Las Vegas is where dreams come true. For one poker fan, just getting there has proved his luck is in. He was gifted a WSOP main Event package by Twitch streamer Lukas “Robinpoker” Robinson.
“Robinpoker” gifts $15,000 WSOP Main Event package
26-year-old Ryan Osman will get to play his bucket list poker event having played in a live setting for the first time in the qualifier against Osman, UFC pro Paddy Pimblett and three others.
Reaching heads-up against “Robinpoker” in the LADbible-hosted OnlyHands Community FB group event, Osman – who had recently lost his job in IT – had his sights set on the $1000 runner-up prize.
“I thought I’d Hail Mary it at the end with an all-in, as the second place prize of £1k is an incredible amount for me,” he told LADbible. “At that moment I was just buzzing with that as I assumed I’d be out first.
However, a huge shock was in store for Ryan when he finally lost the heads-up battle. Lukas “Robinpoker” Robinson, a GGPoker sponsored pro who earlier this year became the first person to stream poker for 1000 hours in 100 days, told him: “I’m already going to Vegas to play in the WSOP, the trip is yours.”
The “Robin Hood-like” offer of the $15,000 package – the $10k ME buy-in plus $5k for travel and accommodation expenses – floored Ryan.
“When Lukas dropped the bomb, my face just dropped, probably the most shocked I’ve ever been. It is definitely one of the happiest moments ever for me and I celebrated for the rest of the night with plenty of beers,” said Ryan.
“I’ve never been to Vegas before so I’m very excited,” Osman later told reporter Jon Sofen. He revealed that the Penn and Teller magic show is also on his must-do list.
“I know that’s strange, of all the things in Vegas to be excited about. But always found them quite hilarious,” says Ryan, with the Vegas’ McDonalds restaurants also on his unusual itinerary.
Ryan described his recent travails, including how he “had a good education but decided to pack it in”, leaving school early and joining an IT firm as an apprentice aged just 17.
Not the only lucky guy at this year’s WSOP
However, his luck appears to have changed, his place in the LADbible event only coming after a late withdrawal, and then the incredible Robinson gesture.
With the Main Event due to kick off with its first starting flight tomorrow, November 4th, Ryan planned his route to avoid any Covid-related problems with entering the US, heading for Mexico first.
“You never expect anything like this to happen to a random, normal guy like me,” Osman said, and he’s not the only one who has struck it lucky with this year’s WSOP.
However, for Michael Graydon, this year’s Main Event will be bittersweet. His entry came after the poker community heard of his terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
Graydon had hoped to sell 70% of his action to tick the ME off his bucket list. But he was shocked when his tweet went viral and was met by offers of everything from food to a full buy-in.
To all the people that has offered to buy pieces:
Does anyone mind if I just put him in for the whole amount and let him keep 100% of himself????
If no objections, consider it done!
Michael, dm me.— Mj Gonzales (@therealmjpoker) October 27, 2021
In 2019, it was Kevin “Racks” Roster story that saw poker fans rally around to ensure the Sacramento player his dying wish to play the Main Event.
2012 WSOP Main Event champion Greg Merson backed Kevin into the tournament. Although he didn’t win, his story of battling sarcoma raised awareness and money. Furthermore, it provides hope for others in similar situations.
This has been a fucking dream ending. Ty to @RealKidPoker @phil_hellmuth @GregMerson I guess Chris doesn’t have a Twitter but meeting him was particularly important to me. All those who met me in the halls and tables ty for the love. #sarcomawareness #WSOP2019 pic.twitter.com/jkmmhIlhwF
— Kevin Racks (@KevinRacksPoker) July 7, 2019
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