We have reached the final table of CSOP Event #97 - Kickz For Kidz! Thanks to all of our players and best of luck to the final table players who you can find profiled below.
Final Table Prizes
$2,500 Cash
$1,500 Cash
$1,000 Cash
CSOP Celebrity Cash Game seat and $1,000 Tahoe Wakebusters gift certificate
Las Vegas ATV Tour for 2 and $1,000 Tahoe Wakebusters gift certificate
$300 CSOP Seat
$300 CSOP Seat
$300 CSOP Seat
$300 CSOP Seat
$300 CSOP Seat
Seat 1 - Merri Perry (895,000)
Merri Perry, hailing from Queens, New York, has been immersed in the world of poker her entire life, coming from a family deeply rooted in the game. Despite her extensive background, Merri primarily participates in charity events, as she is a full-time realtor, a profession she is passionate about. Known in real estate circles as "The Negotiator," Merri balances her professional life with her love for poker.
Her most notable poker moment came when she played heads-up cash against her son, professional poker player Sean Perry, on live television, showcasing her skills and support by staking him. Merri is also dedicated to giving back to her community, actively supporting charitable initiatives like Kickz for Kidz.
Seat 2 - Chance Andersen (480,000)
Chance Andersen hails from Putnam, Connecticut, and has been involved in poker for about 15 years, though he considers himself to have played competently for around 3 years. His journey into poker began with a casual monthly $10 tournament among friends at an apartment in Queens. While Andersen primarily focuses on cash games, he enjoys participating in the Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) events. Despite sharing a name with a more famous poker player, Andersen humorously notes that he has a better head of hair.
Seat 4 - Kenneth Strauss (85,000)
Kenneth Strauss, hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, has been playing poker for 20 years. He developed his skills through home and bar games in Massachusetts. His most notable achievement in poker came in 2019 at the World Series of Poker, where he participated in the No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed event.
Now retired, Strauss is interested in contributing to Mental Health Awareness. Outside of poker, he has achieved the unique feat of attending a home and away game for all 124 teams across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.
Seat 5 - Clinton Richard Garcia (980,000)
Clinton Richard Garcia hails from Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico, and has been playing poker since his high school days, when online poker wasn't an option and home games were the norm. His dedication to the game has paid off, as he considers making the final table in this tournament his biggest achievement in poker to date. Outside of poker, Garcia works as a Golf Course Tournament Director and enjoys living in Las Vegas. Although he doesn't have a poker nickname, his accomplishments speak for themselves.
Seat 6 - Brian Kip (1,065,000)
Brian Kip hails from Las Vegas and has been playing poker for 23 years, primarily in home and live games. His poker journey includes notable experiences such as a bad beat at Santa Fe and cashes at the World Series of Poker, as well as playing in cash games at the Bellagio. Although he once played poker full time, Brian transitioned to focus on his career as a marketing expert, founding his own marketing agency in 2014. He also spent seven years associated with the CSOP.
Seat 7 - Joey Resto (310,000)
Joey Resto hails from New York and has been playing poker for 30 years, initially learning the game with his family for pennies. His poker journey progressed through bar leagues in New York before he relocated to Las Vegas, where he began participating in small tournaments and the CSOP. Resto manages the duty-free shops at the Las Vegas airport, balancing his professional responsibilities with his passion for poker.
Although he does not have a nickname, Joey Resto brings a unique background to the poker table, having previously worked as a professional wrestler. His experience in both wrestling and poker showcases his competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure.
Seat 8 - Travis Haught (405,000)
Travis Haught hails from Las Vegas and has been playing poker for 15 years. He developed his poker skills through online games and family gatherings. His most notable achievement in the game is winning a few hundred dollars at a small tournament held at the Plaza. Outside of poker, Travis works in call center operations.
