on a whim.

"It was good to beat the local students; there are several regular games around the Oxford poker scene – I really enjoyed myself! Especially considering that I wasn't planning on playing at all!"



Tags: Varsity Poker 2014, Oxford Cup, university poker